Showing posts with label 12c. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 12c. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
McLaren MP4 12C Spider
















- McLaren MP4-12C Spider, 2013
The new McLaren MP4-12C Spider, unveiled at the 2012 Pebble Beach weekend in California, is the second vehicle in the growing range of high performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive. This lightweight, mid-engine open-top sports car combines the astonishing performance of the 12C with the increased exhilaration of roof-down motoring. Unlike most other spiders or convertibles, the 12C Spider offers the same performance, handling and driver enjoyment as the fixed-roof coupé version.
The 12C Spider uses the industry-leading carbon fibre MonoCell as the 12C, which needs no extra strengthening to provide the necessary rigidity and strength for an open roof car. In conventional steel or aluminium chassis cars, extra strengthening - and associated weight increase - is normal during the conversion from fixed-head coupé to open-roof convertible. This can compromise performance, handling and driving enjoyment.
The composure of a sports car, the fun of a convertible
In the new 12C Spider you get the best of both worlds, says McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff. You get all the performance and driving integrity of the 12C, plus the thrill of open-roof motoring.
The new 12C Spider is mechanically identical to the 12C. It uses the upgraded 625PS engine, which is part of the 12C Model Year 2013 upgrade. Acceleration - 0-62mph (100 km/h) - takes just 3.1 seconds (when fitted with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres), the same as the coupé. Fuel consumption and emissions also remain the same, returning 24.2 mpg (11.7 l/100km) on the combined cycle and 279g/km. The figures are much better than most high performance convertible sports cars, in keeping with McLarens commitment to class-leading fuel efficiency. Maximum speed is 204 mph (329 km/h).
The Retractable Hard Top (RHT) on the 12C Spider is a fully automatic two-piece design which can be raised or lowered in less than 17 seconds at speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph). When lowered, the roof stows beneath a body coloured hard tonneau cover which incorporates twin buttresses. With the roof raised, the area beneath the tonneau cover can be used as additional luggage space.
The 12C Spider features a heated glass rear window, which can be operated independently of the roof. With the roof down, the rear window moves automatically to an aero position to minimise buffeting. Additionally, with the roof up, the window can be lowered to give direct access to the sound of the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine mounted directly behind the cabin.
A roll over protection system includes a steel structure within each of the rear buttresses to absorb any impact and protect occupants. An active pop-up system was ruled out as it would have added weight.
The detail changes of the 12C Spider extend to both the audio and climate control systems. Audio output changes when the roof is open - to compensate for extra external noise - while the climate control adapts when the roof is lowered.
12C programme included Spider from the outset
The 12C Spider is not a converted version of the 12C, notes Sheriff. Importantly, the two were conceived and developed at the same time, and alongside each other. The 12C programme included a coupé and convertible from the outset. The carbon fibre MonoCell chassis and all other mechanical components were designed to produce maximum performance in both configurations.
12C SPIDER: THE DETAILS
As with the 12C, everything on the 12C Spider was designed for a reason. There is no unnecessary jewellery, no styling fripperies. It is a pure sports car, designed to deliver maximum driving appeal and performance, with unmatched efficiency.
As with all McLarens, the 12C Spider is a racing car at heart, notes Design Director Frank Stephenson. That is not true of many - if any - other high performance convertibles.
It has the same timeless elegant style that distinguishes the 12C but with the added romance of open-top driving, adds Stephenson. We have tried very hard to preserve the same design purity. With the roof in place, it looks like a coupé sports car that could just as easily be at Le Mans, as in London or Los Angeles. With the roof down, it looks like it belongs on Sunset Boulevard or the Cote dAzur.
Retractable Hard Top (RHT)
The Retractable Hard Top (RHT) has been designed specifically for the 12C Spider. Low weight, combined with high strength, was of paramount importance - as with all areas of the 12C.
The two roof panels and tonneau are made from the same composite material used in the construction of the 12C body. This is light, strong and allows for a very high standard of paint finish. Heated rear glass completes the roof construction.
