2012 McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren. The very name evokes memories of both the Formula 1 team and one of the most popular rare, more expensive super cars ever built. This created a niche manufacturer, the MP4-12C is likely to inspire the same enthusiasm as the million dollar McLaren F1 did throughout the 1990s. But in 2012, McLaren MP4-12C is a departure from the old blank check efforts, it is intended to be an "affordable" exotic, you hold that $ 230,000.

For the money, the rich driving enthusiasts will appreciate a very nice sports car. A 3.8-liter V8 with an exceptional amount of screaming boost twin turbo with 592 horsepower, while a dual-clutch transmission offers a seven-speed automated manual speed, changes almost transparent. Lightweight construction, layout and design of advanced midengine suspension stabilizer bars operations specialist shocks handling the MP4-12C machine outstanding.

Style McLaren does not flash as some might expect from an exotic. Instead it is a performance focused and manageable package leads dynamic performances do the talking. Yet dihedral doors that pivot upward, a pillar gives the car a unique look.

Within the price range of $ 250 000 exotic (!), MP4 12C face stiff competition from Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo and Porsche 911 GT2 RS. With the company of its kind, it is impossible to choose a loser, let alone suggest a winner. It is safe to say however that the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will be auto lust for some time.

The 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is a car that inspires adulation at the highest level. In a nutshell, is one of the best sports cars ever made. The first reports to compare their management with concise and lightweight Ariel Atom, but the car can drive this full-featured cross-country, like a Lamborghini or a Ferrari. If it is accelerating, braking or extraction of high-g turns, the McLaren has great body control - not dive squat, or roll itself. The credit goes to the active suspension technology and the MP4-12C is incredibly efficient (but discrete) electronic driving aids.

Some purists might complain that the manual gearbox, but the McLaren is a double-clutch seven-speed automatic is just as good as it gets. Shifting out of focus in a row with virtually no interruption of power delivery. Gearshift are inspired by Formula 1, each blade is connected to the steering column and gearbox can be useful and downshift. And when you choose a cruise fully automatic, the car's performance limits are relatively intact.

While the ultimate benefit may be the key objective in 2012 McLaren MP4-12C, the driver can always call a balance of between comfort and sportiness. "H" handle selector control and adjusts the control of the suspension, steering and stability in the two parameters Normal, Sport or track. The same parameters also applies to "P" key that controls the powertrain options, which regulates the throttle mapping, managing and moving your intake plenum in the cockpit. The sound of the V8 turbo engine might be too quiet for some fans, but the gauge (or sport exhaust option) will provide a soundtrack more visceral.

McLaren F1

The McLaren F1 is a super car designed and manufactured by McLaren Automotive. Originally a concept conceived by Gordon Murray, he convinced Ron Dennis to back the project and engaged Peter Stevens to design the exterior of the car. On 31 March 1998, it set the record for the fastest road car in the world, 240 mph (386 km/h).
The car features numerous proprietary designs and technologies; it was designed and built with no compromises to the original design concept laid out by Gordon Murray. It is lighter and has a more streamlined structure than even most of its modern rivals and competitors despite having one seat more than most similar sports cars, with the driver's seat located in the middle (and slightly forward of the passengers seating position providing excellent driving visibility). It features a powerful engine and is somewhat track oriented, but not to the degree that it compromises everyday usability and comfort. It was conceived as an exercise in creating what its designers hoped would be considered the ultimate road car. Despite not having been designed as a track machine, a modified race car edition of the vehicle won several races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995, where it faced purpose-built prototype race cars. Production began in 1992 and ended in 1998. In all, 106 cars were manufactured, with some variations in the design.
In 1994, the British car magazine Autocar stated in a road test regarding the F1, "The McLaren F1 is the finest driving machine yet built for the public road." and that "The F1 will be remembered as one of the great events in the history of the car, and it may possibly be the fastest production road car the world will ever see.".

Brown McLaren F1 Concept
Silver McLaren F1 Outstanding
Elegant Silver McLaren F1
BLack McLaren F1 Great Design
Orange McLaren F1 Front Side View
Luxury Black McLaren F1

VIDEO: New McLaren MP4-12C Beats the Snot Out of Ferrari 458 Italia and Porsche 911 Turbo in Drag Race

Even before McLaren released the final specifications on the brand-new MP4-12C, we knew that the British firm's supercar was fast, but if we are to believe this video that mysteriously popped up on Youtube, then the MP4-12C has a serious speed edge over some of its most famed rivals - at least in a straight line race. The video shows the McLaren MP4-12C clearly beating both the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Porsche 911 Turbo MkII [997] in a drag race believed to have taken place at the Portimao Circuit in Portugal. You can watch the short clip along with a couple more fresh videos released by McLaren right after the jump.

