It’s been 17 years since McLaren released the iconic F1 to the world and they’ve got themselves a new car. It’s probably good that McLaren took their time producing a follow up to the legendary F1 since it still is, after all of this time, a car that is hard for anyone to beat in terms of performance. The McLaren F1 included construction technologies only seen in race cars at the time. And along with the custom-built BMW 6.1 liter V-12, the car produces 627hp and due to its very light weight, has a power-to-weight ratio of 3.6 lbs per horsepower. Compare that to the Bugatti Veyron (4.1 lbs/hp) and the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS (4.9 lbs/hp) and I think you get the point. On top of all of this the McLaren F1 didn’t look like anything else on the road.

McLaren’s new car however, looks VERY familiar to me which is why I’ve dubbed it as the McLaren Ferrarborghini S7. If you didn’t pick it up from the name (or the images below), I’m referencing the Ferrari 360/F430, Lamborghini Gallardo and Saleen S7. In my opinion, McLaren spent the last few years on developing the technology of the car and the final couple days figuring out what it should look like. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad looking car in any way. It’s a great looking car. But, I think that the McLaren designers took on the same mentality that the Porsche 911 designers have. Spend very little time designing something new and interesting and spend a lot of time at the pub.

Now let’s look at some side-by-side photos to illustrate my point (hopefully). First let’s look at the front.

Looks a lot like a Ferrari to me.

Now the side.

Gallardo anyone? Also, the multiple side inlets are S7 like no?

The rear.

This is the most unique, but I’m definitely seeing some Testarossa and S7 influences here with the grated rear grille. Although, I guess the McLaren F1 had this going on as well.

I guess if I’m paying a couple hundred grand for a car, I’d kinda like it to be immediately recognizable. Forget all the amazing technology going into this car like the low emission engine, the 2,800 lb curb weight, the F1 inspired brake steer, the 7-speed seamless shift transmission, etc, etc, etc… I’m sure this car will be a performer. It just doesn’t excite me as much as the McLaren F1 did in appearance. If I had a shit-ton of money would I buy one as an addition to my collection, yes. Would I grab the Ferrari F430 keys and jump into the McLaren on accident, possibly (probably not but you get the point).

The last thing (ending rant I promise). The name MP4-12C is ridiculous! Who is going to remember that? Lynne Arciero, McLaren marketing and communications manager for North America was recently quoted saying that McLaren’s challenge in North America is that people who don’t follow Formula 1 racing won’t know the brand. Well, McLaren certainly choose a memorable name in the MP4-12C. Just rolls of the tongue doesn’t it?

That’s why I am dubbing the car as the McLaren Ferrar-Borghini S7.