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McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C interior

McLaren MP4-12C steering wheel

McLaren MP4-12C carbon fibre tub

McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C


Year 2009 -
Engine 3.8 litre, twin-turbo, V8
Transmission 7-speed, dual-clutch, RWD
Max speed 205 mph
0-60 mph 3.1 seconds
Horsepower 592 hp @ 7000 rpm
weight 1,336 kgs / 2,945 lbs

On September 9th 2009 McLaren unveiled their latest roadcar the MP4-12C. Codenamed the P11 during the years of development, the MP4-12C is the first complete supercar to emerge from the McLaren factory since the legendary McLaren F1.

Just like the F1 the new MP4-12C is deeply influenced by Formula 1 race technology. And the name in fact recalls the company's racing history.

The McLaren MP4-12C is based around a carbon fiber tub which is both incredibly light, at just 80 kgs, and immensely strong. As expected from a manufacturer like McLaren, the MP4-12C is packed with the latest technology and innovative ideas unique to the car. Brake steer is one such feature, it is a technology McLaren pioneered on the F1 car back in '97. Brakesteer helps to reduce understeer on entry to a corner and improves traction on exit. It works by lightly braking the inside rear wheel in fast cornering situations. Pre-Cog is another trick up the MP4-12C's sleeve. This system makes for faster gear changes by allowing the driver to load up the next gear by half-squeezing the paddle in preparation for upshifting, then once the paddle is fully squeezed the change is instantaneous.

The MP4-12C is powered by a twin-tubocharged, 3.8 litre V8 engine developed in-house by McLaren. The engine, codenamed the 'M838T', produces 592 horsepower and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. A dry sump and flat plane crankshaft allow the engine to be placed extremely low in the chassis thereby lowering the centre of gravity and improving handling responses. It also features composite cam covers and intake manifolds, which reduce weight and heat transmission into the charge air, as well as Nikasil-coated aluminium liners for further weight reduction.

The power is sent to the rear wheels through two wet clutches and a McLaren-developed seven speed Seamless Shift dual clutch gearbox (SSG). This gearbox offers variable settings, from 'normal' to 'sport', right up to full race mode. In addition an ‘automatic’ mode, ‘launch control’ and ‘winter’ modes can be selected, the latter changing all electronic functions to suit low friction conditions and delivering maximum driver aid and support.

The designers at McLaren have done a great job of giving the MP4-12C its own identity. It doesn't borrow lines from other supercars, and the proportions are extremely well balanced. There are very few interuptions to the smooth lines, and the rear 3/4 view is especially good with the high-mount exhausts a perfect fit with the rear panel and taillights.

While McLaren's last supercar, the F1 was only sold in extremely limited numbers, the MP4-12 will be produced in relatively large numbers. However despite the new approach McLaren are determined to keep the quality and service at premium levels. "It doesn’t matter whether a customer is spending ten thousand pounds or a million, it is their money and they rightly expect to have pride in their purchase and be satisfied with it. Our goal is to ensure that we exceed customers’ expectations," Said Alan Foster, McLaren's Production Director.


Similar and related vehicles:
McLaren F1
McLaren F1 GT
McLaren F1 LM
McLaren M6 GT





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