McLaren MP4-12C
By Dale Beck
0-124 mph 9 seconds
Top Speed 200+ mph
Freeway Braking under 100 feet
Available Spring 2011
Expected Production approx. 1,000
Formula 1 inspired with a racing car pedigree, McLaren debuts the new MP4-12C (12C for short) next year following a test program of more than one million miles. Not the reincarnate of the F1, the 12C marks the birth of a new supercar.
Clothed in a weight restricting, one-piece carbon fiber body, the chassis, is built around a rigid Carbon MonoCell, a one-piece structure (no seams or joints to compromise integrity) that checks in at less than 176 lbs.
The M838T twin-turbocharged V8 engine, designed specifically for the 12C, features a dry sump and flat-plane crankshaft. Producing approximately 600 hp and 433 ft-lb of torque, the 12C redlines at 8,500 rpm, with 80% of torque available at only 2,000 RPM. Highly compact, it allows for a very low center of gravity, a welcome attribute to those favoring handling.
Rear-wheel driven through a McLaren-developed seven-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch gearbox (SSG), Formula 1-style Pre-Cog shifting allows the driver to preselect the next highest or lowest gear by applying slight pressure to the shift paddle, thus allowing gear engagement with lightning speed. Full pressure initiates the gear change.
The 12C accelerates from 0 to 124 mph (200 km/h) in just over nine seconds, with top speed listed at just over 200 mph. Braking from 124 mph can be done in under five seconds, with a stop from a reasonable 62 mph done in 98 feet, roughly seven car lengths. A “Brake Steer” system determines the driver’s intended course as it applies the inside rear brake, achieving maximum potential when slowing for a turn or accelerating out of a corner.
More information about the McLaren MP4-12c
Jonathan Schwartz
McLaren Beverly Hills
9022 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
818/932.1670 office
818/731.4893 cell
Chassis control allows the driver to choose between three different handling modes which vary the damper stiffness and stability. Optimizing what McLaren terms the polar moment of inertia (willingness to change direction) the 12C gives a notably quick response to driver input. Aerodynamically uncompromised, a flat underbody and large rear diffuser increase downforce, significantly increasing roadside grip.
McLaren is expected to build 1,000 units, 250 of those destined for the United States in spring of 2011. The price tag is expected to be around $265K.
