2012 McLaren MP4-12C

Nothing drives like a McLaren MP4-12C because nothing has been designed like one. Everything in the MP4-12C sports car comes from scratch including the engine and transmission. Discover the first wholesome sports car created without using any sports car as a template at Park Place McLaren Dallas serving Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and surrounding states.

 

McLaren remains the only manufacturer to win the 'triple crown' of the motor sport world: F1 World Championship, the Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans. The lightweight MP4-12C with its small dimensions leads the sports car class in performance, safety, economy and CO2 emissions.

 

McLaren engineers started from scratch refusing to let any carry over parts from previous cars get in the way of their vision. In designing the MP4-12C, they had freedom without constraints to overcome the compromises that many took for granted in sports cars for too long.

 

With this freedom to innovate and create new technologies, the engineers have created a pure McLaren. "The MP4-12C has achieved all its performance targets in the same calculated fashion of its winning F1 team," writes Road and Track in its MP4-12C review.

 

The most remarkable and noteworthy features in the MP4-12C are MonoCell, M838T engine and seamless shift gearbox (SSG). The Carbon MonoCell is a carbon fiber composite chassis, which keeps the weight as low as possible and forms the structural heart of the sports car.

 

The strength and lightness benefit every aspect of the 12C's performance: from acceleration, braking and handling to refinement, emissions, safety and repairability. A carbon chassis is unique in this market segment — anything else would have been a compromise.

 

Existing engines weren't good enough for McLaren. Like the rest of the MP4-12C, this required working with a blank slate. When McLaren finished, it created the M838T, a twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V8 engine. This marks the start of a new era in core segment sports cars – smaller capacity, lighter weight, higher efficiency and more economical.

 

To support it, the engine needed a brand new, groundbreaking transmission. McLaren adds the revolutionary seamless shift gearbox technology and converts it into the 12C's seven-speed, dual clutch SSG. Edmunds says, "Lightweight construction, a midengine layout and an advanced suspension design that trades stabilizer bars for specialized dampers make the MP4-12C an exceptional handling machine." Combining the near instant shift times of a pure racing transmission with the effortless ease of an automatic gearbox, the drive can tailor the SSG to fit urban, open road and track driving with the twist of a switch on the 12C's Active Dynamics Panel (ADP).

 

"Quite simply, this is the most complete supercar the world has ever seen," says Car Magazine of the MP4-12C. Get a taste of unmatched sports car, customer service and experience at Park Place McLaren Dallas serving Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and neighboring states.

The interior's simplicity belies a world-class level of comfort and safety features that will include a full quota of airbags, fully automatic dual zone climate control, sophisticated computer and audio systems, parking sensors, trip computer, cruise control and electric memory seats.

 

McLaren packaged the interior to move the driver and passenger closer together to improve driving control. The creativity of the interior design itself aimed to set new standards by turning the MP4-12C cockpit into a uniquely comfortable and functional space. The design offers a symmetry that wraps around the occupants and makes them feel not only physically, but also emotionally comfortable.

 

The space efficient interior comfortably accommodates 98% of all adults. McLaren has achieved this with the 7-inch touch screen computer system oriented in portrait mode, a first for the automotive industry. Portrait mode is more intuitive than landscape mode because people read down a page and our mobile telephones and other personal information devices are configured this way.

 

This is one of the many reasons the MP4-12C design bucks the trend towards ever wider sporting cars. The innovative information center provides all normal computer functions such as audio, navigation and telephony, while providing some new features never before seen in a car. Meridian, the renowned producer of state-of-the-art sound systems, is developing its first ever in-car system for the 12C.

 

Visibility. McLaren designers paid great attention to all-round visibility for both safety and driving precision. The low hood gives a full six degrees downward vision from eye height giving the driver a clear view of the front of the car.

 

Steering wheel. The steering wheel is probably the most important sensory item for any driver. Apart from the feel and feedback from the front wheels, the actual grip and design of the wheel itself is paramount. The small and tactile steering wheel contains no buttons to distract the driver.

 

The steering wheel grip of the 12C is as technically precise as a McLaren racing driver's wheel. This is because engineers used past Formula 1 championship-winning drivers' grips as the model. Such attention to detail is evident throughout the McLaren MP4-12C's interior and the car does not suffer an over abundance of switches, knobs and dials.

