The MP4-12C – the Ruling-the-race Sportscar from McLaren Automotive

From a range of high-performance sports cars, the McLaren MP4-12C deserves to be tagged as a ruling-the-race car. With the specifications of a mid-engine sports car, this would-be-launched model from McLaren is petite in size and pretty in look. What is the most special about the 2-seat MP4-12C is that carryover parts from any other car are absent from its being. Priced in a range of $200,000–$285,000, it will surely mirror the personality of its possessor.

A one-piece Carbon MonoCell tub forms the heart of this future launch from McLaren. McLaren wants this model to shrug off expensive carbon body panels and to be light in wheels, high-exit exhaust system and forged-aluminum brake hubs due to high strengths and light weight of the MonoCell. The M838T, a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 that is manufactured and assembled by McLaren is the key to the functional being of the car. It features not only intake manifolds, composite cam covers and dual variable valve timing but also a flat-place crankshaft within its framework.



Proactive Chassis Control system, meant for class-leading performance and ride comfort is a standout feature of the car’s double-wishbone suspension. Traditional anti-roll bars are replaced with adjustable roll control to keep a check on the car’s pace through the hydraulic dampers. The three modes that are easily adjustable from the cockpit facilitate the transmission. To reduce understeer in a corner, there is Brake Steer, another feature that applies brake force to the inside rear wheel. It can also prevent the spinning of the inside rear tire on acceleration. Adding to the car’s stopping power is a rear airbrake.
The car’s body is made as narrow as possible to ensure more weight savings. The cockpit of the MP4-12C is as clean and clear, stylish and sophisticated. The forward-tilting, butterfly doors attribute a funky look to the being of the MP4-12C. The armrest of the doors comes with individual climate controls. The car’s styling is somewhat striking and somewhat subdued to avoid the “look-at-me” image that becomes rude and rough. The MP4-12C, a highly ambitious project of McLaren Automotive is set to hit the race road in the year of 2011.