After countless spyshots and renders, and hours of speculation, Mclaren have torn the disguises off their latest creation and are showing it for all to see.
Named the MP4-12C, this model will reignite the historically awesome but dormant British brand, taking the fight right to the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini. The Italians may have to reason to sweat as well; years of planning, testing and development have gone into this completely purpose-built car. I say purpose built, because Mclaren claim that no part of this car is parts-bin special; right down to the stereo knobs and buttons. Impressive.
Okay, here are the dirty, gritty details of F1’s little brother. Lightweight performance is at the core of the MP4-12C’s design and ethos. Anything unnecessary hasn’t even been contemplated for inclusion on this car. Or, in their words:
” McLaren MP4-12C represents ‘pure McLaren’; from unique engineering to bespoke design where everything is for a reason ”
The chassis consists of something called ‘Carbon MonoCell’. If you aren’t a scientist, all that means it’s damn exotic, and damn light. As a one-piece mould, It is also provides a very rigid and tense structure, the way Mclaren have done it is a first. This lightweight chassis is wrapped in lightweight panels, ensuring an incredibly low overall weight.
Driver and passenger are crammed together to accommodate a narrower body, thus lowering overall weight. Forged aluminium braking hubs also knock off an extra 8 kilograms along. Even the exhaust hasn’t been left alone, it is designed with lightweight and high performance in mind, exiting the car at the earliest possible convenience.
Powering the MP4-12C is a purpose-built 3.8 litre V8, aided by twin-turbochargers. Also boasting a very strong lightweight design, power is pegged at around 600 bhp and 600 Nm of torque; official figures are yet to be confirmed. Named ‘M838T’, the purpose-built powerplant is riddled with composite materials, and impressively will be able to unleash 80% of available torque by 2,000rpm.
Mclaren’s heritage of competition racing pops up frequently throughout the MP4-12C’s design and features. Brake steer, technology that increases control throughout cornering is featured, along with Airbrake to create a compelling package.
Further details are yet to be unveiled, but expect them soon.
