12C [Official] McLaren MP4-12C

[ALI]

i think its not bad in terms of looks but the f1 is still the ultimate machine

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Hmmm....McLaren just happens to release photos of their car the same day as Mercedes-Benz SLS.

Guess the McLaren SLR beef continues....

So their calling it the MP4-12C...all that for a car name!

Looks like your basic sports car, nothing special but the engineering.

 

[Shining Star]

Hmmm....McLaren just happens to release photos of their car the same day as Mercedes-Benz SLS.

Actually I believe the McLaren was slated to debut today...the SLS still hasn't officially debuted; tomorrow at 8 (US Eastern).

Anyway, I'm starting to like the McLaren a little more...it still has nothing on the SLS.

 

[Yaz]

Ha, I wonder who that high-profile person in LA he's talking about .

Leno has friends in high places I see. You could tell from the video he had a look at it way before a lot of people did.

He once said he doesn't like paddle shifters and preferred a stick. That's why he got a Carrera GT and not an Enzo. So now I'm wondering if he'll ever get this baby.

 

[Sunny]

The car looks much better in silver. Not sure why they used that stupid copper color to present the real thing. It is pretty obvious the car is not as uncompromising or ingenious as the F1 but more main stream.

 

[Wunderkind]

Yes, I do share the sentiment that the McLaren MP4-12C is a bit cold and soul-less.

The design of the exterior is a little Lotus Esprit as many of you suggested. Take away the McLaren badge and I won't be able to tell what it is.

But I thought about it and you know what? it's what McLaren is. McLaren is about the highest technological standard and ruthless efficiency. It was the case with the F1 and it is the case now with the MP4-12C.

I think we will warm to it more gradually as time goes by.

 

[NarutoRamen]

The car looks much better in silver. Not sure why they used that stupid copper color to present the real thing. It is pretty obvious the car is not as uncompromising or ingenious as the F1 but more main stream.

The silver does look marginally better, but the overall package is still a little underwhelming, design wise. Technically, this car will be a badass.

 

[Cashmere]

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[jack]

so the car has been build for jay leno ?
i simply don't like it, it looks generic - and not very british(this car needs to be a hooligan!)
ron dennis is talking about passion, but i fail to see it in this car
the original F1 was unique and out of this world, but this one could be anything

 

[Amo]

Its not the most unique design in the world, and it is pretty generic, but thats why I like it. Its actually quite a nice change to see a new car with that almost dated sporty, sleek look (I'm probably making no sense in what I am saying, it's hard to explain!)

 

[Wunderkind]

Gordon Murray was right. This car is a letdown.
I'm more eager to see Murray's new masterpiece instead.

I think McLaren deserves the highest praise for the MP4-12C. It sets a new standard in its segment not just in traditional performance criteria, but also in fuel economy, CO2 emission, and everyday usability.

I think the initial lukewarm reception on GCF will turn into a torrent of praise once we have understood the excellence of the total package. I am old enough to remember the McLAREN F1 was not universally praised when it was released.

 

[coolraoul]

This is not the best looking car ever, but that was obvious given that Frank Stephenson designed it.

However, I never considered the F1 to be that gorgeous in the look dept, Macca is about engineering and that is where the money went. The design is considered secondary, the engineering more important.

So I'm waiting for the weight data, testdrive, engine sound; everyday usability and driving feel of this thing.

Turbo+small capacity+8500 redline+DSG trans= wow that could be interesting... but also disappointing or unreliable.

This car is, so far, a huge interrogation point. It could turn out to be awesome; it could turn out to be a letdown.

I can't decide right now; it isn't fantastic looking but it never intended to. Seems quite hardcore, much more F458 indeed than SLS.

 

[jack]

This is not the best looking car ever, but that was obvious given that Frank Stephenson designed it.

are you sure ?
as far as i have heard he has gotten very late into the development to mclaren
isn't mclaren also working on a city car ?

 

[coolraoul]

are you sure ?

Yep.
I lost every bit of respect for his work when I saw the F430.

 

[Deleted member 25]

He didn't design it, everything has been directed by Pinin, he only had some implication with the MC12.

 

[Will]

must say it does look better in that video. But what were they smoking when they decided to put these wheels into production??

 

[Cashmere]

on the target design...

Frank Stephenson, design director at McLaren Automotive, said: "Many sports cars and supercars present an 'in-your-face', 'look-at-me' image that can become wearing and boorish. I hope that with the 12C we have produced a car that will still look great in years to come."

 

[Sunny]

Pic of the engine. Pretty compact for a 600HP unit.

 

[Merc1]

Frank Stephenson, design director at McLaren Automotive, said: "Many sports cars and supercars present an 'in-your-face', 'look-at-me' image that can become wearing and boorish. I hope that with the 12C we have produced a car that will still look great in years to come."

If he means making it look like every other mid-engine sports car and making it completely forgettable design wise then he hit the mark. A shame really when you read the technical details.


M

 

[Tarek]

Pic of the engine. Pretty compact for a 600HP unit.

It's just a 3.8l.

As Mc's first ever engine,i hope it is reliable.