The fully automatic mechanism raises or lowers the roof in less than 17 seconds, and can be activated at speeds up to 30 km/h (19 mph). It is controlled by a two-position switch on the centre panel within the cabin.
At the end of the roof lowering cycle, the windows fully close, and the rear glass adopts an aero position that also reduces cabin wind buffeting. Continuing to hold the switch after the cycle is complete fully lowers the windows and rear cabin glass.
The RHT is operated by a single hydraulic pump. It is mounted as low as possible in the vehicle to optimise the centre of gravity, and improve handling.
Dual-purpose tonneau cover
When lowered, the roof stows beneath a body coloured hard tonneau cover which incorporates twin buttresses. With the roof raised, the area beneath the tonneau cover can be used as additional luggage space. This can accommodate 52 litres of luggage in two specially designed bags, supplied as standard. This is in addition to the 144 litres of luggage space provided under the bonnet.
Retractable rear glass provides increased audible drama
The rear glass can also be operated independently of the RHT. Roof up, the rear glass can be lowered to allow more engine sound into the cabin and also allows for a semi-open driving experience even in inclement weather. Roof down, the screen acts as a wind deflector, minimising disturbance in the cabin.
Roll over protection system
A roll over protection system ensures maximum occupant safety. Each rear buttress contains a steel structure to absorb the impact energy and protect both driver and passenger. An active pop-up system would have added unnecessary weight.
Carbon fibre MonoCell ideally suited for convertible use
As with the mechanically identical 12C, the 12C Spider is a mid-engine two-seat rear-drive high performance sports car. Unlike rivals, it uses a carbon fibre monocoque chassis, the MonoCell. This confers major advantages in weight, strength and torsional rigidity - all improving handling, ride comfort and performance.
The MonoCell is a unique one-piece moulded chassis that weighs just 75kgs (165lbs). It is 25 per cent stiffer than an equivalent all-metal structure and 25 per cent lighter than a comparable aluminium chassis (the difference with a steel chassis is even greater). It is also stronger and safer in a crash, acting as a safety survival cell, as it does in a Formula 1 car.
The MonoCell is unchanged from 12C to 12C Spider, as it was originally designed for both applications. This is highly unusual, notes Patterson. Most convertibles require a strengthened chassis to reduce flex, thus adding weight - while still not achieving the structural integrity of a coupé. This flex can compromise handling precision and reduce ride comfort; while the added weight affects performance.
The carbon fibre MonoCell not only gives advantages in strength and weight, it also improves packaging. The one-piece moulded design has been created to provide the perfect cabin - roomy, yet compact. We started with the driver, says Design Director Frank Stephenson. With the 12C and 12C Spider, the driver sits close to the centre line of the car, improving control and driver enjoyment. The pedals are positioned inboard, reducing wheel well intrusion. The result is the perfect driving environment- unique and uncompromised.
The steering column is centred on the driver, and is parallel to his seat and shoulders. The brake and throttle pedals are both placed directly in line with the driver and all primary controls are within reach. The overall cabin architecture is both elegant in its design and uncluttered and intuitive to use.
As with the 12C, the 12C Spider has class-leading all-round visibility. Enormous emphasis was put on ensuring excellent visibility, both for safety and driving precision, adds Stephenson.
McLaren: The carbon innovators
The carbon fibre MonoCell of the 12C and 12C Spider follows more than three decades of McLaren carbon innovation. In 1981, McLaren Racing introduced the carbon monocoque to Formula 1™. It offered an unbeatable combination of strength and weight-saving, and soon recorded the first victory for a carbon-based F1 car, at the British GP, driven by John Watson.
The legendary McLaren F1 road car, launched in 1992, was the first road car to use a carbon chassis and body. In fact, since 1981 McLaren has never built a car without a carbon chassis.
On the 12C and 12C Spider, aluminium extrusions and castings are jig welded onto front and rear structures and bolted directly to the MonoCell. Along with the carbon MonoCell, they carry the lightweight composite body panels. Apart from the roof, and the engine cover, body panels are identical to the 12C. A redesigned glass engine cover maintains an unobstructed view of the handsome twin turbo V8 engine.
