The McLaren MP4-12C is a high-performance sports car produced by McLaren Automotive, a British automaker. It was the first production car released by McLaren Automotive after the company's restructuring in 2010. Here's a brief history of the McLaren MP4-12C:
Development and Introduction
- The development of the MP4-12C began in 2008 under the codename "P11." It was designed to be a successor to the McLaren F1, which was produced between 1992 and 1998.
- McLaren Automotive, the road car division of McLaren, had previously focused on producing racing cars and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
- The MP4-12C was officially unveiled to the public at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
Design and Engineering
- The MP4-12C featured a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, known as the "MonoCell." This lightweight structure provided excellent rigidity and safety.
- The car was powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, developed in-house by McLaren. It produced 592 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.
- The engine was paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, offering rapid gear changes and seamless power delivery.
- The MP4-12C incorporated various advanced technologies, such as a Brake Steer system, which applied braking to individual wheels to enhance cornering performance, and a hydraulic suspension system with adjustable ride height and damping.
Production and Updates
- Production of the MP4-12C began in 2011 at McLaren's production facility in Woking, England.
- The car received positive reviews from the automotive press for its performance, handling, and technological advancements.
- In 2012, McLaren introduced a convertible variant of the MP4-12C called the MP4-12C Spider. It featured a retractable hardtop that could be operated at speeds up to 19 mph (30 km/h).
- Over the years, McLaren released several updates and special editions of the MP4-12C, including the 2013 "HS" (High Sport) edition and the 2014 "650S" upgrade, which brought more power, revised styling, and enhanced aerodynamics.
- In 2015, McLaren officially discontinued the MP4-12C, replacing it with the McLaren 650S as the primary model in their lineup.
Legacy and Influence
- The MP4-12C played a significant role in reestablishing McLaren as a prominent player in the supercar market. Its technological advancements and performance capabilities showcased McLaren's engineering expertise.
- The success and positive reception of the MP4-12C paved the way for subsequent models from McLaren, such as the P1 hybrid hypercar, the 570S, 720S, and the Speedtail.
- The MP4-12C established the foundation for McLaren's modern design language, characterized by sleek aerodynamics, distinctive LED lighting, and a focus on functional beauty.
Overall, the McLaren MP4-12C marked the beginning of a new era for McLaren Automotive, showcasing their commitment to producing exceptional sports cars with cutting-edge technology and performance capabilities.[
McLaren MP4-12C Technical Specifications
Year of Manufacture - 2010
| Engine | 90º M838T V8 w/Dry Sump Lubrication |
| Position | Mid, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Twin Turbo |
| Block material | Aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl w/dual VVT |
| Displacement | 3799 cc / 231.83 in³ |
| Bore | 93 mm / 3.7 in |
| Stroke | 69.9 mm / 2.8 in |
| Compression | 8.7:1 |
| Power | 447.4 kw / 600 bhp @ 7000 rpm |
| specific output | 157.94 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 418.41 bhp per tonne |
| Torque | 600 nm / 442.5 ft lbs @ 3000 rpm |
| redline | 8500 |
| Body / frame | Carbon Fiber Monocoque ‘MonoCell’ w/Aluminum Front & Rear Subframes |
| Driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Forged Aluminum |
| front tires | 235/35 R19 Pirelli PZero |
| rear tires | 305/30 R20 Pirelli PZero |
| front brakes | Cast Iron Discs |
| rear brakes | Cast Iron Discs |
| front wheels | F 48.3 x 21.6 cm / 19 x 8.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 50.8 x 27.9 cm / 20 x 11 in |
| Front suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Active Hydraulic Dampers |
| Rear suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Active Hydraulic Dampers |
| curb weight | 1434 kg / 3162 lbs |
| weight distro | 42.5 % / 57.5 % |
| wheelbase | 2670 mm / 105.1 in |
| front track | 1656 mm / 65.2 in |
| rear track | 1583 mm / 62.3 in |
| length | 4507 mm / 177.4 in |
| width | 1909 mm / 75.2 in |
| height | 1199 mm / 47.2 in |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Seamless Shift |
| Tran clutch | Dual-Clutch |
| top speed | ~330 kph / 204.93 mph |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~10.9 seconds |
| 0 – 100 kph | ~3.3 seconds |
| 0 – 200 kph | ~9.1 seconds |
| combined fuel econ eu | 11.7 L/100 km or 20.10 mpg-us |
| emission | 279 g/km |