THIS is the McLaren M838T. It is the V8 that will be powering the new MP4-12C, McLaren's upcoming Ferrari-fighting supercar. It displaces 3.8 liters and has two turbos. It makes 592hp and 443 ft-lb. And it is derived from Nissan's own VRH series of race V8s (used in Nissan LeMans cars, including the R390) which in turn are closely based on the VH V8 that powered first and second gen Q45s. The engine has been evolved beyond the "regular" VRH, but it's still VERY cool to know that there's actually some Nissan engineering under the engine cover in such a spectacular car.
The MP4-12c actually has something else in common with the Q45: active hydraulic suspension. The McLaren system uses 2 accumulators and four actuators, which is a far simpler setup than the Q45's, but the system operates in the same way.
Another cool (but non-Nissan-related) feature of the MP4-12C is that its variable-height spoiler also acts as an air brake. AIR BRAKE. It pops up and angles sharply under heavy braking in an effort to help maintain stability under heavy braking, particularly while entering a turn.
