McLaren MP4-12C

[DroptopS13]

McLaren's newest supercar and the sucessor to there amazing McClaren F1 which was capable of 240 mph back in the 90's was released today~!






Design

As with the McLaren F1, carbon fiber (Carbon MonoCell) is used extensively in the vehicle to minimize weight. The MP4-12C will weigh only 1,300 kg (2,866 lb) dry.[3] The chassis is based around an F1 style one-piece carbon fibre tub, weighing only 80 kg (176 lb).

Engine

The car is powered by a 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. The engine produces approximately 600 horsepower and 433 foot-pounds of torque. It has a redline of 8,500 rpm, with 80% of torque available at just 2,000 rpm.[3][4] When they announced the car, McLaren claimed that their engine will have a higher horsepower to carbon dioxide emission ratio than any internal-combustion engine available at the time.[5] Contrary to earlier speculation, this is McLarenÔÇÖs own V8, dubbed M838T and breathed on by twin turbos and driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (no manual is available). The V8 has a dry sump and a flat-plane crank like a race engine, to lower the centre of gravity and allow a higher rev limit.

Performance

McLaren have stated the MP4-12C can accelerate from 0-200km/h in under 10 seconds.[6] The car will have a top speed in excess of 200mph and will be able to brake from 200km/h to a complete stop in under five seconds. Braking from 100km/h to zero can be done in under 30 metres, around seven car lengths. It is expected the 12C will complete the standing quarter mile in approximately 11 seconds.

andddd discuss

[Mike]

i don't really get it. they're known as a company who makes THE car, but this thing is trumped by others in every category.

[Evan]

british engine = fail

I like the looks (other than the atrocious double side intakes) and I like how it resembles the F1

other than that, its a nice car that Ill never own or drive

[D_Eclipse9916]

From that 3/4 view, looks like a gallardo butt and ferrari front with a Mclaren/Elise middle.

Not a big fan, doesnt move anything down there like a White Murcielago SV does for me.

[G.Irish]

I like the MP4-12C (boy that's a mouthful--that's what she said). It's not really meant as a true successor to the F1, so I wouldn't compare it to that impossibly high watermark. It's more of a 458 and Gallardo competitor. Styling wise I think both the Ferrari and Lambo are more exciting but the McLaren certainly doesn't offend. I don't like the side vents either though.

Don't know how it'll ultimately stack up against the 458 but on paper it seems like it can do the job. Like Evan said though, I don't trust mechanical things made by the British. There's a reason the F1 had a BMW engine. Hopefully McLaren gets that part right.

I wonder if snobby rich guys will buy this over something with a more widely-known brand I'm thinking yes but you never know.

[SlimKlim]

Looks like a bad ass car, but lacks the epicness I would expect as the successor to the F1. The F1 did it the best its time, I would expect this thing to do 255mph, and give a Veyron a good whipping around a track.

[G.Irish]

Looks like a bad ass car, but lacks the epicness I would expect as the successor to the F1. The F1 did it the best its time, I would expect this thing to do 255mph, and give a Veyron a good whipping around a track.

The MP4-12C is not meant to be the successor to the F1 the same way the 458 is not a successor to the Enzo. McLaren has stated as much, but I guess when you've only made 2 cars ever that you'll have to fight that comparison.

[G.Irish]

Some mo' tidbits of info:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/03/mclaren-mp4-12c/">http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/03/mclaren-mp4-12c/</a><!-- m -->

Kind of um...unrealistic to expect to sell 4000 cars per year in 5 years time. Ferrari only sells 6000 across 4 different models and Mclaren is trying to do it with one. Maybe there are more McLarens coming soon?

[REED]

Some mo' tidbits of info:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/03/mclaren-mp4-12c/">http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/03/mclaren-mp4-12c/</a><!-- m -->

Kind of um...unrealistic to expect to sell 4000 cars per year in 5 years time. Ferrari only sells 6000 across 4 different models and Mclaren is trying to do it with one. Maybe there are more McLarens coming soon?

McLaren plans to offer ÔÇ£a range of premium high-performance sports carsÔÇØ and build 4,000 of them each year by 2014 in a factory cleaner than a surgical suite.

[Mike]

i call fail.

[G.Irish]

McLaren plans to offer ÔÇ£a range of premium high-performance sports carsÔÇØ and build 4,000 of them each year by 2014 in a factory cleaner than a surgical suite.

Ahh I didn't see that line because I didn't really read the captions beneath the photos *whoops*

In that case, that means that at least one more car is already well into the development pipeline since the lead time for production cars tends to be about 3 years. I'd expect that maybe a MP4 spyder is somwhere in the wings. As for other models, who knows what they could be cooking up. I'd love to see them come up with a super light 911/R8 competitor for maybe $100k-$150k. Add a GT in there and maybe a true F1 successor and you've got yourself a full lineup.

[terdcivic]

I saw one of these on campus today and immediately thought of the new Mclaren...wierd.

[BLINGMW]

it does have four wheels :dunno:

[G.Irish]

MP4-12C public launch at Goodwood: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAS_zIHq_2o&feature=youtube_gdata">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAS_zIHq_2o&feature=youtube_gdata</a><!-- m -->

Sounds awfully good :thumbup:

[Steve85]

MP4-12C public launch at Goodwood: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAS_zIHq_2o&feature=youtube_gdata">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAS_zIHq_2o&feature=youtube_gdata</a><!-- m -->

Sounds awfully good :thumbup:

Yes it do.

And it looks much better in the video where you get more of a total package idea.

[missmotocross3]

McLaren's are hot cars in general. But I have my eye on the new Lexus LFA. However, I must say I would prefer the Merc SLS AMG because it's half the cost and faster. It's a tad heavier than the Lexus but still to be able to hit close to 50mph in 1st gear = :thumbup: :thumbup:

[G.Irish]

Turns out, the MP4-12C will weigh 2866 lbs 8)

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1158214&icid=autos_0691&GT1=22009">http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1158214&icid=autos_0691&GT1=22009</a><!-- m -->

Lighter than the 458 with more power? Bravo McLaren. If course, the Ferrari still could be faster around the race track with the amount of downforce it generates. Either way, a credible alternative.

[Mike]

but can it beat a 2011 mustang?

[CaptainHenreh]

Will it blend?

[G.Irish]

Durrr, I thought the 2866 lbs figure was curb weight. But it is dry weight, I totally forgot that was specified in the parent post =/

Still should be lighter than the 458 though. Don't know how it will against the Mustang and M3 but I'm sure it could blend a pretty sweet daiquiri.