The front and rear aluminium structures are easy to repair, adds Patterson. They absorb impacts and can be replaced easily. Cars with full aluminium chassis use their structure to absorb and crumple on impact, causing more damage and expense to the whole structure, including the passenger cell.
Unique Airbrake provides active aerodynamics
As with the 12C, the 12C Spider is fitted with the unique McLaren Airbrake - an active rear wing that increases its angle to boost downforce and improve stopping power and stability through corners. As with every other aspect of the car, we have "added lightness", notes McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver, Chris Goodwin. Under heavy braking above 95 km/h, a piston operated by the transmission hydraulics raises the Airbrake to 32 degrees. Once this wing angle is set, and the Airbrake is pushed into the airflow, the centre of aerodynamic pressure forces the bottom of the wing up to 69 degrees. With the use of clever aerodynamics, rather than a bigger, heavier motor, the wing is deployed to its full and maximum angle. This weight-saving thinking has reduced the weight of the mechanism by 50 per cent.
The active aerodynamics of the McLaren Airbrake is another Formula 1™-derived innovation - although now banned, as it conferred a substantial performance advantage.
The total weight of the new 12C Spider is 1,474 kg, an increase of only 40 kg on the 12C, less than any other car in the class. The increase is because of the added weight of the Retractable Hard Top and other small changes, including a slightly heavier (by 2 kg) exhaust system. Overall, the 12C Spider is substantially lighter than most comparable convertibles, as well as being stronger and stiffer.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
The light weight philosophy does not begin and end with the body and chassis of the 12C Spider. A light structure enables the designers to save weight through the whole design process. This includes the unique 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine, which weighs just 199 kg (439lbs).
Designed by McLaren Automotive, the British-made M838T engine features dry sump lubrication and a flat plane crankshaft, both of which have helped engineers place the engine extremely low in the chassis, lowering the centre of gravity and optimising handling and agility.
The engine in the 12C and 12C Spider offers low weight, low-rev tractability, potent mid-range performance and extensive high-rev reach, says Richard Farquhar, Function Group Manager for Powertrain. It also has a level of inement and efficiency you wouldnt normally expect from a V8.
Power boost for 2013
The McLaren MP4-12C Spider, along with the Model Year 2013 12C, gets the latest and more powerful 625PS (616hp) version of the engine, to give even more vivid acceleration with no loss of efficiency. Fuel economy has not been affected: it is still 24.2 mpg (combined) with emissions of just 279 g/km - excellent figures for so powerful a vehicle.
Revisions have also been made to the innovative Intake Sound Generator (ISG). This system works by controlling engine intake noise within the cabin at differing levels, depending on the Powertrain mode selected for the car. Moving up through Normal, Sport and Track Powertrain modes enhances the aural drama and driving experience of the 12C, allowing more of the natural sound of the V8 engine noise to enter the cabin. This allows the 12C Spider to be dramatic and exciting when required, but then also quieter for long distance journeys. With the 2013 specification 12C and 12C Spider, the driver can select the level of engine noise delivered in each mode through an electronic menu, accessible via the instrument cluster.
The exhaust system is the only part of the engine that has been changed for the 12C Spider. To ensure the audible experience is optimised for open-top driving, the exhaust has been developed to suit the harmonics of the 12C Spider body shape. An optional sports exhaust system is available, which is both lighter and louder than the standard equipment.
The seven-speed dual clutch SSG transmission used in the 12C Spider is unchanged from that used in the 12C. It utilizes the Model Year 2013 upgrades, including crisper throttle response and improved clutch control. Gear changes are now faster and smoother. Like the 12C, it is available in Normal, Sport and Track gearshift modes providing progressively faster shifts, and differing shift points when in automatic mode. These modes are selected using the Powertrain dial on the Active Dynamics Panel.
SUSPENSION
The goal with the 12C and 12C Spider was to offer executive car-like ride quality and sharp, agile handling. This is a combination of abilities that has never been seen on high-performance convertibles before.
