2011 McLaren MP4-12C
Price: $250,000+
Engine: 3.8 L V8 Twin Turbo
Torque: 443 lb-ft.
Horsepower: 600 hp
0-60 MPH: Under 3 sec.
Top Speed: 200 mph
EST. MPG: Not Released
Available: Call McLaren for eligibility
Alphabet Soup Tastes
Better at 200 MPH
Written by Nicolas Bates
Photos by McLaren
If you’ve had any interest in Formula One racing any time since 1966 until present, you would know Team McLaren has been one of the most winning teams ever to put a racecar on the track. McLaren Automotive, responsible for producing street legal production cars, works closely with the McLaren race team and produces cars of the highest caliber. In 1992 McLaren introduced the F1, a car that would hold the record for the fastest top speed in a production car until 2004, and has had only a total of 4 production cars reach a higher top speed since. The F1’s record was held at 241 mph. Out of all these cars, the F1 still remains the only naturally aspirated one of the bunch. Now, with the F1 long discontinued, McLaren has focused its attention on another monster: the all-new MP4-12C.
The MP4-12C, codename: P11, is not just a rebadged F1. They started from scratch, from the ground up. The most interesting and blatant difference comes from the fact that the MP4-12C will be pushed along via a dual-turbocharged powerplant. McLaren designed the M838T V8 to push out nearly 600 bhp and 443 lb-ft of torque and will be mated to a 7-speed “Seamless Shift” dual-clutch gearbox (SSG). The transmission has 3 modes, “Normal”, “Sport”, and “High Performance”, and offers the driver the ability to half press a paddle shifter either up or down to prepare the transmission for its next move, drastically cutting shift times, McLaren states. McLaren provided rough acceleration times of 0-125 mph in less than 10 seconds flat and from 125 mph back down to 0 in 5 seconds. A top speed of 200 mph has also been released. And it is no wonder, with the one-piece carbon fiber cockpit (the MonoCell) only weighing 176 lbs, and the entire car coming in with a dry weight of 2866 lbs.
The MP4-12C, although a beast under the hood, seems to be a bit “uninspired” in the design department. Don’t tell McLaren that though. They argue this car is 100% purpose built. And you know what? I won’t argue with 45 years of Formula One racing experience. Regardless, the front end of the car seems a bit drab. Especially the front wheels arcs and front fascia right on up to its windshield. This part of the car is reminiscent of a duller Porsche Cayman/Cayenne, with a much more low profile grille. The rear of the car has your standard large vents through its quarter panels for optimum brake cooling and heat dispersal. While the car may not have a “wow” factor, it definitely does not look awkward. It does have a natural flow about it. It finds itself somewhere between the gaudiness of a Gallardo and the more purpose looking build of the Audi R8.
The options are not large in quantity. Wheels, a carbon ceramic brake option, as well as caliper color, front splitter and body color are about the only exterior options you have. Inside, a track data package can be added to your cluster, and carbon fiber can line the interior, however, aside from that, you are looking at practical options: whether or not you need full navigation or an ashtray, floor mats, a fire extinguisher or a luggage set. Sounds more than ample to me. If you want a Rolls Royce, go buy a Rolls Royce.
After 13 years, McLaren will finally release a successor to their history making F1. The MP4-12C may not break as many boundaries, or records for that matter. However, it is sure to be an amazing driver’s car and a car that will “ooh and ahh” audiences , no matter where the car arrives. According to Ron Dennis, executive chairman of McLaren Automotive, he understands that his company needs to move forward as he was quoted saying, “Since 1966, when we entered Formula 1, 106 F1 teams have come and gone. Only we and Ferrari are still in the pit lane. So staying solely and exclusively a Formula 1 team leads to extinction. We need to broaden our business.” So far 2,700 people have been approved for purchase of the MP4-12C and I am sure more will be approved as the year comes to a close. This car will definitely give the Italian carmakers a run for their money.