 

Controls. All controls have their own place and are accessible within a hand's distance from the steering wheel. The instrument cluster has a large central tachometer and digital speed readout. Behind the steering wheel (and moving with it) is a Formula 1-inspired rocker for changing gears.

 

All the controls are bespoke, designed exclusively by McLaren, and not a single one has come from the parts bin of another manufacturer. The two rotary switches control powertrain and handling, each having three position settings for normal, sport and high performance driving modes.

 

Seating. The supportive, lightweight seat is comfortable and electronically adjustable for height. There is plenty of stowage space in the car with a shelf behind the seats big enough for small bags and a floating center console that leaves space beneath for a large storage container.

 

IRIS. The IRIS option includes satellite navigation, 64GB hard drive storage and 1GB flash memory, complimented by a bespoke audio package, designed in partnership with world-renowned specialists, Meridian. This 7-speaker surround sound system delivers a superior, pure and vibrant audio experience, incorporating the very latest Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology in a compact, lightweight package.

 

Like every critical element of the MP4-12C, its onboard entertainment, media and communication systems have been specially designed to McLaren's exacting requirements. The result – whether you select the standard system or optional IRIS upgrade – is a bespoke, innovative and truly exceptional multimedia platform.

 

ProActive Chassis Control system. The aim of building the first no-compromise sports car presented the greatest challenge to McLaren's suspension engineers. They had to design a system that could deliver both racecar-like grip and body control, and comfort to match some of the best luxury saloons. The only possible response was to innovate, and their answer is the ProActive Chassis Control system.

 

It does away with traditional anti-roll bars in favor of hydraulically interconnected adaptive dampers controlled, like the gearbox, by the driver in three stages (Normal, Sport or Track) via the Active Dynamics Panel in the cockpit.

The McLaren MP4-12C has been designed around a demanding mechanical package that puts emphasis on aerodynamics, compact dimensions, performance and efficiency, practicality and comfort. Aerodynamics and engineering innovation drive the design of the 12C; the reason why McLaren Automotive believes it will remain contemporary and elegant throughout its lifetime as well as distinctive among its peers.

 

Styling. The overall design theme supports engineering and aerodynamic ambitions. Purity of lines give the car its character. All the fins, vents and the flat underbody are there for a reason. No styling additions have been incorporated for appeal or style alone. This aerodynamic purity explains why this car can hit top speed with great stability without resorting to tea tray wings or deep front air dams.

 

Successful car design is based on proportions and McLaren's styling team, whilst driven by the demands of the purest airflow, honed a mix of concave and convex surfaces that present balanced proportions and a feeling of lightness. Nothing is out of place on the car and surfaces interact smoothly and with purpose; surfaces that are integrated into the whole of the car along two continuous lines that flow round the body.

 

A perfect example of the exterior design resulting from the combination of aerodynamics and engineering innovation is the front of the car, from the A-pillar forwards. It is very low and narrow, since it does not have to house large engine cooling radiators, two of which are mounted longitudinally at the sides behind the occupants. This offers the added benefit of segment-leading space for storage under the hood.

 

This intelligent use of air flow defines the car. Moving the radiators back also means that the same air that flows through the radiators also cools the engine, whilst it also reduces the length of pipe work within the car and volumes of associated fluids, thereby reducing weight.

 

Face. The MP4-12C's face is dominated by large and distinctive air intakes. A removable front splitter, bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights inspired by the form of the McLaren logo, and a large windscreen with low cowl complete the 12C's face. The McLaren logo itself also graces the hood of a road car for the first time.

 

Headlights. Illumination from the running lights bleeds into three distinctive gills just above the headlamps. The windscreen is deep and low for superb forward visibility and redolent of the McLaren F1: in wet weather it is swept by a single weight-saving pantograph wiper blade, as was the F1.

 

From the side, the 12C cannot be mistaken for another sports car. The dominant side air inlets are divided by dramatic turning vanes that help direct (without slowing) cooling air over the in-line side radiators. This shape was designed and optimized using McLaren's extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) capability. Likewise, the scalloped shoulders drive airflow to the Airbrake, thereby enhancing its effectiveness in the aerodynamic package.

 

Dihedral doors. The other prevailing design characteristics are the dihedral doors (a hereditary gene from the McLaren F1), which has a clear purpose, like every other element of McLaren's design ethos.

