Development of McLaren’s MP4-12C is moving right along, with the Experimental Prototypes of the car now progressing to the Beta stage. In order to highlight the recent developments of the forthcoming supercar, McLaren has released a second video detailing the car’s rigorous testing regimen.
The most notable change between the XP and XP Beta cars is the new matt black finish. Underneath, however, the XP Beta cars feature a number of changes, including a revised version of the twin-turbo engine, new gear ratios for the transmission, more efficient cooling, updated suspension components and an upgraded electrical system. XP Beta cars are now undergoing final shakedown testing at a number of global locations.
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 aluminum 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
02/24, 9:47 AM
posted by:
A4
I was under the impression this thing was ready for consumption months ago…
02/24, 10:21 AM
posted by:
scratchy
Lexus , McLaren , Mercedes , so much hype to promote their supercars. Ferrari just present their car when it’s finished and move on.
02/24, 10:28 AM
posted by:
scottns
Rather have an F1 over this.
02/24, 10:29 AM
posted by:
MurcieMe
Agreed! I was also under the impression that development of this car was done. It’s taken them long enough. Oh well. I’m looking forward to seeing one in person. I’ll probably never see an F1, but I’m sure Yorkville in Toronto will get a good dose of these like we do with Gallardo’s & F430’s.
02/24, 10:30 AM
posted by:
iggibiggi
I don’t know why, but I just don’t care one bit about this car!
02/24, 10:45 AM
posted by:
A4
I’ve seen an F1 a few times, some guy (Herb Chambers) has a summer house on the water nearby with a commercial gas dock and his McLaren sits there half of the time. It’s beautiful.
02/24, 10:52 AM
posted by:
71fiveanddime
from the front its just too plain for my tastes. way too conservative for the pedigree behind the company. im sure it will perform admirably, but i gotta go with iggibiggi- i just dont care about this car either.
02/24, 11:03 AM
posted by:
MurcieMe
I agree, it looks as if it was designed by a committee, ‘this is what a supercar would look like’ . . .
Only the rear end seems to have a unique style to it. The rest looks like amalgams of things we’ve all seen before.
02/24, 11:05 AM
posted by:
mobile1ph
Love the car, but can;t afford it. On that note though, I just saw official images of the new Aveo and it is SHARP!
02/24, 11:32 AM
posted by:
A4
Hell yeah, I saw the Aveo shots too, the interior tears apart the competition.
02/24, 11:48 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Only here could an article on a McLaren supercar turn into an Aveo lovefest in less than 10 posts. I love it.
02/24, 11:57 AM
posted by:
Borat
The fest did not start yet. I am waiting for carstuff and 0-60 to explain why it sucks compare to ‘Vette and Bankruptcy to announce that ‘Tang will beat the snot out if it. Did I miss anyone?
02/24, 12:12 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Just one Borat… the Doc should be along shortly to say it doesn’t stand a chance against the LFA. Oh…and Smegley will somehow find a way to blame it on Obama.
02/24, 12:21 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Pre-Cog? Someone watched Minority Report the night before. 250 large for a carbon monocoque isn’t bad at all.
02/24, 12:29 PM
posted by:
cupar
Johnny & Borat – man the yaris in it’s sexy 4 door version would blow past this thing, the gt500 will beat this car on any skid pad and the zr1 will destroy it in top speed, fuel economy, hp/L, every possible test.
Nah i’m surprised with the price tag it’s not that bad for a super car like this. I’ll be seeing one or two in Calgary
02/24, 12:30 PM
posted by:
Borat
I ain’t perfect Johnny
02/24, 12:31 PM
posted by:
Borat
cupar, you forgot that R8 will smoke it (literally with diesel option)
02/24, 12:44 PM
posted by:
Troll Killer
This car will be ridiculous. Nothing at this price range really stands any chance against the 12C except the 458 Italia. I’ll take one in white please.
02/24, 12:45 PM
posted by:
Troll Killer
And hopefully that idiot who drove the Veyron into the lake won’t get his hands on this.
02/24, 12:52 PM
posted by:
71fiveanddime
dont worry TK- he wont be able to get one because no one will insure him after the Veyron payout. dumb bastard
02/24, 12:56 PM
posted by:
rarson
The F1 is a brilliant car, but this car will be a lot better for actually driving on the street.
02/24, 1:09 PM
posted by:
cupar
+1 rarson. not taking away from this car though the F1 is brilliant and so is this car and just because this one will be better for the street doesn’t mean it won’t still be amazing.
02/24, 1:36 PM
posted by:
rarson
Yeah, and plus they’re both beautiful cars. Glad to see another McLaren, especially one so “affordable.”
02/24, 1:42 PM
posted by:
cupar
lol it’s okay nobody needs to put McLaren and affordable in the same sentence. Affordable super cars would be the lotus and…. nope just lotus.
02/24, 1:58 PM
posted by:
A4
Ariel Atom!
02/24, 2:19 PM
posted by:
rarson
Well, i mean affordable supercar like in the lower Ferrari range, as opposed to an expensive supercar like the Veyron.
I always tend to think of sports car pricing in terms of “cheap” (up to ~$35k), “normal” (up to ~$70k), “Porsche” (up to ~$150k), “Ferrari” (up to ~$400k), and “expensive” (everything else). I consider a high-performance car in the lower Ferrari (F430) range to be “affordable.” Porsches, for the most part, I would consider a bargain (even though they make so much money off every car they sell).
The fact that this car is a fraction of the price of the F1 really surprises me in a good way. I realize that the engine bay isn’t lined in gold, the steering wheel isn’t in the center of the car, and it’s not using a V12 engine, but it doesn’t have to. The car still only weighs 3000 lbs and looks beautiful, and a 600-hp 3.8L twin-turbo V8? Hell yes! Entry and exit should be a hell of a lot easier than with the F1. Better road manners and most of the track performance… I have a feeling this could actually give the F1 a run for its money at a fraction of the price.
02/24, 2:32 PM
posted by:
A4
The Veyron is classified as a “hypercar” as far as I know.
02/24, 3:33 PM
posted by:
scratchy
did they replace the V6 with a V8 ?
02/24, 3:36 PM
posted by:
scratchy
nevermind , it always had a V8.
02/24, 3:48 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
i’m not feeling the love…(borat, that’s *not* your cue)…
02/25, 3:32 PM
posted by:
rarson
I just call it ugly and heavy. I really don’t care how fast it is, I would never want to drive that thing around.