The McLaren MP4-12C, later rebranded as the McLaren 12C, is a sports car produced by the British carmaker McLaren Automotive. Manufactured between 2011 and 2014 and designed by Frank Stephenson, the MP4-12C was available as both a coupe and a retractable hard-top convertible, the latter known as the "Spider".

McLaren 12C
Silver sports car with prominent silver five-spoke wheels and a licence plate that says "Pre-Owned"
Overview
ManufacturerMcLaren Automotive
ProductionFebruary 2011 – April 2014
AssemblyUnited Kingdom: Woking, Surrey
DesignerFrank Stephenson
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style2-door coupe
2-door retractable hard-top convertible
LayoutLongitudinal rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
DoorsDihedral
Powertrain
Engine3.8 L M838T twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission7-speed SSG Graziano dual-clutch
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,670 mm (105.1 in)[1]
Length4,509 mm (177.5 in)[2]
Width1,908 mm (75.1 in)[1]
Height1,204 mm (47.4 in)[2]
Kerb weight1,434 kg (3,161 lb)[3]
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (Direct)
McLaren F1 (Branded As Just McLaren)
SuccessorMcLaren 650S

McLaren started developing the 12C in 2005. The company used prototypes from other carmakers as test vehicles for the upcoming project. The 12C marked McLaren's return to producing a production car since the F1, which ceased production in 1998. The 12C debuted online as the MP4-12C in September 2009, and McLaren began series manufacturing the car in February 2011, at the company's facility in Woking, Surrey. The 12C has a carbon fibre composite chassis and a turbocharged V8 engine that generates a power output of 453 kilowatts (607 bhp) and a torque output of 600 newton-metres (440 lbf⋅ft).

McLaren debuted the 12C Spider in July 2012. The production of the 12C ended in April 2014, following a manufacturing period of three years during which more than 3,400 units were manufactured. It was succeeded by the 650S, with which the 12C shares most of its components.

Name

edit

The McLaren Formula One team has used the "MP4" prefix as its chassis designation since 1981. This acronym stands for "McLaren Project 4", which originated from the merger of Ron Dennis' organisation, Project Four Racing, with McLaren. The "12" in the name refers to McLaren's internal "Vehicle Performance" index, which evaluates cars based on four key criteria: power, weight, emissions, and aerodynamics. The "C" in the name signifies that the car features a carbon structure.[4] In 2012, McLaren dropped the "MP4" part of its name, simplifying it to "12C".[5]

Development

edit
 
McLaren used two Ferrari 360s as test mules to develop the MP4-12C.

McLaren began developing the 12C in 2005.[6] In June 2007, the magazine Autocar reported that the McLaren's upcoming sports car would be independently built by the company, stating that this would give the company "a chance to re-establish [its] credentials at the top-end of the market".[7] The upcoming sports car would mark McLaren's return to producing a production car since the F1, which ceased production in 1998.[8] To develop the upcoming sports car, McLaren used modified versions of existing vehicles from other manufacturers as test mules. The first prototype, called the MV1, was a Ferrari 360 that featured a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine and side vents for additional cooling, which were incorporated into the production model. A second prototype, the MV2, was a modified Ultima GTR used to test the braking system and suspension components. A third prototype, the MV3, was another modified Ferrari 360 used to test the exhaust system. McLaren subsequently developed two in-house prototypes, the CP1 and CP2, which featured a "MonoCell" monocoque and were used to test heat management and performance.[9]

McLaren produced over fifty experimental prototypes and tested in various regions to evaluate their performance in different environments. The testing locations included hot weather conditions in Bahrain, Arizona, and Nevada, cold weather conditions in the Arctic and Sweden, high-altitude conditions in South Africa and endurance testing on various circuits and roads in Europe. The head of testing for the programme, Geoff Grose, noted that the development team established bases at Idiada in northern Spain and the Prototipo facility near Nardo in Italy, where they conducted 24-hour testing sessions as well as 18-hour sessions from 8 am to 2 am the next day.[6]

In 2008, Frank Stephenson was appointed as the lead design director of McLaren,[10][11] becoming chief of the project late in its development. Stephenson made some adjustments to the design of its headlights, front bumper, and interior elements. His contributions were mainly small alterations, as the overall design of the car was already well-established at that point.[12] The final design of the MP4-12C was unveiled online in September 2009,[13][14][15] with its physical debut occurring at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2010.[16][17][18] Following McLaren's investment of £50 million into its production facility at Woking, Surrey, which could build approximately 4,000 cars annually,[9][19] the official manufacture of the MP4-12C began on 2 February 2011.[20][21] David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, officially opened the building on 18 November 2011.[22][23][24]

Design

edit
 
Rear view

The 12C incorporates a carbon fibre structure called the "MonoCell". Compared to traditional riveted alloy structures, the MonoCell's weight is reduced and its stiffness is improved. The design's cost-effectiveness, swift production and flexibility made it suitable for adoption in other McLaren models.[25] The company invested £127.7 million into the MonoCell. Manufactured by Carbo Tech in Salzburg, Austria,[26] the carbon fibre structure weighs 80 kilograms (176 lb).[27][28][29] The advances in carbon fibre fabrication reduced the time required to produce a MonoCell from 3,000 hours for the F1 and 500 hours for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, to four hours for the 12C.[30][31][32] The development of the MonoCell also created approximately 100 new jobs, both in the construction of the new facility and in the production of the monocoque. Carbo Tech went on to manufacture the MonoCell for McLaren cars for over eight years, making this the world's largest carbon fibre order for series-produced cars.[33]

Working with McLaren Automotive in taking this fundamental engineering step in carbon-fibre engineering and production will, we believe, enable carbon technology to establish itself ever more in motor-vehicle production.

— Karl Wagner, Carbo Tech CEO[33]

The 12C is a sports car[34][35] with the body style of a two-door coupe.[36][37][38] It has dihedral doors,[39][40] and it has a rear-wheel drive layout with a longitudinally-placed mid-engine.[41][42] The 12C features a double wishbone and hydraulic suspension, the latter referred to as the ProActive Chassis Control.[43][44][45] The car uses rack-and-pinion and electric power steering. The standard front brakes of the car feature a four-piston fixed calliper configuration, paired with a two-piece front rotor.[46] The 12C uses a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine codenamed "M838T",[47][48] which was produced by Ricardo PLC in West Sussex, England.[49][50] It produces a power output of 453 kilowatts (616 PS) at 7,500 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a torque output of 601 newton-metres (443 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm,[51] sufficient to give the car a 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) acceleration time of 3.1 seconds and a maximum speed of 333 km/h (207 mph).[52][53][54] The car's transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch manufactured by Graziano called the SSG.[55][note 1] Its fuel economy rating is 279 grams per kilometre (15.8 oz/mi),[58][59] while its average fuel consumption is about 18.5 miles per US gallon (12.7 L/100 km; 22.2 mpg‑imp).[60]

The centre console of the 12C is equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen that controls the Meridian entertainment system and phone functionalities. The car also features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity options.[61] The vehicle features ultra-low-profile Pirelli tires, with 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear.[62][63]

Reception

edit

On 10 July 2011, the MP4-12C set the second fastest lap around Top Gear's test track, posting a time of 1 minute and 16.2 seconds.[64] The car was developed and tested by McLaren on the Top Gear test track as part of their product development, long before its appearance on the show. It was 1.1 seconds slower than the Ariel Atom 500 and 2.4 seconds slower than the Pagani Huayra.[65]

The MP4-12C lapped the Nürburgring in 7 minutes and 28 seconds.[66]

The MP4-12C won the Middle East "Car of the Year" Award as "Best Supercar" in 2012 and overall "Car of the Year" at the Middle East Motor Awards the same year.[67] [68]

Spider

edit
 
McLaren MP4-12C Spider

The 12C Spider is a convertible version of the MP4-12C with a retractable hardtop. Because the coupe was designed from the outset with a convertible version in mind, no additional strengthening was needed for the Spider and it weighs only 40 kg (88 lb) more than the coupe.[69] McLaren has worked to keep the Spider's top speed 204 mph (328 km/h) close to the coupé's 207 mph (333 km/h) top speed and up to 196 mph (315 km/h) is possible roof down. Meanwhile, the dihedral doors of the coupé are retained.[70]

MP4-12C HS

edit
 
MP4-12C HS

In March 2012, McLaren released pictures of five 12C HS taken in front of the McLaren Technology Center. The HS stands for High Sport. The 12C HS has different wheels and revised aerodynamic features inspired from the 12C GT3 such as a revised front end and rear bumper, larger vents and diffuser and a modified rear wing. Power was also increased by 75 horsepower.[71] Mclaren only made 10 units of the MP4-12C HS. In January 2016, a 12C HS painted in F1 Vodafone Racing Team colours reportedly commissioned by Ron Dennis was offered for sale at Mecum's Kissimmee auction with 203 miles. It had an estimate of $1,300,000 – $1,600,000 and didn't sell.[72] The same F1 Vodafone Racing Team was offered again in January 2017 at Mecum's Kissimmee auction with an estimate of $950,000 – $1,200,000 where it still didn't sell.[73]

McLaren X-1

edit

The McLaren X-1 is a one-off sports car based on the McLaren 12C and built by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). It was displayed at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. According to Paul MacKenzie, MSO Programme Director, the X-1 has been developed for the past three years. To style the X-1, McLaren used ideas from a 1961 Facel Vega, a 1953 Chrysler D'Elegance Ghia, a 1959 Buick Electra, a 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K and a 1971 Citroën SM.[74][75]

Motorsports

edit
 
McLaren MP4-12C GT3

In December 2010, McLaren announced that they would produce a small number of MP4-12C cars in order for them to compete in the FIA Group GT3. McLaren stated that they would provide maintenance for the cars and begin racing in 2012 with the CRS Racing team.[76] The MP4-12C was the first car to compete in sportscar racing for the company since the F1 GTR.[77] It received its début with a single car entry for the Spa Francorchamps round of the British GT championship. This was followed by a three car entry in the 2011 Spa 24 Hours.[78] Another car was also entered in the GT cup of the 2011 Macau Grand Prix, driven by Danny Watts.[79]

In March 2012, McLaren readied 25 MP4-12C GT3 cars for a full racing season in the 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship, and its GT drivers tested the car on its Dunsfold test track, the same test track as used in the Top Gear BBC television show.[80] McLaren released several promotional videos for the MP4-12C in the lead up to the racing season, including one of Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton driving the car at locations in the U.S.

Compared to the road car, the MP4-12C GT3 produces less power with only 493 bhp (368 kW; 500 PS) due to homologation. The car features a bespoke six-speed gearbox that is 80 kg (176 lb) lighter than the road car's seven-speed, developed with Ricardo. The steering wheel is sourced from the McLaren MP4-24 Formula 1 car.[81]

The car took its first victories in the world at the two races of the Circuito de Navarra round of the 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship season being run by Hexis Racing.

Marketing

edit

Tag Heuer produced a limited (1,000 units) series of Carrera MP4-12C Chronograph wrist watch inspired by the MP4-12C sports car. The watch was unveiled in 2011 TAG Heuer Mastering Speed Exhibition at Halle Secheron in Geneva.[82][83][84]

References

edit

Notes

edit
  1. ^ Acronym for "seamless-shift gearbox"[56][57]

Citations

edit
  1. ^ a b Sherman, Don (14 February 2011), "2012 McLaren MP4-12C first drive", Car and Driver, archived from the original on 26 July 2023, retrieved 30 June 2024
  2. ^ a b "A trio from McLaren", Detroit Free Press, Detroit, Michigan, 9 September 2012, p. B2, archived from the original on 1 July 2024, retrieved 30 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  3. ^ Booth, David (12 August 2011), "This beast is highly civilized", Times Colonist, Victoria, British Columbia, p. 53, archived from the original on 30 June 2024, retrieved 30 June 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  4. ^ Anema (2010), p. 182.
  5. ^ Frankel, Andrew (24 October 2012), "McLaren MP4-12C Spider", Motor Sport, retrieved 2 July 2024
  6. ^ a b "Full details: McLaren MP4-12C", Independent Online, 14 February 2011, retrieved 5 July 2024
  7. ^ Holloway, Hilton (27 June 2007), "Uncovered: the McLaren F2", Autocar, archived from the original on 30 June 2024, retrieved 30 June 2024
  8. ^ Pollard, Tim (9 September 2009), "McLaren MP4-12C | Mclaren P11 | News and photos", Car, retrieved 2 July 2024
  9. ^ a b Petrány, Máté (7 September 2016), "McLaren Automotive secretly used these two Ferraris to develop its first car", Road & Track, archived from the original on 31 January 2023, retrieved 1 July 2024
  10. ^ "McLaren P11", Wheels, March 2009, p. 28, ISSN 0043-4779
  11. ^ Armitage, Tom (30 August 2008), "McLaren hires ex-Fiat design head Stephenson", Automotive News Europe, archived from the original on 1 July 2024, retrieved 1 July 2024
  12. ^ Dron, Will (15 November 2013), "Online exclusive: Q&A with Frank Stephenson, McLaren's chief designer", The Sunday Times, archived from the original on 1 July 2024, retrieved 1 July 2024
  13. ^ "McLaren reveals supercar", The Daily Telegraph, London, England, 12 September 2009, p. 82, archived from the original on 1 July 2024, retrieved 1 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  14. ^ "We need UK talent on the driving seat for the car industry to get back on track", The Independent, 13 September 2009, p. 70, retrieved 1 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  15. ^ Goodwin, Antuan (9 September 2009), "McLaren MP4-12C revealed—photos", CNET, archived from the original on 1 July 2024, retrieved 1 July 2024
  16. ^ "McLaren to announce dealers at Goodwood", The Daily Telegraph, London, England, 29 May 2010, p. 110, archived from the original on 1 July 2024, retrieved 1 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  17. ^ "Drivers admit loss of control due to sneezing", Times Colonist, Victoria, British Columbia, 11 June 2010, p. 61, archived from the original on 1 July 2024, retrieved 1 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  18. ^ Pollard, Tim (30 June 2010), "McLaren MP4-12C | Goodwood | 2010 Festival of Speed", Car, archived from the original on 1 July 2024, retrieved 1 July 2024
  19. ^ "McLaren swaps racetrack for freeway to chase down Ferrari", Bloomberg News, 18 November 2011, retrieved 3 July 2024
  20. ^ "First MP4-12C enters production", Top Gear, BBC, 2 February 2011, archived from the original on 1 July 2024, retrieved 1 July 2024
  21. ^ Kurczewski, Nick (2 February 2011), "McLaren MP4-12C enters production", Road & Track, retrieved 1 July 2024
  22. ^ Cary, Tom (17 November 2011), "Prime Minister David Cameron hails British Formula One team McLaren as an inspiration in difficult times", The Daily Telegraph, London, England, retrieved 6 July 2024
  23. ^ Wachman, Richard (17 November 2011), "Cameron opens McLaren's £50m sports car plant", The Guardian, London, England, retrieved 6 July 2024
  24. ^ "McLaren's Woking supercar factory opened by David Cameron", BBC, 17 November 2011, retrieved 6 July 2024
  25. ^ "From F1 to the road", The Daily Telegraph, London, England, 26 November 2011, p. 142, retrieved 3 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  26. ^ "McLaren invests in carbon tech", Autocar, 1 June 2010, retrieved 3 July 2024
  27. ^ "The facts: McLaren MP4-12C", The Daily Telegraph, London, England, 20 March 2010, p. 131, retrieved 3 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  28. ^ "Turning heads in a 2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider", The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, 11 August 2013, p. J1, retrieved 3 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  29. ^ Stewart, Richard (2011), "Rebounding automotive industry welcome news for FRP", Reinforced Plastics, 55 (1): 38–44, doi:10.1016/S0034-3617(11)70036-4
  30. ^ Mayersohn, Norman (15 April 2011), "Fabric shifts from racing to road", National Post, Toronto, Ontario, p. 36, retrieved 4 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  31. ^ Rehkopf (2011), p. 6.
  32. ^ Mayersohn, Norman (8 April 2011), "McLaren cuts price of its carbon-fiber menu", The New York Times, New York, New York, retrieved 4 July 2024
  33. ^ a b "McLaren orders carbon monocoques", The Engineer, 28 May 2010, retrieved 3 July 2024
  34. ^ "From a Formula One circuit to a public highway near you", The Independent, London, England, 28 March 2010, p. 90, retrieved 4 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  35. ^ "McLaren wins £260M cash call", Sunday Telegraph, London, England, 25 July 2010, p. 35, retrieved 4 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  36. ^ "McLaren 12C review", Top Gear, BBC, 5 February 2019, retrieved 4 July 2024
  37. ^ "McLaren built to race, but ready for the streets", The Leader-Post, Regina, Saskatchewan, 24 May 2013, p. 43, retrieved 4 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  38. ^ Anema (2010), p. 178.
  39. ^ Cheney, Peter (28 June 2012), "In pictures: Inside a McLaren supercar", The Globe and Mail, retrieved 5 July 2024
  40. ^ "McLaren Dallas unveils MP4-12C", Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas, 2 October 2010, p. Z13, retrieved 4 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  41. ^ Loh, Edward (14 February 2011), "2012 McLaren MP4-12C first drive", Motor Trend, retrieved 4 July 2024
  42. ^ Vivian, David (12 October 2009), "McLaren MP4-12C", Evo, retrieved 5 July 2024
  43. ^ Vaughn, Mark (10 May 2012), "McLaren MP4-12C: Built for fast fun", Autoweek, retrieved 5 July 2024
  44. ^ Dyer, Ezra (3 August 2012), "Accused of understatement, but now acquitted", The New York Times, New York, New York, retrieved 5 July 2024
  45. ^ "It's been emotional", The Daily Telegraph, London, England, 20 October 2010, p. 136, retrieved 4 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  46. ^ Edmunds, Dan (6 September 2010), "2012 McLaren MP4-12C: Suspension walkaround", Edmunds, retrieved 5 July 2024
  47. ^ "McLaren Automotive introduces the MP4-12C", The Hamilton Spectator, Hamilton, Ontario, 17 September 2009, p. 57, retrieved 5 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  48. ^ "New roadster is a civilized beast", The Ottawa Citizen, Ottawa, Ontario, 5 August 2011, p. 35, retrieved 5 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com
  49. ^ Rudnick (2013), p. 791.
  50. ^ "McLaren deal spurs Ricardo expansion". Institution of Mechanical Engineers. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  51. ^ "2014 McLaren MP4-12C 2dr conv Spider features and specs". Car and Driver. 14 May 2019. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  52. ^ "Wind thrill factor", The Independent, London, England, 2 December 2012, p. 143 – via Newspapers.com
  53. ^ "McLaren 12C Spider: an addictive arachnid", The Day, New London, Connecticut, 5 October 2013, p. 29 – via Newspapers.com
  54. ^ Goy, Alex (15 August 2013), "McLaren 12C: Hunting the Italians", CNET, retrieved 5 July 2024
  55. ^ "2012 McLaren MP4-12C", Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, 31 May 2012, p. 16 – via Newspapers.com
  56. ^ Kuah, Ian (8 September 2011), "2012 McLaren MP4-12C first drive", Motor Trend, retrieved 6 July 2024
  57. ^ "F1-inspired and ready for the road", The Gazette, Montreal, Quebec, 14 April 2012, p. 97 – via Newspapers.com
  58. ^ Smith, Giles (31 March 2012), "McLaren MP4 12C", The Times, retrieved 16 September 2024
  59. ^ Völker, Timo (17 August 2012), "Woking ist nicht Maranello" [Woking is not Maranello], Die Presse, p. 8, retrieved 16 September 2024
  60. ^ Morley, David (3 November 2012), "Steel yourself: Prestige", The Sydney Morning Herald, p. 12
  61. ^ "McLaren MP4-12C: Photos of the 200mph supercar with Wi-Fi", CNET, 18 March 2010, retrieved 16 September 2024
  62. ^ Hagon, Toby (19 February 2011), "Race relations", The Sydney Morning Herald, p. 1
  63. ^ Booth, David (24 May 2013). "Nauseatingly fast". National Post. p. DT.4.
  64. ^ "Top Gear Power Laps". 10 July 2011. Retrieved 11 July 2011.
  65. ^ "TopGear Stig Power Laps". BBC. 20 October 2008. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
  66. ^ "MoterSport-McLaren MP4-12C : Nürburgring test". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  67. ^ "McLaren 12C Named Middle East 'Car of the Year'". The Car Addict. Archived from the original on 8 December 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  68. ^ "The McLaren 12C named Middle East 'Car of the Year'". zawya.
  69. ^ Comer, Colin (January 2013). "No Roof, No Change, No Problem". Road & Track. 64 (5): 44–49.
  70. ^ "McLarenAutomotive.com 12C Spider". McLaren Automotive. 3 July 2012. Archived from the original on 5 July 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
  71. ^ "McLaren MP4-12C High Sport comes into focus". Autoblog. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  72. ^ "2012 McLaren MP4-12C High Sport | S148 | Kissimmee 2016". Mecum Auctions. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  73. ^ "2012 McLaren MP4-12C High Sport | F183.1 | Kissimmee 2017". Mecum Auctions. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  74. ^ "Official: McLaren X-1".
  75. ^ Knapman, Chris (17 August 2012). "McLaren's bespoke X-1 breaks cover". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  76. ^ "McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Announcement website". Mclarengt.com. Archived from the original on 10 September 2012. Retrieved 19 February 2011.
  77. ^ Elizalde, Pablo (17 December 2010). "McLaren MP4-12C to race from 2012". autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 18 December 2010.
  78. ^ Phillip, Sam (20 April 2011). "McLaren MP4-12C GT3: a Top Gear exclusive". Archived from the original on 8 May 2011. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
  79. ^ "Qualifying". 19 November 2011. Archived from the original on 4 May 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  80. ^ "McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Top Gear Track Test Video And Racing Debut – Autos & Trends". International Business Times. 29 March 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  81. ^ "evo: McLaren MP4-12C GT3 racing car: new pictures and video". Retrieved 5 May 2011.
  82. ^ KirGarlitos (23 December 2012). "Tag Heuer Carrera MP4-12C Chronograph". Top Speed.
  83. ^ "The only official McLaren Store – McLaren Teamwear – McLaren Gifts – McLaren Accessories – McLaren Polo Shirts – McLaren Jackets – McLaren T-shirts – McLaren Headwear – McLaren Footwear – McLaren Books – McLaren DVDs – McLaren Accessories". mclarenstore.com. Archived from the original on 14 December 2013. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
  84. ^ Noah Joseph. "TAG Heuer makes a watch worthy of the McLaren MP4-12C". Autoblog.

Bibliography

edit
edit