McLaren – Page 14 – Automobiles Review

McLaren MP4-12C Spider at the track [video]

McLaren Automotive has released a new interesting promotional video for their latest model – the MP4-12C Spider. The sports drop-top car is based on the famous MP4-12C. As a basis of this model served the same super stiff carbon fibre MonoCell chassis as its hardtop sibling and this means that it will be nothing else but exciting and dynamic to drive.

The MP4-12C Spider is powered by the same twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine that produces 625HP (460 kW). It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph). In terms of efficiency, the MP4-12C Spider will average 11.7 L/100km (24.2 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 279 g/km.

The footage was shot using cinema-quality RED cameras and shows the car on the track as well as the mountain roads of southern Spain.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrPpxwYcFMM

July 12, 2012

McLaren MP4-12C Spider revealed

McLaren has just announced that McLaren MP4-12C Spider is now officially launched. The new 12C Spider has a lightweight, high powered engine which develops the incredible 625 horsepower (460 kW), has a RHT folding roof system and a carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis which is identical to that of the groundbreaking 12C.

The impressive output of the McLaren comes from the bespoke 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine which is mated to the 7 Speed SSG dual-clutch transmission. Spiders dynamics technology including Brake Steer, ProActive Chassis Control and the unique McLaren Airbrake. The latter delivers comfort in all driving conditions, and at the same time a great race car performance and handling on track.

The Retractable Hard Top is unique system of the 12C Spider which is operating utilizing a switch in the lower section of the centre console inside the cabin. In fact, it takes less than 17 seconds to raise or lower. And of course, the roof can be opened while 12C Spider is moving at speeds of up to 30 kph (19mph).

The 12C Spider also includes a passive Roll Over Protection System which optimizes passengers and drivers safety. Each buttress contains a steel structure, which was made to absorb impact energy and protect the occupants.

Furthermore, this amazing sportscar will be launched in Volcano Red. However, there are also 17 more exterior paint finishes which are going to be available.

The interior of the car includes an exclusive new trim, which has been developed for the 2013 model year 12C and new 12C Spider. High quality semi-aniline perforated leather and Alcantara are optional choices for the customers. Moreover, there is a new wheel design in Diamond Cut, Standard Silver or Stealth finishes.

As an optional choice will be also available the Vehicle Lift system, which allows the 12C Spider to be raised front and rear for improved ground clearance

McLaren 12C Spider is now available to order worldwide, its starting price begins from £195 500 and the first deliveries to customers are planned for November this year.

A short comparison between 12C Spider’s performance and 12C is below:

	MP4-12C Spider* (625 PS/616 bhp)	MP4-12C * (625 PS/616 bhp)
0-62 mph (0-100 kph)	3.1 sec	3.1 sec
0-100mph (0-161kph)	6.1	6.0
0-124 mph(0-200 kph)	9.0 sec	8.8 sec
¼ mile (400m)	10.8 sec @ 134 mph (216 kph)	10.6 sec @ 136 mph (219 kph)
V Max	204 mph (329 kph)	207 mph (333 kph)
Fuel efficiency, EU MPG (litres/100km)	24.2 (11.7)	24.2 (11.7)
CO2 g/km	279	279

McLaren MP4-12C Spider technical specifications:

Drivetrain layout	Longitudinal mid-engine, RWD
Engine configuration	V8 twin turbo
Engine material	Aluminium block and cylinder heads
Oiling	Dry sump
Compression ratio	8.7:1
Valvetrain	32-valve, DOHC, dual VVT
Redline ( rpm)	8,500
Bore x Stroke (mm)	93 x 69.9
Engine displacement (cc)	3799
PS / rpm	625 / 7500
Torque Nm / rpm	600 / 3000-7000
PS per litre	164
Transmission	7 Speed SSG
Body structure	Carbon fibre MonoCell with aluminum front and rear frames
Wheelbase (mm)	2670
Track, F/R (mm)	1656 / 1583
Length (mm)	4509
Width (mm) @ widest point	2093
Height (mm)	1203
DIN weight (kg / lbs)	1474 / 3249
Dry weight (kg / lbs)	1376 / 3033
Dry weight with lightweight options (kg / lbs)	1341 / 2956
Weight distribution at DIN F / R %	42 / 58
Active aerodynamics	McLaren Airbrake
Suspension	ProActive Chassis Control
ProActive Chassis Control modes	Winter / Normal / Sport / Track
Powertrain modes	Winter / Normal / Sport / Track
Brakes	Cast iron discs with forged aluminum hubs (F 370mm / R 350 mm)
Wheel sizes (F / R)	19” x 8.5”J / 20” x 11” J
Tyres (F / R)	Pirelli PZero 235/35 R19 / 305/30 R20

Source: McLaren

July 3, 2012

McLaren MP4-12C Spider – the next high performance sports car [Video]

McLaren MP4-12C Spider will open next chapter in the story of the automotive world. Almost a year after the appearance of the MP4-12C model and days after McLaren announced that the model is going to get some significant upgrades, they have just revealed their new high performance sports car – McLaren MP4-12C Spider.

