The shots show the experimental prototype (XP) going through rigorous tests around an un-named (but probably the Nurburgring) circuit. In a further nod to the fastidiousness and attention to detail that Mclaren is so famous for, the camouflage (which cleverly manages not to camouflage any part of the car) feature white outlines of famous race tracks at which McLaren have been successful on a black background.

From the pictures, we can see that the car looks very similar to the concept that was unveiled at last year’s Paris Motor Show and, while there is no official word on technical specifications, we expect it to be powered by a combination of a 750bhp twin-turbo V8, combined with a hybrid electric system which will boost it to around 850bhp. More details will be announced at the car’s official launch at Geneva in March.

McLaren Automotive has one simple but ambitious aim for this car – “to be the best driver’s car in the world” – and it will go head-to-head with the new Ferrari hypercar (codenamed F150) and the Pagani Huayra. All of these will cost between £800,000 and £1million and offer stratospheric levels of performance.