Via: GTspirit & McLaren

McLaren MP4-12C Final figures [Official]

• 0 - 200kph in 9.1s (8.9s on optional Corsa tyres)
• CO₂ emissions of 279g/km (equating to 24.2 EU mpg combined)
• 0 - 100kph in 3.3s (3.1s with optional Corsa tyres)
• top speed: 330kph (205mph)
• 100 - 0 kph in 30.5 m (100 ft)
• ¼ mile: 10.9s @ 135 mph
• dry weight (with lightweight options): 1301kgs / 2868 lbs
• carbon MonoCell chassis weight: 75kgs / 165 lbs
• power: weight (lightweight options): 461PS / 455bhp per tonne.
• power: 600PS (592bhp) at 7,000 rpm
• torque: 600Nm between 3,000 – 7,000 rpm

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McLaren MP4-12C Enters Production, 1,000 Cars to be Built this Year [with Video]

McLaren Automotive's brand new MP4-12C has reached another milestone with the start of production at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, England. The British sports car maker said it plans to build up to 1,000 examples of the MP4-12Cs this year, with most cars to be manufactured in a bespoke new £40m McLaren Production Centre, which is due for completion in May on a site neighboring the MTC facility.

The MP4-12C was first presented to the public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in southern England in July 2010, ahead of a North American debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August of the same year.

It is powered by a mid-mounted 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 600HP and 443 lb-ft, developed in-house by McLaren, and can complete the standard 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in under 3.0 seconds and the quarter mile in around 11 seconds, while reaching a top speed in excess of 200mph or 322km.

Prices for the MP4-12C start at around €200,000 in mainland Europe, £168,500 in the UK and at $229,000 in the US.

Today, McLaren also released a new short film called 'Best of 2010', which features appearances from F1 racing stars Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, visitors’ reactions to the 12C at its debut events as well as new footage of the car winter testing at Dunsfold Aerodrome. Scroll down to watch it.

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Man Amasses Ridiculously Awesome Gulf Oil-Liveried Racing Car Collection

The ROFGO Gulf Collection by Duncan Hamilton is one man's dream of assembling the largest assortment of racing cars ever to compete in the legendary colors of Gulf Oil. The collection comprises 14 of the most prominent Gulf Oil-liveried competition cars and has been created by Duncan Hamilton & Co.’s Chairman, Adrian Hamilton, for an unnamed but obviously passionate and extremely wealthy client.

All 14 cars were tracked down and acquired in just two years. The collection includes a variety of models ranging in age from the 1967 Mirage, which was the first Gulf-liveried car to run at Le Mans, to the 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo that competed in the GT2 Championship.

Commenting on the collection, Adrian Hamilton said: “My career has been punctuated by many remarkable cars – eg the one and only Mercedes-Benz 196 Grand Prix car in private hands, some nine Ferrari 250 GT0s, 20 GT40s, seven Porsche 917s and numerous Jaguar C and D-Types etc – but few projects have been as enjoyable and satisfying as this one. Like all racing enthusiasts I’ve grown up with the Gulf brand and it is a tremendous privilege to be able to build such a unique and lasting tribute to one of the greatest names in our sport. I am extremely indebted to my client for the opportunity.”

A total of 12 cars from the ROFGO Gulf Collection by Duncan Hamilton will get their first public outing for all to see at Retromobile, an annual show of classic road and racing cars, which takes place at Porte de Versailles in Paris, from February 2 to 6.