The Spider will bring ore versatility to the range with its open top. In addition it will be powered by the astonishing twin-turbo V8-engine which will deliver an experience of 625 horsepower (460 kW), to everyone riding this open roofed 12C Spider.

As a basis of this model served the same super stiff carbon fibre MonoCell chassis as its hardtop sibling and this means that it will be nothing else but exciting and dynamic to drive.

Nevertheless, the open top is going to dial up the sensations experienced, the emotions felt and the noise heard. Can you already imagine it?

More information around this new exciting McLaren is going to be revealed in the next few days.

In the video below Jenson Button (Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Racing driver) speaks about the connection he feels with the machine he drives and about what he senses when driving a 300 km/h open top car.

httpv://youtu.be/TRNjLjlaeNc

Source: McLaren

June 29, 2012

2013 McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren news (from the road-going sector): As of this October, all the McLaren MP4-12Cs will get some extra power, a bit of a detail revision and a gadget for immature people just like us. We would really like to stress on the “all” part as even owners of previous years will get the upgrade…for free. This is how, Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director explains the company’s motivation:

“Given our racing heritage, it is in our nature to continuously seek out improvements. The team at McLaren Automotive recognises that our existing and future customers deserve the very best product and service we can offer, and the launch of the enhanced 12C reaffirms its position as the most powerful luxury sports car among its competitor set.”

So, why not improve on the feeble 600PS, 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine that’s been the driving force of the MP4-12C for almost an year now? (sarcasm included). By some in-house remapping and by tweaking the 7-Speed SSG transmission, the 2013 British supercar now has 625PS and 600Nm of torque delivered in a smooth and crispy tone. And by tone, we don’t mean that just metaphorically – The 12C’s unique Intake Sound Generator (ISG) system, which is responsible for the amount of engine intake sound heard in the cabin, now has settings within the range of three settings… if for some reason, you want your ears to start to bleed. Also, the fuel-conscious…who bought a $217,857 two-seater, will be happy to know that in spite of the buff, the economy stays the same – 24.2 mpg on the combined cycle. The jump in performance figures is not what you’d call staggering (the 0-62 mph run remains at 3.1 seconds) but on the 0-124 mph you do get a tenth of a second down at 8.8 seconds. The most noticeable change however, is on the 0-186 mph time which is 26.5 seconds as opposed to the previos 27.5 seconds. The top speed is up a notch from 205 mph to 207 mph.

Other than that, the climate control will now have an option to run as quiet as possible (all the better to hear that ISG thing, we guess), the touch sensor door “handles” will be dropped and replaced with buttons for customer feedback said so apparently and also every time it starts drizzling, the headlamps will light up.

The option’s list has also had it’s share fare of redesigning – new wheels, new finishes, superior leather and Alcantra interiors, a suspension lift system for speed humps and rough surfaces.

As said, all the techy upgrades for owners of the “older” MP4 generation will be absolutely complementary – the power output increase, the transmission revision, the sound generator settings and the “smart” headlights. You’ve got to hand it to McLaren on their knowledge of how to bond with their customers.

Source: McLaren Automotive

June 8, 2012

Hamann McLaren MP4-12C – The memoR

Hamann has released more pictures of their latest tuning project – The memoR. It is based on the super sports car – McLaren MP4-12C and features complete styling package.

The aerodynamics modifications include a new front bumper with LED daytime running lights, a new front spoiler in clear-coated Carbon black, a pair of side sills, a pair of front denders including air outlets, modified rear sidewalls, a carbon fiber bonnet, a rear wing, a roof air scoop and a rear apron including rear panel with 3 tailpipes.

The tuned McLaren sits on 21” Unique Forged II Anodized alloys 9J x 21” with 255/30 ZR21 front and 12.5J x 21” with 355/25 ZR21 at the rear.

There is an alternative set of Edition Race Anodized wheels in the same size as above.