Convertibles - especially fast convertibles - tend to have compromised ride and handling and often use different suspension settings than their fixed-head counterparts. The 12C Spider is a revelation. The exceptional strength and rigidity provided by the carbon fibre MonoCell means that the 12C Spider is able to retain exactly the same suspension components and settings as the groundbreaking 12C.
ProActive Chassis Control makes anti-roll bars redundant
The 12C Spider uses the same ProActive Chassis Control that proved such a revelation with the 12C. The suspension is based on double wishbones with coil springs, like a Formula 1 car. Innovative adaptive dampers, interconnected hydraulically and linked to a gas-filled accumulator, provide pro-active responses, depending on road conditions and driver perences. Normal, Sport and Track settings are available which operate independently of the transmission settings.
One of the advantages of ProActive Chassis Control is that it makes traditional metal anti-roll bars unnecessary. Notes Paul Burnham, McLaren Automotive Vehicle Dynamics Manager: An anti-roll bar is a popular and simple solution to reducing a cars roll. But the problem is that its stiffness is always there, reducing ride suppleness and comfort. The ProActive Chassis Control system, with its interconnected adaptive dampers, takes care of body roll without the need to use separate metal anti-roll bars. It is a large factor in our goal to offer the best high performance sports car handling and yet also offer executive car ride suppleness.
Electronic sensors monitor the movement of the body and the wheels, increasing the levels of damping as and when required.
Brake Steer is another important technology that helps to boost the agility of the 12C Spider. It is yet another Formula 1™ technology that McLaren uses on the 12C. However, unlike many of those technologies, Brake Steer is now banned in Formula 1™ because it offered a clear performance advantage. This was shown by the successful implementation in 1997 on McLarens 1997 Formula 1™ car.
The Brake Steer system offers the same benefits as a torque vectoring differential, but is up to 20 kg lighter - part of the weight down philosophy used on the 12C and 12C Spider. The system uses the hardware of the 12Cs existing Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to apply braking forces to the inside rear wheel, improving turn-in to corners, boosting cornering speed, agility and driver confidence.
Standard brakes - forged aluminium bell and cast iron ventilated and cross-drilled discs - are optimised for weight, saving around 8 kg from standard cast iron. Optional Ceramic Composite Matrix (CCM) brake discs are also available saving a further 3.7 kg.
INTERIOR
The McLaren MP4-12C Spider cabin design is identical to the 12C, offering a range of material and colour options allowing customers a great degree of freedom to personalise their car. This includes the, new for Model Year 2013, Semi-Aniline leather sport interior, which features a more naturally textured finish. The interior of the RHT roof panels are lined either in Carbon Black Fabric or optional Carbon Black Alcantara.
Audio and climate systems specially calibrated for the 12C Spider
Typical of McLaren attention to detail, the climate control and audio systems have been totally recalibrated, to compensate for top-down driving.
The audio system, developed specifically for the 12C Spider by Meridian, the bespoke British hi-fi specialists, optimises the music output depending whether the car is running with the top up or down. Meridian was involved in the audio systems development from the very outset of the cars design, to optimise audio quality.
The Automatic Volume Control (AVC) and Automatic Tone Control (ATC) are both recalibrated for the 12C Spider. Individual speakers are automatically adjusted to take into account increases in external sound.
The climate control system is also recalibrated to automatically adjust when the roof is lowered. Airflow to the windscreen is reduced and, instead, redirected to the lower cabin vents. Fan speed also responds to vehicle speed, to maintain the desired temperature.
When the roof is up, the climate control settings from the 12C are applied. However, even when the rear cabin glass is lowered - which can be done independently of the roof - the climate control system is automatically adjusted to ensure constant cabin temperature and occupant comfort.
MANUFACTURING
The McLaren MP4-12C Spider is built at the new £40 million McLaren Production Centre (MPC) facility in Woking, Surrey, adjacent to the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC). The manufacturing facility was opened in November 2011 by UK Prime Minister David Cameron and McLaren Group Chairman Ron Dennis.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
McLaren MP4 12C






- McLaren MP4-12C, 2013
McLaren Automotive, rather than resting on its laurels, has instead announced a package of enhancements that will make the McLaren MP4-12C high performance sports car even more invigorating to drive yet even easier to live with.
