New McLaren MP4-12C supercar revealed
McLaren MP4-12C
09 September 2009
by Vijay Pattni
This is the all-new McLaren MP4-12C supercar – McLaren’s first ever supercar since the legendary F1 from the 1990s.
The new MP4-12C – named after McLaren’s Formula One cars – is fitted with a twin-turbocharged McLaren-built 3.8-litre V8 engine producing 600bhp and 442lb/ft of pulling power.
While no performance figures have been released, expect a 0-62mph time of just over three seconds and a top speed of more than 200mph.
The mid-engined rear-wheel-drive McLaren MP4-12C supercar has been designed and built using only McLaren parts – including a new ‘Seamless Shift Gearbox’.
Gallery: new McLaren MP4-12C supercar
This automatic box features steering-wheel mounted paddles similar to those in a Ferrari incorporating McLaren’s new ‘Pre-Cog’ technology. This primes the gearbox ready for a change to make shifts in just milliseconds.
This gearbox combined with the MP4-12C’s lightning-quick throttle response allow the supercar to deliver 80 per cent of its pulling power from just 2,000rpm, before hitting its 8,500rpm rev limiter.
The McLaren MP4-12C offers three suspension modes selectable from an in-car ‘Active Dynamics Panel’, including ‘normal’, ‘sport’ and ‘high performance’.
Drivers also get ABS, ESP, ASR traction control, Electronic Brake Distribution and Hill Hold.
McLaren engineers also fitted a ‘Brake Steer’, which is a development from the company’s 1997 Formula One car. It neutralises understeer – when the car runs wide in a corner – by applying the brakes to the inside rear wheel when it senses the car has entered a corner too quickly, allowing for quicker lap times and more precise handling.
What do you think of the new McLaren MP4-12C? Have your say on our blog
McLaren also offers cast-iron brake discs – with the option of upgrading to carbon ceramic brakes – to sit underneath 19-inch front and 20-inch rear lightweight alloy wheels.
Pirelli were approached to develop bespoke tyres especially for the MP4-12C.
McLaren’s emphasis in developing the car has been to save weight. The ‘tub’ – the central structure of the supercar – is made from carbon-fibre and weighs just 80kgs.
And in a nod to the original F1 from 1993, the MP4-12C comes with upwards-opening dihedral doors, along with a unique handle-free entry system.
Once inside, the cockpit wraps around both driver and passenger, built to make sure 98 per cent of Britain’s adults can fit inside. It comes with a 7-inch touch-screen telematics system which controls the audio, navigation and telephone controls.
Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive managing director said: “Forget what you know about sports car companies. McLaren is different.”
McLaren will build around 1,000 models a year with prices expected to be between £125,000 to £175,000. It will go up against the new Ferrari 458 Italia, the Lamborghini Gallardo, Porsche 911 Turbo, Bentley Continental GT and Aston Martin DB9, launching in 2011.
Sheriff added: “The 12C will be more exclusive than its competition and brings new levels of performance, fuel-efficiency and practicality.”
McLaren MP4-12C: Your reaction
Here's what you've been saying about the McLaren MP4-12C on the Auto Trader blog:
"This design looks dated already – and a little cheap – and more what I’d expect from a US designer/manufacturer. For a car in the £125,000-175,000 bracket I’d expect more." - Tom
"As a die hard Mclaren Fan, I give this jaw droppingly Gorgeous motor Four thumbs up." - Brixton Stig
"It’s a Lotus Evora" - Dad
What do you think of the new McLaren MP4-12C? Have your say on our blog
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