McLaren Re-boots New Supercar

Last time we checked in on McLaren's P11 supercar development, the British firm was descending into epic drama with engine partner and co-owner Mercedes. We're not sure of the current status of legal wrangling, but Autocar tells us a new designer has been brought in to completely restyle the mid-engine screamer. Former BMW, Mini, Fiat and Ferrari designer Frank Stephenson will begin designing the new McLaren after his customary "gardening leave" is complete later this year. Production has been delayed by at least a year, pushing the release to 2010, with ragtop and GTR racing versions arriving subsequently. Technical specs are said to be unchanged, which means Mercedes has yet to pull permission to use its 6.2 liter AMG V8 mated to a DSG box. The rumored 600 hp GTR version will get a mysterious German-built V10 which is still undergoing testing. Wrapped in a skin designed by the man who brought you the Maserati Quattroporte, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, and 2001 MINI, this should be some serious kit. Unless the drama comes back with a vengeance.