Headlining the changes is a 25PS (25hp) power increase. It takes the maximum output of the mid mounted, twin turbocharged V8 engine to 625PS (616hp) to give yet more vivid acceleration at track speeds with no loss in efficiency. Modifications have been made by McLarens engineers to the 12Cs engine and SSG transmission increasing responsiveness. Ease of use, a phrase not often associated with cars of this type, is further improved through a host of detail changes while a wider variety of paint, leather and wheel options give customers yet more scope for personalisation. The McLaren MP4-12Cs unique Intake Sound Generator (ISG) system, which controls the amount of engine intake sound heard in the cabin, is now programmable across three levels in all three Powertrain modes allowing the driver to select the amount of aural drama he or she wants to enjoy, whatever the road. But one aspect that hasnt changed is the McLaren MP4-12Cs purposeful styling… apart from a subtle revision to the McLaren Speed Marque badge, that is.
The latest iteration of the McLaren MP4-12C, which at launch set a new benchmark among its competitors for power, efficiency and pioneering technology, is available to order now. Customers who have already taken delivery of a 12C are not being neglected, though. Every 12C owner is being offered a package of upgrades, including the extra 25PS (25hp), at no cost, underlining McLarens commitment to its customers ensuring they enjoy owning their 12C as much as they do driving it.
Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director said: "Given our racing heritage, it is in our nature to continuously seek out improvements. The team at McLaren Automotive recognizes that our existing and future customers deserve the very best product and service we can offer, and the launch of the enhanced McLaren MP4-12C reaffirms its position as the most powerful luxury sports car among its competitor set.
THE DETAIL: enhanced 12C overview
The suite of upgrades to the McLaren MP4-12C specification from October 2012 includes enhancements to the 12Cs engine and transmission, in addition to other functional attributes.
A focus on drivetrain development has given McLaren Automotives engineers the opportunity to increase the McLaren MP4-12Cs 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 output from 600PS (592hp) to 625PS (616hp). The redesigned engine mapping has not altered the remarkable efficiency of the M838T engine, with 12C CO2 emissions remaining at just 279 g/km, and fuel economy recorded on the EU combined cycle at 24.2 mpg (11.7 l/100km).
Modification of the 7-Speed SSG transmission to which the McLaren MP4-12Cs high-powered engine is mated has resulted in crisper throttle response and improved clutch control for gear changes that are both faster and smoother.
The McLaren MP4-12C features an innovative Intake Sound Generator (ISG). This system works by controlling engine intake noise within the cabin at differing levels, depending on the Powertrain mode selected for the car. Moving up through Normal, Sport and Track Powertrain modes enhances the aural drama and driving experience of the 12C, with engine noise in the cabin changing when throttle power is applied and revs increase. With the 2013 specification 12C, the driver will be able to select the level of engine noise delivered in each mode through an electronic menu accessible via the instrument cluster.
Improved usability and occupant comfort
A new door entry system is a feature of the new MP4-12C. A small button mounted on each door replaces the 12Cs touch sensor system. In line with customer feedback, this modification is intended to simplify the user experience. The ability to unlatch each door using the 12C key fob will be retained.
To improve safety, an enhancement will be made to the headlight activation settings of the McLaren MP4-12C. With the AUTO-lights mode selected, the 12Cs headlights will be automatically switched on when rain is detected by the windshield-mounted rain sensor.
The McLaren MP4-12Cs Climate Control System will be modified exclusively for 2013 models. In addition to the standard AUTO function of the system; new cars will be supplied with systems inclusive of AUTO LO functionality. This new setting enables the desired cabin temperature to be reached in the quietest way possible, using lower fan speeds.
New options to personalize the ultimate McLaren MP4-12C
McLaren Automotive is committed to innovating through technology and design, and presenting customers with an exciting range of opportunities to specify their ultimate 12C. Along with the power upgrade and technical revisions announced for the 2013 model year McLaren MP4-12C, comes a selection of tempting aesthetic and functional options which may be added to the comprehensive standard 12C specification.
