Tuesday, October 6, 2009

McLaren MP4-12C


Most of my readers are familiar with the McLaren racing cars in Formula 1...now they are bringing their racing technology to the street. McLaren plans on building 4000 road legal super cars per year with the McLaren MP4-12C(MP4). The MP4 is mid engine rear wheel drive two passenger super car.

The MP4 will have approximately 600 hp. and is expected to weight slightly over 3000 lbs.
The engine is 3.8 liter twin turbo V-8 with quad cams and four valves per cylinder. The transmission is a seven speed dual clutch transmission. The transmission has the ability to go from a full automatic to race mode. It also has a racing inspired dry sump and flat plane crankshaft.

The exterior design is by Frank Stephenson, who also designed the new Mini, the Fiat 500 as well as working as Ferrari's design chief. Note the functional air scoops on the side and the rear exhaust between the taillights.

It has a number of performance enhancing technologies brought over from Formula 1 racing. The basis is built with light carbon-fiber construction which weighs only 176 pounds. The body is made up of both aluminum and compose panels.

SUMMARY:

Another beautiful fast super car! The pricing is expected to be in the $225 - $250,000
USD range. Since McLaren has exceptional racing credentials.... the performance will be worthy of the price. The exterior styling is extremely attractive but I find the interior leaves me cold....reminds me of a soon to be extinct Pontiac interior

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13 comments:

  1. Love the color of this car. What a nice looking car. Thank you for the post on this car. A lot of people are going to want this car. If they can come up with the $ to pay for it.

    Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

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  2. Hi Pete .. this will appeal to the 'boy racer' I guess .. those with the green backs! I often wondered the connection between F1 and us more mundane drivers .. I guess the technology does come across: but here it definitely will do.

    It looks pretty! But again the light weight? Can't judge the interior .. are they coming here to .. or just the States? Where are they being manufactured?

    7 speed dual clutch .. that should be interesting for us plain drivers .. though I know we won't get the chance to try!

    Bye .. interesting car -
    Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

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  3. Hello Peter,

    Hope that you are well. Just wanted to say hello. Have a good day.

    Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

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  4. Hi Pete .. you'd have thought in this economy .. not much would be happening in the car world - but you keep coming up with interesting new cars or new ideas.

    Looks really interesting .. McLaren on the road!

    I wonder how the Brazilian GP is going to go today ..

    Thanks for the info - Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

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  5. Hi Pete .. well McLaren didn't too well at the Grand Prix .. but what a story with Brawn as the new car at the beginning of the year and Jensen Button as the driver and 2009 winner: they almost didn't start the season.

    Go well - Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

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  6. Hi Dan & Deanna,

    Unfortately, I have been away for a while with a medical emergency! I am back now hopefully for a while!

    I agree that this is such a beautiful car! The exterior styling is exceptional. Actually, I would love to drive this car....I am sure it drives like it looks.

    Best Regards

    Pete Baca
    The Car Enthusiast Online

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  7. Pete,
    Another very attractive car that you have brought to our attention. I hope all is well and am looking forward to your next post!

    Dr. Bob Moulas

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  8. Hi Pete,
    Very nice car. It reminds me of The California Ferrari. One day we will have our Super Car. I'm leaning more into a Porche.

    I hear you're doing well with JavaFit.
    Keep up the good work!

    Hugo and Roxanne

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  9. Hello Peter,

    I hope everything is well for you. I noticed that you had some medical treatment? McLaren was always in the race track as you said. But, new model appears to be good looking on streets, too.

    I hope you will be back soon.

    Take care.
    Shaw Funami
    Fill the Missing Link

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  10. its outer appearance looks great, the speed and performance are nice too..its a pretty interesting car to drive..

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  11. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon

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  12. Hi New Car Sales,

    Thank you for your positive comments on my blog! I appreciate it when readers enjoy the posts.

    Best Regards

    Pete Baca

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