McLaren MP4-12C: specifications, price and photos of the supercar

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

At the mention of a brand like McLaren, many people immediately pop up memories of popular teams participating in Formula 1 races in expensive supercars. Of the latter, we can mention the McLaren MP4-12C. This is one of the best sports racing cars ever made. The world premiere of this vehicle took place at the Frankfurt Motor Show (Germany) in 2010. He then made his debut in 2011 at the 24 Hours of Spa (Belgian circuit).

McLaren Automotive is the best sports car maker

This is the legendary British supercar manufacturer. McLaren Automotive is known for its iconic sports car, the McLaren F1. Many believed that, having once created this creation, this manufacturer would not be able to repeat such success. But eighteen years later, the company releases its new brainchild - the McLaren MP4-12C. Externally, the cars are similar, butthe MP4-12C's design approach was completely different. The company's management has high hopes for the new supercar! Let's find out how it outperforms the first model.

Differences between MP4-12C and F1

The main difference of the MP4-12C is the monolithic body, which is assembled without a single joint.

The interior of the new model, unlike the F1, attracts attention with luxury. It is also full of electronics that allows you to determine the malfunction of the car. The system automatically contacts a nearby dealer and provides the address to the vehicle owner. When you arrive at the place, the master will fix the problem as soon as possible. This service in the company is called "pit stop". There are two seats in the cabin, not three, as in F1.

Engines in cars are different. In F1 - BMW S70 V12 (volume 6, 1 liter), and in MP4-12C - own design (described in more detail below). It also features an automatically controlled spoiler that acts as an air brake.

The MP4-12C is extremely durable. Lightweight and durable.

McLaren MP4-12C Specifications

So, "MP4" is the collective name of the McLaren formula cars, and "C" stands for Carbon (carbon).

Vehicle specifications:

• Length - 4507 cm.
• Width - 1909 cm.
• Height - 1199 cm.
• Coupe style
• At the heart of the body is a carbon-fiber monocoque "MonoCell", to which the chassis and motor are attached. Hanging parts are made ofaluminum and carbon fiber.
• Drive - rear.
• Disk radius – R20.
• Engine displacement - 3799 cc
• Number of doors and seats - two each.
• The volume of the fuel tank is 72 liters.
• Weight does not exceed 1400 kg.
• Engine capacity - 3.8 liters.
• Torque - 600 Nm.
• Transmission type - seven-speed robotic gearbox. Equipped with the "Pre-coq" system. Switching to a higher speed is instantaneous and smooth. Has three positions: Normal, High Performance, Sport.
• Suspension - double wishbones with self-produced springs.
• Stabilizers - hydraulic.
• Maximum speed is 330 kilometers per hour.
• The braking system is powerful and allows a car moving at a speed of 100 km per hour to stop in 3 seconds, the braking distance is 30 meters.

Super speed car engine

Previously, McLaren Automotive has developed a sports car engine with BMW (F1), Honda (MP4/6) and Mercedes Benz (Mercedes SLR, MP4/20). And now the British manufacturer can boast of its own development - this is a V-shaped engine. It is equipped with a VVT system and has two turbochargers. Produces six hundred horsepower. Spins up to 8500 rpm.

MP4-12C is the first McLaren to have this engine.

Cost

The described sports car went on sale in 2011. Hiscost was:

• in the UK - 199700 euros;
• in Germany - 200,000 euros;
• in France - 201,000 euros;
• in Italy - 201680 euros;
• in Russia - 212370 euros.

New modifications of the MP4-12C lineup

More recently, the McLaren MP4-12C was released, and in 2012 its racing version, the GT3, was already demonstrated. For many years, the McLaren GT division has been developed. The car has been completely redesigned. The sports car received a new aerodynamic body kit, which included: a massive diffuser, front splitter, side air intakes and a rear wing. The only thing that hasn't changed is the engine. The same turbocharged (V8) remained, its volume was the same 3.8 liters as in the previous model. Only the engine power was reduced by one hundred horsepower, and the speed - up to 7500 rpm. This decrease in these indicators is due to the fact that the developers sought to create a well-balanced racing sports car.