A stunning new high quality paint finish will be added to the options list for the new McLaren MP4-12C. Volcano Yellow joins the Elite set of paint finishes available for the revised model, and promises to be as spectacular as the popular Volcano Orange and Volcano Red finishes selected by many MP4-12C customers since the car was launched in 2011.
A new wheel design and wheel finish available on multiple wheel designs will be offered to future McLaren MP4-12C owners. A new 5-spoke lightweight-forged wheel may be specified for the 12C and is available in multiple finishes. Standard Silver, optional Stealth and eye-catching Diamond Cut finishes are available on this new wheel design, as well as forged wheel designs available to order from the existing range. The Diamond Cut wheel finish is first finished in Graphite Grey, then diamond cut to reveal the forged metal surface. The entire wheel is then finished in a protective coat, which adds a high quality gloss to the appearance.
An exclusive new McLaren MP4-12C interior trim has been developed by McLaren Automotive for 2013 model year 12Cs, which is a higher quality and more naturally textured leather than that in the current MP4-12C options list. If selected, exclusive semi-aniline leather is applied to all major interior surfaces including doors, seats, dash and the centre console. The new interior option includes flat piping around the perimeter of the seat and along the edge of the door card insert. The piping finish will be in Carbon Black unless requested in McLaren Orange, Harissa Red or Stone Grey. Three levels of this new interior trim will be available to order from June 2012:
- Full Semi-Aniline Leather: Carbon Black Leather on all surfaces, along with optional colour-matched flat piping
- Semi-Aniline Leather with Colour Perforated Inserts: As Full Semi-Aniline, with the addition of colour perforated door inserts, seat inserts and matching piping
- Semi-Aniline Leather with Alcantara Inserts: Carbon Black Leather to all major surfaces, with black Alcantara seat inserts and optional Alcantara door inserts, along with optional colour-matched flat piping
Racing Green, which to date has been an option for McLaren MP4-12C buyers, and Driver Zone interior options, will now be reserved for clients of McLaren Special Operations (MSO). Selecting the Driver Zone option will see a customer meet with MSO stylists to create a colour and trim scheme in the area immediately around, and including, the drivers seat. This is specified in contrast to the interior trim specified elsewhere in the cabin.
One Touch Seat Return is an added function of optional heated and electric seats for new cars, and will be available as an update to existing vehicles. With the pull of a lever, the seat will return to its position when the driver last exited the 12C. Easy-Exit - whereby the seat retracts to its most rearward position to allow for unhindered exiting of the 12C - will remain a feature.
Vehicle Lift will be available as an option on 2013 model year vehicles. The system allows the McLaren MP4-12C to be raised front and rear for improved ground clearance. This technology permits the vehicle to be raised by up to 40mm at the front and 25mm at the rear, and may remain in position at up to 37mph (60kph).
In car entertainment is to be enhanced without any charge to customers of new and used MP4-12Cs, through upgrades to the Meridian audio equaliser settings. The Meridian audio equaliser will be offered with Pure, Expanded and Extreme settings, progressively enhancing levels of bass and treble.
From race to road: McLaren Speed Marque
The McLaren badge, which carries the official moniker Speed Marque, will be modified and available in two different new finishes. Mounted on the front luggage lid, rear deck, steering wheel and wheel centre caps, the subtly revised Speed Marque may be specified in Rocket Red/Silver as standard, or Stealth/Silver as an option.
McLaren Automotive Sales and Marketing Director Greg Levine said: "The Speed Marque is an important symbol of McLarens successful heritage in motorsport, and we are very proud that it features prominently on the 12C. The Speed Marque has evolved significantly through the last five decades, from its origin as the Speedy Kiwi on Bruce McLarens race cars in the 1960s, through to the 1980s and 90s where the McLaren name featured a red chevron symbol alongside it on our Formula 1 cars. Now displayed on the new McLaren MP4-12C, it embodies our core product value of fast, streamlined movement and represents the pedigree of a multiple World Championship-winning Formula 1 team."
Specification revisions a reward for existing 12C owners
Refinements to the McLaren MP4-12C technology package will also be made available to McLarens valued existing 12C customers (not applicable to vehicles registered in Japan).