 

The concept of dihedral doors is simply to allow the driver and passenger to get into and out of the car as easily as possible as well as allowing a smaller door opening than would otherwise be necessary. The simple act of moving the door forward and upwards invites the driver to step across the sill and sit in the car more easily. The door can be opened and closed from a seating position.

 

In tighter parking situations, dihedral doors allow ingress and egress in a situation where another car has parked too closely. In traditional door systems a larger parking space is necessary to permit the doors to open wide enough.

 

With its single hinge, the dihedral doors offer weight-saving features and are unique to the McLaren brand. As is the handle-free keyless door entry system that offers both a purity of design as well as a contribution to the car's aerodynamics: door handles disrupt air flow.

 

Wheels. The design of the standard cast alloy wheels (19” front, 20” rear) was driven by McLaren's lightweight objectives: the styling was agreed in concept, and then the wheel was tuned using finite element analysis to take a further 4kg out of the wheels. Bespoke Pirelli tires have been developed in conjunction with McLaren specifically for the MP4-12C.

 

The 12C's rear is unique. Exhaust pipes exit high, in the centre of the car and straight out from the engine – minimizing their length and therefore weight. The rear features a bank of slats and vents to ensure efficient evacuation of hot air from the engine bay, and the engine itself is visible through a thin glass cover on the rear deck.

 

The LED tail light clusters do not dominate the rear - they are only visible when illuminated - and appear ‘hidden' behind horizontal black bars. The two upper bars at the rear light up as LED brake lights and turn indicators. Below the light clusters, the business-like appearance is completed with the car's downforce optimized rear diffuser, edged with the reverse light and reflector.

 

At just 4507mm long, 1895mm wide at the front axle (1908mm rear) and 1199mm high, the 12C is short, narrow, and low, and has short front and rear overhangs due to its long 2670mm wheelbase – a layout that promotes stability and assists handling response. There will be no mistaking the MP4-12C from front, side or back.

Carbon MonoCell. The lightweight MP4-12C Carbon MonoCell acts as a safety survival cell like it does for a Formula 1 car. In the event of an accident, the design of the lightweight aluminum alloy front and rear structures absorb impact forces in a crash and can be easily replaced. Aluminum extrusions and castings are jig welded into the finished assembly and bolted directly to the MonoCell. Cars with full aluminum chassis use their structure to absorb and crumple on impact, which implies more fundamental damage (and expense) to the whole structure, including the passenger cell, in a major accident.

 

Advanced Alarm System. Doors, luggage cell and engine bay are monitored, while an anti-tow sensor activates the alarm if anyone attempts to tow the car while it's locked

 

Parking Sensors. The available eight flush-mounted parking sensors on the MP4-12C front and rear bumpers activate a warning sound to help ensure safe and easy parking.

 

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Continuously checks the pressure and temperature of each tire at all times.

 

Fire Extinguisher. The fire extinguisher is securely housed in the luggage cell.

 

McLaren Vehicle Tracking. Stolen Vehicle Tracking System option locates your 12C if it's stolen. It includes a one-year subscription to the service that also provides access to the 24/7 customer helpline.

M838T engine. The McLaren MP4-12C is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V8 engine – the M838T. The engine has the highest specific power output in its segment which, when allied to its low weight carbon composite chassis, delivers exemplary power- and torque-to-weight ratios.

 

M838T is a unique McLaren power unit, developed specifically for the MP4-12C. It is compact, lightweight, very stiff, and offers an uncompromising combination of very high performance and good drivability, with excellent economy and CO2 emission values.

 

The engine had to integrate perfectly with the rest of the car. So the M838T is also light, at just 199kgs. Its dry-sump design means it sits incredibly low in the chassis, lowering the center of gravity and improving handling. And its flat-plane crank and optional Sports Exhaust deliver an exhilarating howl as it spins to its 8,500rpm redline, because you won't judge an engine by its numbers alone.

 

M838T features dual variable valve timing and produces around 600bhp and 443 lb-ft of torque. A dry sump and flat plane crankshaft allow the engine to be placed extremely low in the chassis thereby lowering the centre of gravity and improving handling responses. It also features composite cam covers and intake manifolds, which reduce weight and heat transmission into the charge air, as well as aluminum liners for further weight reduction.