McLaren MP4-12C vs Ferrari 458 Italia: the video

McLaren vs Ferrari: F1's nastiest rivalry is spilling onto the road, and the new issue of CAR Magazine delivers the world's first deep dive comparing Woking's 12C with Maranello's sensational 458. It's the most anticipated supercar showdown for almost two decades, and it's only in CAR magazine (out 18 August).

We've stripped the McLaren bare, to deliver a 15-page technical lowdown on the 12C. And we have explosive viewpoints from both sides: McLaren's test driver tells us what he makes of the Ferrari (good and bad), while Maranello reveals why it thinks aluminium – not carbonfibre a la McLaren – is the right approach for supercars in this segment. We compare the two cars' design, engineering, aerodynamics, suspension, powertrains, cockpits and gadgets, and dig deep into the use of F1 simulators in new car development and delve into their testing programmes.

It's illustrated by sensational, world exclusive comparison photographs – see the behind the scenes video footage of our photoshoot here.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the birth of any new McLaren lies in the inevitable rivalry created with arch-enemy Ferrari. This month's CAR has a five-page feature raking over Ferrari and McLaren's key F1 spats – re-ignited in no small part by the fact that Messrs Hamilton and Alonso now sit either side of the fence.

Completing our 27-page package is an epic road trip in the Ferrari 458, as we blast from Maranello to Woking, where we knock and see if Ron Dennis wants to come out to play. Our drive reveals why the 458 is a daunting benchmark for McLaren, but our tech feature reveals why McLaren is confident it can snatch the supercar crown from this Prancing Horse. It's a very special issue of CAR: watch the video preview above for an idea of what to expect. Ferrari vs McLaren – the road car battle has recommenced.

By Ben Foulds