McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren Automotive built it’s off-track reputation primarily on the iconic McLaren F1 (1993-1998), and later, with the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (2003-2009). Another pure McLaren, one combining the company’s F1 racing heritage and it’s tunnel-vision focus on materials and engineering, had been rumored for several years – and the company made the MP4-12C public earlier this Fall. The car will go on sale in 2011, for a price of between $230,000 and $250,000 in the US market, which will probably account for about one quarter of total sales – about 1000 examples of the car will be created in the first production year. The most striking and unique feature of the MP4-12C is the extensive use of carbon fiber – it runs from the Carbon MonoCell body down to the mirror casings, engine cover and engine-bay panels. The curbweight hasn’t been released yet, but it’s set to be around svelte 1.3 tons. Power is derived from a mid-mounted 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, developing approximately 592 bhp, and around 443 lb·ft of torque. McLaren claims the MP4-12C can accelerate from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in under 10 seconds, with a top speed in excess of 322 km/h (200 mph), and can brake from 200 km/h (124 mph) to a complete stop in under five seconds. Critics have called this a Ferrari F430 ripoff, or just a status symbol car. Both are valid critiques; neither is likely to deter the buyer who wants an unprecedented, feather-light supercar that doesn’t have a Stallion or a Bull logo. Whether you think this car is sick or sickening, there are some interesting design features.

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