In chronological order the 14 cars are:

• 1967 Mirage

Chassis No.10002 – the first Gulf-liveried car to run at Le Mans

• 1968 Ford GT40

Chassis No.1084 – 4^th, SPA 1000 km, Hawkins/Hobbs

• 1969 Brabham BT26

Chassis No.BT26/4 - 1^st German GP, Ickx

• 1970 McLaren M14

Chassis No.M14/A2 – 2^nd South African GP, Hulme

• 1971 Porsche 917

Chassis No.026 – 2^nd, Le Mans 24 Hours, Attwood/Muller

• 1970 Porsche 908/3

Chassis No.12 – Nürburgring 1000 km, Siffert, DNF

• 1972 McLaren M20

Chassis No.M20/3 – 1^st, Watkins Glen, Hulme

• 1974 Mirage

Chassis No.704 – 4^th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Bell/Hailwood

• 1994 Kremer K8

Chassis No.K8/07/SP – 6^th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Bell/Lassig/Donovan

• 1996 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail

Chassis No.022 – 3^rd, Hockenheim 4 Hours, Bscher/Nielson

• 2006 Courage C65 LMP2

Chassis No.07 – 7^th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Gosselin/Ojeh/Ragues

• 2008 Aston Martin DBR9

Chassis No.007 – 4^th in GT1, Le Mans 24 Hours, Frentzen/Piccili/Wendlinger

• 2009 Aston Martin LMP1

Chassis No.DBR1-2/2 – 1^st, Asian Le Mans series, Okayama, Mucke/Primat

• 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo

GT2 Championship, Giroix/Goethe

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The McLaren MP4-12C of Chronograph Watches

McLaren and TAG Heuer are celebrating their 26-year long partnership as well as the 20th anniversary of the original McLaren F1 with the launch of the limited edition TAG Heuer MP4-12C Chronograph watch. Taking inspiration from the upcoming MP4-12C supercar, the watch boasts a matching color scheme and is built from exotic materials such as carbon fiber.

The lightweight composite material was used for the dial, which features sapphire inserts that reveal the mechanism. The latter is protected by a highly durable titanium case, also minimizing weight. Other highlights include the alcantara leather strap evoking the MP4-12C’s interior, and orange luminescent markers on the hands, complemented by orange stitching.

Pilots and track drivers will appreciate the Flyback function, which allows the chronograph to be reset to zero and instantly restarted by pressing only once on the push button. There’s also a tachymeter at hand, indicating what distance is travelled, while the chronograph can record time intervals between two locations.

“I love watches and have always wanted to design one myself. The TAG Heuer MP4-12C Chronograph was a particularly interesting project as we have combined our passion for precision technology, engineering and performance and included some of the most outstanding design features and materials that can be found in the MP4-12C”, said Frank Stephenson, Design Director McLaren Automotive.

The TAG Heuer MP4-12C Chronograph will be produced in a limited run of 1,000 units. Those interested can purchase the watch through McLaren later this year.

As for the car that inspired the creation of the chronograph, the MP4-12C is powered by a 600HP mid-mounted 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8, developed in-house by McLaren. Capable of reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 3 seconds and a top speed of 320+ km/h (200+ mph), the MP4-12C will hit the European market in spring 2011, at a base price of €200,000 in Germany and £168,500 in the UK. U.S. pricing will be released at a later date.

By Csaba Daradics

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Mercedes-Benz McLaren Sports Cars SLR Stirling Moss

Bearing the namesake of legendary British racer Stirling Moss, the McLaren SLR Stirling Moss, will be making its big debut as the newest McLaren SLR variant amongst the automotive elite (and few entries from Kia) at the 38th Annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January.

Mercedes-Benz McLaren Sports Cars SLR Stirling Moss

Stuttgart– Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to the model family of their highly successful SLR super sports car with a new, uncompromisingly spectacular car. There is neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and passenger from the outside world; they enjoy unadulterated high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster.

The new SLR Stirling Moss is also characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h – no other series-production car is at the same time so open and so fast.

This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a legitimate bearer of the name of the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars from victory to victory during the 1950s.

A successful collaboration of engineering which is demonstrated far beyond the relatively ancillary exclusion of a windscreen, the SLR Stirling Moss is truly an equal celebration of McLaren’s both past and present. Thus in keeping with its status as a rare breed, production of the SLR Stirling Moss will be limited to only 75 units and, to further prevent your uncultured, peasant hands from touching it, each unit will be priced at a cool $1.04 million (€750,000).

This is why the modern-day version of the legendary SLR carries the additional words “Stirling Moss” in its name. As the new SLR Stirling Moss unites the character of the current SLR models with the fascination of the SLR of 1955. The core values of both the historical and the present-day SLR models include an exciting new design, innovative technology, high-class materials displaying perfect craftsmanship, and, above all: a unique driving experience for all the senses.

