With the MP4-12C now out in the open, McLaren has released a video detailing the car’s development process. The video gives us a rare, behind the scene look at the vehicle development process, including the people that make everything happen.
Scheduled to enter production in 2010, the MP4-12C will compete with the Ferrari 458 and Lamborghini Gallardo. Recalling the wedge shape of the legendary F1, the MP4-12C also shows hints of inspiration from its Italian rivals.
Power comes from a 3.8-liter mid-mounted V8 delivering 600 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The twin-turbocharged M838T motor is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission and can spin up to 8500 rpm. Of course, the torquey motor achieves 80 percent of its peak twisting power below 2,000 revs, so flirting with the redline can be saved for special occasions.
The new gearbox is a particularly interesting highlight. Known as SSG (Seamless Shift Gearbox), the unit features an industry-first dubbed Pre-Cog. The system enables the driver to half-press one of the shift paddles in order to preselect the next gear ahead of a downshift or upshift. This dramatically shortens shift time, the automaker promises.
The MP4-12C’s main structure is composed of carbon fiber, resulting in an extraordinarily low curb weight of 3,000 pounds. Amazingly, the floor structure of the passenger compartment — an integral part of the chassis — is crafted as a single unit and weighs just 176 pounds. The body panels are also light, made of aluminium and SMC plastic.
And about that alphanumeric moniker: Despite what you might think, it’s not an attempt to upstage Japanese cell phone makers. Rather, the numbers and letters do have a pretty understandable meaning. MP4 has been the chassis designation for all McLaren Formula 1 cars since 1981. The “12″ is a reference to the top echelon of McLaren’s internal rating system, and the C is either a reference to the car’s carbon fiber construction or its coupe body style. Rumor has it the roadster variant will be named MP4-12, so we tend to think the latter explanation is correct.
McLaren says it will build 1,000 examples in the first year of production. Expect a price tag of around $250,000. Deliveries will begin this spring.
Hi-res Images
11/13, 10:04 AM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
this video, and the last buick vid, appear as a white box to me (ie broken) using firefox 3.5.5 & flash version 10.0.32.18
11/13, 10:31 AM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
The F1 was an awesome car. This car should be even better!! Hopefully it will establish itself as a mass production exotic car company like Ferrari and Lamborghini.
11/13, 10:32 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
McLarens don’t interest me for some reason.
11/13, 10:54 AM
posted by:
CiNO
It should be better than its ancestor. If it’s not, there is no reason it can be better than SLS, LFA, and Italia.
11/13, 11:07 AM
posted by:
scratchy
i remember the time when a new supercar was released and everyone was surprised and excited about it. nowadays you get bored with the car before it’s released. i’ll have to move into the mountains again , away from all the evil internets.
@idrinorbarsaku , i’m with you on that.
11/13, 1:31 PM
posted by:
jzcarguy
600hp from a 3.8L is pretty incredible! (granted its a v8 tt) and the back of that thing looks crazy – im not sure about the exhausts coming out up there… but suppose thats what supercars are about. crazy and unique stuff.
11/13, 1:52 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
@ idrinorbarsaku – Its cool dude. Just not your taste. Im a Ferrari person myself but for some reason Lamborghinis don’t appeal to me.
11/13, 1:58 PM
posted by:
Stix
I suppose the entire reason why the F1 became popular in the first place, was because of being the fastest car in the world with a naturally-aspirated 6.1L V12 engine (and it still is, even today). The Veyron and the SSC Ultimate Aero used turbochargers while the F1 didn’t. And the F1’s looks actually suited it well.
Nevertheless, 600HP from a small twin turbo V8 with an 8500 RPM red-line is also pretty hardcore as well.
11/13, 2:54 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
Yeah, I like the mechanics and powerplant of this car, but don’t care about it’s looks. Same with the mercedes SLS, I love it’s mechanical design/build, but I hate everything else.
11/13, 4:13 PM
posted by:
928dreamer
@Cino.
You have to understand that the McLaren F1 was an exercise to build the ultimate performance car regardless of cost. This car is designed from a business model to consider cost and make money.
McLaren is going to build their ultimate car later. From a performance standpoint, I’m guessing that car will be completely insane.
11/13, 6:02 PM
posted by:
reedfast
i think this car would look better if it were still the 90’s. The design is a bit outdated.
11/15, 9:11 PM
posted by:
Pazzo Canguri
release all the videos you want…..its still just a lotus looking only fast cause it has turbocharging wanna be ferrari…..
start again mclaren..
lol
11/17, 8:50 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for the VW Group
Audi R8 Clubsport, 997 911 GT2 MkII and Lambo LP550-2 Balboni will rip this Pommy pretender to shreds
VW. An European Invasion.