McLaren MP4-12C is the supercar that all sensational McLaren F1 fans expect.
McLaren F1 has been for long time the most competent supercar that you could purchase, and the news of a replacement could not arouse than curiosity and enthusiasm. With a name difficult to remember (MP4 is the codename of the cars in Formula 1 and C appear to come from carbon), McLaren's F1 successor comes also with many innovations. No, it has no more the unusual position of central management and no more gold underneath, but the supercar is announced as very agile and easy. First, it is entirely made of carbon fiber, even the frame is knead with the same noble material. Thus, it is expected to weigh about 1300 kilograms. The price of this supercar is about 200 000 euros.
Second, the league of super cars comes with a relatively small capacity engine, propeller which this time is fully developed by McLaren and is not taken from BMW, as in the case of F1. But the power unit of 3.8 liter V8 twin-turbo is more than respectable, reaching 600 hp.
Power is managed by a dual-clutch box and seven reports, with a new feature. Perhaps we all know how a camera with auto focus works: you press the shutter halfway down to focus, then pushing the total and the obtained picture. Is the same thing in case of McLaren MP4-12C: paddle to hit a half step is selected and the total pressing thus resulting in a change almost simultaneously.
With these specifications, although we have no official figures, we expect McLaren MP4-12C to sprint to 100 km /h in about 3 seconds. Three modes will be disponible in this model management system: Normal, Sport and High Performance, offering more and more adrenaline to the driver.
With a relatively low center of gravity and a small weight, this fireball should feel very good at curves like straight line, especially because it has a system called Brake Steer, which stifles wheel on the inside curve to prevent understeering. Aerodynamics is also made to help in this regard, MP4-12C having a floor completely flat and all the body (spoilers, air intakes, etc..) have a functional role.
In the design, you can see some evolution of McLaren F1, while keeping a similar pace, but stirring it with modern elements such as LED lights both in front and in the posterior. A white ball for doors that open vertically by pushing some paddles. The interior is quite simple, the only high-tech element is a 7 inch touch screen on the center console. However, the simplicity of the passenger compartment it has also also excellent visibility, something rarely to super cars.
This model will enter series production in 2011 and will be quite exclusive. Not as exclusive as the McLaren F1, produced only 106 pieces, but each year will be produced about 1,000 pieces, much less than Ferrari or Lamborghini.
