Brake steer is another link with the '97 F1 car, which trialled a driver operated additional brake pedal to achieve the same goal - until it was banned the following season

After years of development, McLaren's first go-it-alone supercar since the legendary F1 has been revealed before its international debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. As these pictures reveal, the 600bhp car has all the credentials to follow in the great car's footsteps.

The MP4-12C will go head to head with F1 partner Mercedes-Benz for the prize of star of the show, as the Stuttgart company unveils its gullwing door SLS AMG. In terms of styling, the British car beats its German rival hands down, thanks to its neat and tidy Frank Stephenson penned design.

Although detailed specifications have yet to be announced, we know that the 600bhp power output has been achieved with the use of twin turbochargers to give the 3.8-litre V8 a helping hand. Combine that power with a lightweight carbonfibre monocoque, and it's clear that the new car won't be far behind the F1 in terms of raw performance. Expect a top speed of over 200mph and a 0-100mph time of less than 9 seconds.

The choice of name is curious: the MP4/12 was the F1 team's 1997 challenger, which heralded the return to winning form in David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen's hands after four barren years. The 'C' suffix denotes the car's extensive use of carbonfibre.

Other exciting features include aluminium and cast-iron composite brakes, a ‘virtual’ limited-slip differential, similar to that on Ford’s Focus RS and an innovative Brake Steer system stops the inside rear wheel spinning to limit cornering understeer. This is another link with the '97 F1 car, which trialled a driver operated additional brake pedal to achieve the same goal - until it was banned the following season.

The MP4-12C won't be a million pound ultra car like the F1, though. When it arrives in 2011, it's expected to cost around £150,000 and compete with the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo.