Set to be let loose upon the public come Spring 2011, McLaren Automotive's MP4-12C has a lot to live up to. In order to make sure attention hasn't been waning, McLaren recently had the car's public unveiling at its HQ in Woking, England, where the maker released more details on the MP4-12C including the supercar's performance stats.
The 12C (as they refer to it) packs a mid-mounted 3.8 liter V8, developed in-house by McLaren. Thanks to the twin turbos, it develops 600-horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.
According to the McLaren, the supercar is capable of reaching 100km/h (62mph) in less than 3,0 seconds and 200 km/h (124mph) in under 10 seconds while completing the quarter mile in around 11 seconds and reaching a top speed in excess of 200mph or 322km/h.
In comparison, the Ferrari 458 Italia hits the 100km/h marque in 3.4 seconds and achieves a top sped of 325km/h (202 mph) while the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 goes from 0 to 100km/h in 3.7 sec and to 200km/h in 11.8 sec, and tops out at 325 km/h (202 mph).
While we'll have to wait until later this year for a lock on pricing (McLaren is claiming a range of £125,000-175,000), company reps had this to say about the future 911-fighter's litheness:
"Reducing weight is an obsession at McLaren...Recent developments have lowered the MonoCell's [the one-piece moulded carbon-fibre chassis] weight further to below 80 kg, whilst continued lightweight engineering supports McLaren Automotive's plans to launch the 12C at a lighter dry weight than any competitor at around 1,300 kg [2,867 lbs]."
Just to get the point across, McLaren was kind enough to list the other ways their car is slimmer than anyone else's:
- Standard composite brake system of forged aluminium and cast iron is lighter than the optional carbon-ceramic brake system, saving five kilos
- Low-weight Lithium-Ion battery saves 10kgs
- Lightweight magnesium structural beam supports the dashboard
- Small, twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivers 600PS from 3.8-litre capacity
- Rear mounted engine cooling radiators minimize the pipework, the fluids contained within them, and therefore weight. They were also mounted in car line to minimize vehicle width and weight.
- Hexagonal aluminium wiring saves four kilos over circular wiring.
When the extremely light, high-output, and supercar fast MP4-12C goes on sale next year, it will be at unique McLaren dealerships in 19 countries around the world.
Until then, enjoy the comprehensive photo gallery of the new McLaren that includes shots from this week's presentation.
- By Phil Alex