To date, McLaren Automotive has appointed 38 world-class retailers in 22 countries across the globe. Each McLaren retailer in the new global retail network is now contacting existing 12C owners to offer each the opportunity to upgrade their current cars to a revised specification. Enhancements to existing 12Cs include the 625PS (616hp) power increase introduced for the new 12C, and will be scheduled for application to cars later this year.
Antony Sheriff said: "A revised performance and technology package for the McLaren MP4-12C highlights our determination and ability to enhance a vehicle that is already a benchmark sports car, and underlines our desire to reward customers that have shown commitment to McLaren. I believe this action will reinforce existing customer relationships and I look forward to building long-term relationships with McLaren customers of the future."
The following package of specification upgrades offered to every current MP4-12C owner at zero cost to the customer:
- M838T engine power increased to 625PS (616hp)
- Revised calibration for 7-Speed SSG transmission
- Programmable Intake Sound Generator
- Headlights linked to rain sensor when in automatic mode
- Easy-Exit electric seat function incorporating Seat Return (if specified)
- New Meridian audio equaliser settings (if specified)
A groundbreaking sports car inspired by Formula 1
Performance and practical refinements will enhance the McLaren MP4-12Cs innovative standard technical specification, in which Formula 1 DNA runs through every component.
With a one-piece moulded carbon fibre MonoCell weighing just 75kg at its heart, the 12C features advanced vehicle dynamics technology including Brake Steer and Proactive Chassis Control. Brake Steer is a technology McLaren introduced to Formula 1 in the 1997/98 MP4-12 race car and defines the McLaren MP4-12Cs ability to set incredible lap times, by braking the inside rear wheel of the car through corners so that the 12C may retain the perfect racing line on track. ProActive Chassis Control is a suspension technology lauded by 12C owners due to its unique ability to provide executive car ride quality at any speed and on uneven road surfaces, yet its network of interconnected suspension hydraulics modify the amount of grip and roll control available when the driver adjusts the McLaren MP4-12Cs Handling settings through Normal, Sport and Track modes. The 12C is the only sports car among its competitor set that allows the driver to select Powertrain and Handling settings completely independently of each other, so that the driving experienced is optimized to their preference and environment. With a combined fuel consumption figure of 24.2mpg (11.7 l/100km) achievable from the cars lightweight 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine, the McLaren MP4-12C offers owners the option to enjoy driving a high performance sports car over greater distances and in a multitude of environments more than ever before.
Technical Specification
- Drivetrain layout: Longitudinal mid-engine, RWD
- Engine configuration: V8 twin turbo
- Engine material: Aluminium block and cylinder heads
- Oiling: Dry sump
- Compression ratio: 8.7:1
- Valvetrain: 32-valve, DOHC, dual VVT
- Redline: 8,500 rpm
- Bore x Stroke: 93 x 69.9 mm
- Engine displacement: 3799 cc
- Power: 625 PS @ 7500 rpm
- Torque: 600 Nm @ 3000-7000 rpm
- PS per litre: 164
- Transmission: 7 Speed SSG with Pre-Cog
- Body structure: Carbon fibre MonoCell with aluminum front and rear frames
- Wheelbase: 2670 mm
- Track: F:1656 mm / R:1583 mm
- Length: 4509 mm
- Width: 1908 mm
- Height: 1199 mm
- DIN weight: 1434 kg / 3161 lbs
- Dry weight: 1336 kg / 2945 lbs
- Dry weight with lightweight options: 1301 kg / 2868 lbs
- Weight distribution at DIN: F:42.5% / R:57.5%
- Active aerodynamics: McLaren Airbrake
- Suspension: ProActive Chassis Control
- ProActive Chassis Control modes: Winter / Normal / Sport / Track
- Powertrain modes: Winter / Normal / Sport / Track
- Brakes: Cast iron discs with forged aluminum hubs (F:370mm / R:350 mm)
- Wheel sizes (F / R): 19" x 8.5"J / 20" x 11" J
- Tyres (F / R): Pirelli PZero 235/35 R19 / 305/30 R20
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