First look at new McLaren Sports Series

McLaren's Porsche 911 rival, called the Sports Series, will be launched in spring 2015 - here's the first picture

McLaren has named its Porsche 911 rival, and confirmed it’s launch for the second quarter of 2015. Previously known only by its codename ‘P13’, the new, more affordable model will be badged the McLaren Sport Series.

It's been revealed for the first time on McLaren's official Facebook page in the picture above. Looking past the camouflage, it appears it will take styling inspiration for its front end from the P1 hypercar.

Referred to as a "pure McLaren" in the official release, the Sport Series will join the range below the 650S supercar and bring "McLaren credentials and exclusivity to the sportscar segment for the first time". It will compete in an increasingly competitive market segment against the new Mercedes AMG GT and the top end of the Porsche 911 range, with prices expected to start from around £120,000.

Technical details are scarce at this stage, but McLaren has confirmed that it will follow in the 650S and P1’s footsteps with ‘a carbon fibre chassis and mid-mounted V8 engine’. A version of the 650S’s carbon tub, modified for a shorter wheelbase, is expected - as well as a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 with upwards of 450bhp. Plus, the Sports Series should be the lightest car in its class.

We’ll bring you all the details as they emerge on the most accessible McLaren road car ever as the build up to its launch intensifies. Over the next 13 weeks,