The multiple world-championship winning F1 operation has previously manufactured two road-going machines – the limited production McLaren F1 and the Mercedes-Benz SLR - but enters the big league to take on the likes of Ferrari, Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini with the new twin-turbocharged V8-powered MP4-12C.
McLaren has the capability to manufacture up to 4,000 cars per year at its stunning headquarters in Surrey, England and views the MP4-12C as the first vehicle in what could become a multiple model line. Next year the company plans to produce 1,000 cars and believes this will deliver around 3.5 per cent of the ‘core’ supercar market.
To support sales and service of the MP4-12C, McLaren is establishing a small number of global retail distribution partners. The company estimates the UK and North American markets will account for 50 per cent of sales although interest is high in Germany, mainland Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
At the heart of the MP4-12C is what the company calls “Pure McLaren” – there are no carryover or borrowed components from other manufacturers, everything, including the engine and right down to the smallest switch and button is a McLaren part.
The engine is a 3.8-litre, 90 degree twin-turbocharged V8, code-named the M838T. With around 450kW of power and 600Nm of torque, McLaren says it has the highest specific power output in the segment. It’s dry sump and flat plane crankshaft allow a low installation in the chassis for a low centre of gravity to enhance high-speed handling.
Drive is to the rear wheels via a McLaren-developed seven-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch gearbox (SSG). Gears are changed via a Formula One style rocker shift that pivots in the center of the steering wheel, there are variable programs (‘Normal’, ‘Sport’, ‘Auto’ – which includes a ‘Winter’ mode and launch control).
The gearbox also features an innovative system called ‘Pre-Cog’ where the driver pre-selects a gear, priming the transmission for a rapid change.
As you would expect, the chassis is a state-of-the-art development for light weight, rigidity and safety. The heart is a carbon fibre composite tub called the carbon MonoCell (McLaren was the first to bring this aerospace technology to Formula One back in 1981 and it was also used in the company’s previous road car projects).
The MonoCell is a revolutionary one-piece moulding, produced in just four hours and weighs only 80kgs.
Front suspension components are mounted directly onto the MonoCell for enhanced rigidity. The suspension system is double wishbones with coil springs and interconnected hydraulic dampers.
McLaren has developed a new design called Proactive Chassis Control with mechanical anti-roll bars replaced by an adjustable roll control system. And the array of electronic aids is staggering: ABS, ESP, ASR traction control, EBD, Hill Hold and Brake Steer.
The braking system uses a forged aluminium bell that attaches to the cast iron disc. Carbon ceramic brakes will be available as an option.
Reflecting the company’s racing heritage, the superbly styled body is an aerodynamic masterpiece. “All the fins, vents and the flat underbody are there for a reason. No styling addenda have been incorporated for appeal or style alone,” explained McLaren Automotive’s Design Director, Frank Stephenson.
Like the first McLaren F1 road car, the MP4-12C features dihedral doors which open via a forward move, followed by an upward opening – allowing easy access and a smaller opening than traditional or gull-wing doors.
Reflecting the MP4-12C’s performance, it features an aircraft style active Airbrake (a wing that deploys under braking which shifts the center of gravity from the air pressure forwards).
Inside, driver and passenger sit close together for better weight distribution and this also allows the pedals to be shifted inwards for clearer operation away from the front wheel well. Even the steering wheel has been proportioned based on feedback from the McLaren F1 team drivers.
Currently McLaren is conducting exhaustive proving and evaluation tests, using both real cars on race tracks and roads as well as its state-of-the-art simulator.
Locally, Car Showroom has heard that at least two prospective Australian enthusiasts have expressed interest with McLaren Automotive to buy one of the first MP4-12Cs.