Instead of the seven-speed "robot", a Ricardo sequential gearbox was installed. Installed new ABC unit and Akebono brakes.

The car of the new model range received a package of improvements in the climate system, transmission, and electrical equipment. All improvements have been made in response to customer complaints. For example, the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 headlights are now connected to the rain sensor. The seats have an "Easy entry" function, which makes it easier to get in and out of the car. Updated color schemebody, new versions of rims were released. Changes have been made to the interior trim. Only about twenty GT3s will be made, each costing around $500,000.

On its fiftieth anniversary in November 2012, the McLaren Automotive division introduced an open version of the MP4-12C, which received the Spider prefix to the main name. The car has a folding roof, retractable in a special compartment behind the rear seats. Weight increased due to this up to 1474 kg. The engine is the same, but its power is 625 horsepower.

Maximum speed - 329 kilometers per hour with the roof up, and when lowered - 4 km per hour lower. The volume of the gas tank is 72 liters. From a standstill, the car accelerates to 100 km per hour in three seconds. The maximum number of seats is two for the McLaren MP4-12C Spider. The car is priced at $215,500.

McLaren Museum

This "forge" contains unique examples of supercars, Formula 1 race cars and other cars from the sixties to the present day. The collection is replenished every year with new models. Let's look at a few instances. Let's start with the McLaren MP4/6. This is the first racing McLaren to be powered by the Honda RA121E (V12) engine. Designed by Neil Oatley. McLaren developed it for the Formula 1 World Championship (for the 1991 season in Brazil).

Specifications are shown below.

• Weightcar - 505 kilograms.
• Tires – Goodyear.
• Suspensions: front and rear (active, with arms of different lengths).
• Engine - Honda V12. Volume - 3.5 liters.
• Transmission: six speed plus one reverse gear.
• There is a manual H-shaped box.

The car won the Constructors' Cup in 1991.

The museum also displays the iconic McLaren F1 sports car. It was designed in 1993. At that time it was the fastest supercar, it held this status until 2005.

The museum presents the car "Formula 1" - McLaren MP4/20. Developer - Team McLaren Mercedes. Designed by Adrian Newey and Mike Coughlan. A car was created to participate in the auto racing championship, which took place in 2005 (Australia). There were high hopes for him. It was recognized as the racing car of the same year by Autosport magazine.

Specifications:

• Engine - Mercedes-Benz.
• Volume - 3.0 liters.
• Power - 930 horsepower.
• Tires – Michelin.
• Box - semi-automatic. Seven speed plus reverse.
• The running gear has been completely redesigned after the failure of the previous two models (MP4-18 and 19). Shortened wheelbase.
• Distinctive features - the presence of wings of the "horn" type, which are mounted on the body behind the air intake.

These models are currently out of production, they can only be seen in the museum.

Accessory from the manufacturersupercars

Concern McLaren Automotive for its anniversary has developed an interesting accessory - the Tag Heuer Carrera MP4-12C chronograph. It is worth mentioning that the project was carried out in cooperation with such a great Swiss manufactory as Tag Heuer. The McLaren MP4-12C inspired watchmakers to create this amazing creation. In the style of the watch, you can find a reflection of the design and color of the car. The basis of the dial was carbon. Initially, the masters of the concern used this material to make the frame of a sports car.

The dial has large hour indices. The peculiarity of the chronograph is that instead of the traditional number “12”, zero is set. The aperture is in the center. There are three anti-reflective orange hands. The watch is covered with sapphire crystal. Their heart is the Dubois-depraz 4900 movement. The accessory is available with a leather strap, decorated with orange stitching. The model is priced at $10,500.

So, the great F1 remained a legend, and the McLaren MP4-12C car turned out as it was intended - a supercar with excellent speed characteristics, great design. At the moment, the British firm plans to further develop the MP4-12C lineup.