Report: McLaren Releases MP4-12C Develpment Video
If you’re at all interested in cars, you’re certain to be interested in McLaren’s new exotic, the MP4-12C. And if you’ve read anything about the new Ferrari-fighter, you’re likely impressed by its technological sophistication and want to know more about it. Well today must be your lucky day as McLaren Automotive has just release a short video highlighting the company’s extensive development process.
Not only is the MP4-12C stunning, but it has been built to rival the world’s best, with a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine that makes 600hp and 433 ft-lbs of torque. No performance specs have yet been released but we expect a 0-60 mph time of around 3.5 seconds with a top speed in the 200 mph range.
The V8 engine is mated to a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that promises even faster gear changes than conventional systems thanks to the ability to let the driver pre-load a gear by half pressing the shift paddle, which will ready the transmission for the next gear.
What really separates the MP4 from cars like the 458 however is the use of a full-cabon monocoque chassis (like the new Lexus LFA), rather than a weaker and heavier structure made of welded aluminum, steel, magnesium or other materials. This main chassis component weights just 176 lbs so we should expect the vehicle’s curb weight to be impressively low.
The MP4 will go on sale in 2011 with roughly 1,000 units being made ensuring the new car is highly exclusive. The car is expected to cost £160,000 ($265k).
GALLERY: McLaren MP4-12C
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
More by Colum Wood
![McLaren MP4-12C High Sport Is A Thing Of Beauty [Video]](https://cdn-fastly.autoguide.com/media/2023/06/27/12969280/mclaren-mp4-12c-high-sport-is-a-thing-of-beauty-video.jpg?size=350x220)
![McLaren MP4-12C Posts Unofficial 7:28 Nurburgring Lap Time [Video]](https://cdn-fastly.autoguide.com/media/2023/06/27/12965932/mclaren-mp4-12c-posts-unofficial-7-28-nurburgring-lap-time-video.jpg?size=350x220)
![Top Gear Spoiler: McLaren MP4-12C Posts Second Fastest Lap Time [Video]](http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/gallery.php/d/82750-4/mp4_12c_011_2.jpg?size=350x220)
Comments
Join the conversation