Whilst the 300 SLR earned its spurs on racing circuits the world over, the new member of the SLR family is not designed for the racetrack. Although it sets new standards in terms of technology, performance and excitement – just like its forebears – it is aimed at individuals who have exquisite requirements and nurture very special dreams.

Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrow’s equipment is extremely sophisticated and yet at the same time decidedly spartan, doing without both a roof and side windows. There are just two wind deflectors a couple of centimetres in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow. Two air scoops integrated into the bodywork serve as roll-over bars. With this extreme concept the new SLR Stirling Moss is visually very different from all the other vehicles which belong to the elite sports car class.

Just like the legendary racing vehicles of yesteryear, the SLR Stirling Moss dazzles with its superlative performance. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h this puristic high-performance sports car denotes completely new dimensions in open-top driving. And not just because of the impressive performance figures; every time drivers take to the wheel of the SLR Stirling Moss their senses are addressed with a previously unheard of intensity, conveying a driving experience in its purest and most sensual form. This automotive thoroughbred thus facilitates the kind of open-air feeling that is utterly unique for a road-going vehicle.

Developers working on the Stirling Moss were able to fall back on a wealth of experience gathered when producing the SLR Coupé and Roadster, in particular where the technical base was concerned, with its extravagant carbon-fibre design, high-performance suspension and throaty V8 engine. The common denominator uniting the Stirling Moss with the other members of the SLR family is the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle – with one difference: the diffuser here is considerably larger than that on the coupé and roadster.

The new SLR Stirling Moss is the kind of high-calibre speedster coveted by the sporting gentry and enthusiasts alike. At the same time it is a collector’s item which marks the pinnacle of an era and, for the foreseeable future, at least, the final curtain for the SLR. In May 2009 production of the SLR models will cease; only a total of 75 units of the Stirling Moss will be manufactured between June and December 2009, bearing chassis numbers from 1 to 75. Not only does this exclusive vehicle represent the conclusion of the current SLR family; it also serves as a very special thank you to the most loyal of SLR customers, for they are the only ones able to acquire a Stirling Moss.

Mercedes McLaren Sports Cars ASMA Design Perfectus SLR 722

ASMA Design have modded the Mercedes-Benz McLaren sports cars SLR 722 to their specifications. The new ASMA Design Perfectus SLR 722 is totally redone with new aggressive custom carbon fibre bodywork and 20-inch wheels.

Mercedes McLaren Sports Cars ASMA Design Perfectus SLR 722

The original SLR only made 650-hp from the 5.4-litre supercharged V8, but this was not enough for ASMA Design, as they have upped the power to 750-hp, and this allows the ASMA Design Perfectus SLR to get from 0-100km/h in only 3.5 seconds, and then go onto a top speed of 216mph.

Making claims of perfection is a dangerous thing to do, especially in the exclusive and demanding world of supercar tuning. But there is one man who can actually make this claim of perfection, and even go as far as to name his incredible automotive creation Perfectus. And this Designer is Erturul ASMA and this is his amazing, all carbon fiber ASMA Mercedes McLaren SLR 722.

Carbon is the customizing material of choice for hardcore tuners alike, but until the unveiling of Perfectus, no-one had truly used this most beautiful and powerful material to its full and awe-inspiring effect. But, as these stunning pictures can only prove, Erturul ASMA has taken the McLaren to entirely new levels of automotive theatre. In fact, thanks to Perfectus, you can forget about the world of top-end tuning here on Earth, and now, and only now, think in terms of an awesome new age of carbon customization.

Wide arch at over 2-metres in total width, with over 10cms of super-phat and super-sculpted carbon over each of the one-off ASMA rims, rims that are also mind-blowing in their dimensions. How does 325-25-20 out the back and 255-30-20 up front grab you? Hard! And once this stunning carbon design grabs you, it will never let you go.

The wide ‘n’ wild completely custom carbon fiber bodywork is simply unmatched and unbeatable, anywhere in the world. Sharp, extra-aggressive F1-inspired bodylines take this SLR to whole new levels of road-presence; this SLR is always in full attack mode, making 700hp to back-up the ASMA Design styling.

Only Erturul ASMA can make and prove his claims of perfection, but he must also apologize… apologize to all the owners of standard SLRs everywhere, for there can be only one Perfectus.