McLaren returned back by its new monster McLaren MP4-12C . Behind the tub sits a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine producing around 600 horsepower and 433 lb-ft of torque, offering what McLaren claims is the highest horsepower to CO2 ratio of any internal combustion engine on the market – gasoline, diesel or even hybrid. Contrary to earlier speculation that suggested Mercedes could continue furnishing its erstwhile partner with at least the engine blocks while producing its own SLS supercar and furnishing Pagani as well, McLaren says the unit was developed entirely in house. The bespoke mill features a flat-plane crank, dry sump and can rev up to 8,500 rpm, though 80% of the torque is said to be available from as low as 2,000 rpm. That ought to be good for a 0-60 time in the low threes and a 200+ mph top end.

Although it was a closed event and not open to public access, the BBC reports that the Race the Runway event we highlighted recently was a success, with 48 participants each paying £250 for the opportunity to race their supercars along the secondary runway at Edinburgh Airport, with invited guests bringing in a further £50 a head. Cars such as Lamborghinis, Porsches, Ferraris, Aston Martins and others were brought to the event, during which the airport continued to operate as normal.

Proceeds from the day will go to St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh and the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow.

Together with the runway activity, the day also provided an opportunity for the drivers to undertake a fire simulation exercise, and visit air traffic control.

It will certainly have made a change from the usual sort of track day that takes place on normal race tracks such as Knockhill, as I’m led to believe (since modern, active, commercial airport runways are one place I haven’t managed to get onto) that by comparison with such tracks, runways can be much smoother. One thing is certain, as anyone who’s been round Knockhill will vouch for, they’re certainly flatter!