PRICE : For 2013 Mclaren MP4 12C 2dr $239,400
Just like McLaren aspires to win every race, the company also seeks to be the best sports car manufacturer in the world. McLaren engineers shattered expectations in creating the new McLaren 12C road car. Customers and test drivers say the comfort and ride quality is mind-blowing, largely due to the Proactive Chassis Control suspension system. The engineers built the brand new suspension from scratch to add car-like ride quality with sharp, reactive handling.
ProActive Chassis Control provides more comfort in straight line driving and higher stiffness in roll compared to conventional suspension systems. McLaren knew that the 12C needed to be more than fast. The designers didn’t go with the traditional anti-roll bar for handling because of stiffness. The ProActive suspension — using driver-adjustable roll control instead of anti-roll bars — helps the car maintain precise roll control during heavy cornering while decoupling the suspension in straight line driving.
“The 12C does not reproduce the F1 design, but it unashamedly builds on its functionally-driven engineering and design highlights such as the large, deep windscreen and the low cowl to give the driver good visibility for accurate placement on the road. Any similarities are there for a reason,” said Frank Stephenson, McLaren Automotive design director.
The heart of the 12C contains a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that generates 443 lb-ft of torque between 3000 and 7000 rpm. Count to three to roughly see how long it takes for the McLaren 12C to go from stopped to 60. And its top speed of — wait for it — 205 mph breaks the 200 mph barrier, something few sports cars do.
Compact on the outside, the inside of the 12C creates an unequaled driver and passenger environment where space, comfort and driving enjoyment are not compromised. Built with ergonomics in mind, the 2013 McLaren 12C makes the driver feel as comfortable as possible on every kind of road, track and beyond.
The clean steering wheel with no distracting buttons puts the driver in the center. The placement of the brake and throttle pedals also revolve around the driver’s position. All primary controls appear within reach yet stay out of the driver’s way during vigorous driving.
“The MonoCell concept allowed us the freedom to design the occupant space around the driver, just like in a Formula 1 car. And this also brings the driver closer to the centre of the car, improving control and driver enjoyment,” Stephenson said. “Positioning the pedals inboard improves the problem of wheel well intrusion. We also repackaged many of the major components that normally sit under the dashboard to allow for more space and a unique form.”
You’ll win every time with the McLaren 12C. No other car connects the driver with the road more than this Formula 1-inspired sports car. Visit McLaren Dallas to an experience a race-ready ride that delivers pure driving pleasure.
EXTERIOR
The design and engineering of the new McLaren 12C car emphasizes aerodynamics, compact dimensions, high efficiency performance, practicality, and comfort. The car’s character shines through the purity of lines. No part is there just for style. Every part has a job to do including the fins, vents and the flat underbody. Designing around aerodynamics allows the car to hit over 200 mph while retaining stability.
A perfect example of the exterior design resulting from the combination of aerodynamics and engineering innovation is the front of the car. It’s very low and narrow. It doesn’t need to house large engine cooling radiators, two of which are mounted longitudinally at the sides behind the occupants. This adds storage space under the hood.
The 2012 McLaren 12C's face is dominated by large and distinctive air intakes. Completing the face is a removable front splitter, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED running lights, and a large windscreen with low cowl. The McLaren logo graces the hood of a road car for the first time.
INTERIOR
The next package of specs upgrades will probably be agreed to every existing MP4-12C owner from zero cost to be able to the consumer M838T engine strength increased to be able to 625PS (616hp). Adjusted calibration regarding 7-Speed SSG transmission, Programmable Intake Sound Generator, Lenses linked to rainwater sensor when in programmed mode, Easy-Exit electric seats function incorporating Seats Returning (if specified), Fresh Meridian audio tracks equaliser options (if specified).
Performance and also practical refinements may boost the McLaren MP4-12C’s impressive standard technical specs, through which Formulation 1 DNA works through every aspect. Using a one-piece moulded carbon nutritional fibre ‘MonoCell’ weighing merely 75kg at its coronary heart, the 12C capabilities advanced vehicle characteristics technology which includes Brake Steer and also Proactive Vitrage Control. Brake Lead is actually a technology McLaren shown Formulation 1 inside the 1997/98 MP4-12 contest car and identifies the McLaren MP4-12C’s capacity to set outstanding lap periods, by braking system the inside of rear wheel of the car by means of corners in order that the 12C may possibly preserve the perfect ‘racing line’ on course.
SAFETY
No rollover bars are needed because of the innovative Carbon fiber MonoCell, which has a steel structure in the rear to absorb energy from impact and protect occupants. In addition to rigidity and handling, the Carbon fiber MonoCell acts as a safety feature in the McLaren 12C sports car.
With a smaller steering wheel, engineers faced a challenge in adding an airbag. They worked with a specialist to create a compact airbag that inflates to full size.
Brake Steer is a variation on McLaren’s electronic driver aid used successfully in Formula 1 on the 1997 McLaren MP4-12. Although the sport banned it because of its clear performance advantage, it has been developed for the 12C as the control system to prevent wheel spin and improve traction.
Brake Steer does the same job as a torque-vectoring differential, but it’s lighter. It uses the same hardware to operate as the 12C’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, preventing wheel spin, reducing understeer, and significantly boosting track times.
A unique McLaren Airbrake adds drag and rear downforce when deployed under braking, helping the car to decelerate and allowing more rear brake pressure to be used, hence stopping distances are shortened.
ENGINE
Active Chassis Control is actually a interruption technology lauded simply by 12C owners for the special ability to supply executive car journey quality at any speed basically uneven highway surfaces, but its community of interconnected interruption hydraulics adjust the sum of grip and also roll control obtainable when the operater sets the McLaren MP4-12C’s ‘Handling’ options by means of ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and also ‘Track’ methods. The 12C will be the simply sports car between its competitor established that enables the operater to choose ‘Powertrain’ and also ‘Handling’ settings entirely independently of the other person, in order that the generating experienced is adjusted to their inclination and surroundings. Using a combined gas consumption physique of 24. 2mpg (11. 7 l/100km) possible coming from the car’s light 3. 8-litre twin turbo V8 engine, the McLaren MP4-12C gives owners the substitute for enjoy generating any high performance sports car above greater distances in addition to a wide variety of surroundings inside the kitchen .
PERFORMANCE
McLaren have stated the MP4-12C can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.1 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.9 seconds. The car has a top speed of 207 mph (333 km/h)and can brake from 200 km/h (124 mph) to a complete stop in under 5 seconds.Braking from 100 km/h (62 mph) to zero can be done in under 30 metres (98 ft), around seven car lengths.
► 2013 McLaren 12C Vital Stats
► Engine: 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8
► Transmission: 7-speed McLaren Seamless Shift dual clutch gearbox (SSG) with pre-cog functionality
► Horsepower: 592 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
► Torque: 443 lb-ft between 3,000 – 7,000 rpm
► Top Speed: 205 mph
► 0-62mph: 3.3 seconds
By : Automotive News & Super Modified Sports Cars