No performance mods have been made. The engine is the well-known 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8 with 600HP (441 kW) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). ¼ mile in 10.9 seconds, which is a bit slower than the latest Nissan GT-R.

Source: Hamann

May 31, 2012

McLaren P12 – the F1 successor [render]

Jacek Kolodziejczyk a.k.a. Iacoski has released a render of the successor of the legendary McLaren F1. The new super sports car will be named P12.

The artist has created a speculative effort as to what the final model will look like and we like it very much. Of course, it reminds a lot of MP4-12C. The front end is practically the same, but the car is much wider and more aggressive than MP4.

Probably, the engine will be a tuned version of the 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that will be coupled with the Formula 1 derived kinetic energy recovery system (KERS). The expected overall power is around 900HP (671 kW). The P12 will be a direct rival to the successor of Ferrari Enzo.

Stay tuned for more information about this interesting vehicle. Of course, the McLaren F1 will remain our all times favourite sports car, but it will be interesting to see something new and … fast!

Source: iacoski via Facebook

May 9, 2012

Mercedes McLaren SLR vs Aston Martin DBS Mansory and Nissan GT-R [HD video]

Here is another very interesting video by Dragtimesinfo posted on Youtube. This time, the Sport, Leicht, Rennsport” McLaren Mercedes-Benz is coming against two slightly tuned sports cars – Nissan GT-R and Aston Martin DBS Mansory.

The SLR is powered by an all-aluminium supercharged SOHC 5.4 liter V8 engine delivering whopping – 626HP (460 kW) at 6500RPM and 780Nm (580 lb-ft) of torque at just 3250RPM. The engine runs on just 0.9 bar of boost. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission delivering all that power to the rear wheels. The curb weight is 1 768 kg (3,900 lb).

Performance– 3.8 seconds 0-100 km/h, 10.7 seconds 0-200 km/h and 0-300 in 30.6 seconds.

The price of the beast is $750 000.

How the mighty SLR copes with the tuned beasts? Check out in the video below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D72oc1ggvpE

Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

April 10, 2012

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 in 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship

The new McLaren MP4-12C GT3 is ready for race debut in 2012, following an intensive development programme in 2011. The competitive race season begins for new McLaren GT customer teams in Germany on 31 March, with the opening rounds of the VLN and ADAC GT Masters championships at the Nürburgring Nordschliefe and Oschersleben respectively.

The MP4-12C sports car, on which the GT3 racer is based, will also make its debut as a safety car in the FIA GT1 World Championship race at the Nogaro circuit in France on 8-9 April.

The McLaren race cars will wear the unique liveries of ART, ASM, Boutsen Energy, Gulf Racing, Molitor Racing, United Autosports and Von Ryan Racing. The JAS team will also take part in selected rounds of the championship. Footage of the new 12C GT3s at the test event in southern France can be seen at “mclarenautomotivetv channel” vai Youtube.

Gemballa Racing and Doerr Motorsport will compete in the 12C GT3 in the German VLN series, which includes the famous 24 Hour Nürburgring endurance race in May.

Molitor Racing and Gemballa Racing will run in ADAC GT Masters, and French FIA GT1 Champions Hexis Racing will line up on the grid of the FIA GT1 World Championship. Series Champions Apex Motorsport will enter a new 12C GT3 in selected rounds of this year’s British GT championship, while the Lapidus Racing team will contest the International GT Open series, and also compete in forthcoming 24-hour races at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Circuit de Catalunya in Spain.

Teams racing the 12C GT3 in 2012 have enlisted the services of highly successful racing drivers for the 2012 season. Former Formula 1 drivers Mark Blundell and David Brabham (also a Le Mans 24hr winning driver) will race for United Autosports and 2011 Formula 2 competitor Jack Clarke will drive for Boutsen Energy. Rob Bell, Alvaro Parente and Alexander Sims, who recently joined the McLaren GT driver line-up for 2012, will be placed with customer teams, while McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin will also contest selected races in a 12C GT3 throughout the season.

“I’m excited that we are so close to seeing the 12C GT3 in its first full race season. The feedback I have received from customers that have already taken delivery of the car is very positive.”, commented Andrew Kirkaldy, Project Manager for McLaren GT.

“The 2011 development programme was challenging, but had many highlights. We started with a pole position in qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps in the British GT Championship, and ended the race season with a third place finish in Macau. In one year, McLaren GT has taken the 12C GT3 from concept to race readiness. We will learn more about the car in the early part of the season – and expectations will naturally be high of a car full of Formula 1 technology – but our objective is to makes the 12C GT3 as much a pleasure to own and run as it is race.” , he added.

The 12C GT3 shares the same V8 twin turbo engine and carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis as its road car sibling, and its aerodynamic package was developed by McLaren GT in partnership with specialist engineers and designers at McLaren Automotive.

Source: McLaren

March 29, 2012

Hamann memoR McLaren MP4-12C at Geneva

Apparently, upon the release of the McLaren MP4-12C back in 2011, there had been an outcry of discontent about its looks from the public. Visually, it hadn’t been able to live up to its power and performance they say. Deemed too bland and “evoraesque”? Well to those who feel under the weather when looking at a standard MP4-12C, there is a solution – It’s the memoR by Hamann which is currently making its debut within the halls of the 82^nd Geneva Motor Show.

Roughly speaking, the memoR is a stylistically buffed MP4-12C. No performance upgrades, no chassis fiddling and no 20 or something inch tv’s inside. It’s simply with added “uniqueness” now, according to Hamann.

The main inspiration for the restyle was drawn from the 1995 LeMans winner, the McLaren F1 GTR. Obviously, they didn’t manage to put the driver’s seat back at the center of the cabin but were nevertheless on to something. Four ideas were tossed around when the people at Hamann got to work.

1 Reduce the concave surfaces.

2 Integrate the defining F1 bits and pieces.

3 Add some GT3 elements as well.

4 Create an exciting contrast shade.

By “concave surfaces”, Hamann mean the border of the front air intakes, the cross section of the hood, the rear side panel and the sill area. All of them have been removed. Now we have a large front splitter, an air scoop at the roof, deep drawn door sills a rear wing and a diffuser. Three centered tailpipes finish the look… and the massive wheel arches with the wheels underneath. They too finish it off. Hopefully now nobody will complain about it. All points have been covered.

Source: Hamann

March 10, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: FAB Design McLaren MP4-12C

FAB Design has announced their latest tuning project based on the supercar McLanre MP4-12C. The name of the project is Terso and it is currently exhibited at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The exterior boasts a new front fascia with intakes, modified rear bumper and a diffuser as well as a carbon fiber wing. The last touch is the roof-mounted scoop. The ride sits on 20” alloy wheels fitted with Dunlop SP SportMaxx performance tires.

The performance is also upgraded. The mighty twin-turbo 3.8 liter V8 develops 680PS (500 kW) and 715Nm (527 lb-ft), which is an overall increase of 80PS (59 kW) and 115Nm (85 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds dead and a top speed of 213 mph (343 km/h).

Source: FAB Design

March 9, 2012

2012 Geneva Motor Show: Gemballa GT McLaren MP4-12C

Gemballa has introduced the Gemballa GT based on the McLaren MP4-12C at the Geneva Motor Show.

“Our starting point is a aerodynamic styling kit and ultra-light forged alloy wheels, and we are developing an engine upgrade programme as well.”, commented Gemballa CEO, Andreas Schwarz.

The Gemballa GT comes with complete aerodynamic package including a new front spoiler, a new rear bumper, a pair of side skirts, a new rear apron and a rear wing.

The car sits on 20” alloy wheels at the front and 21” at the rear fitted with high-performance low-profile tires.

However, do not mistake this model to the recently introduced Racing MP4-12C GT3.

Source: Gemballa

March 7, 2012

Mansory McLaren MP4-12C

Mansory has introduced the customised McLaren MP4-12C, which received both styling and performance modifications.

The exterior comes with complete body kit including ultralight bonnet with exposed carbon-fibre sections, front and rear aprons as well as mirror housings and wheel arch extensions, which widen the vehicle by 60 mm. All components are made of carbon fibre and hardened in the autoclave under high pressure and temperature.

The performance mods include a high-performance exhaust system, a new engine-management system and a sports air filter with increased air throughflow. The result is 670PS (493 kW) at 7100RPM and 675Nm (498 lb-ft) at 3000RPM. This is an increase of 62PS and 75Nm over the factory power. After the modifications, the top speed is 353 km/h (219 mph).

The Mansory MP4-12C sits on enormous 9.0J x 20” with 245/30 ZR20 at the front and 11J x 21” with 305/25 ZR1 tires at the rear axle. The wheel set guarantees perfect traction even at speeds over 300 km/h.

The interior boasts newly designed airbag sports steering wheel, the aluminium pedals and the real carbon-fibre elements.

Source: Mansory

March 2, 2012

Tag: McLaren