My New McLaren 12C Coupe (The Shmeemobile)

My New McLaren 12C Coupe (The Shmeemobile)

Author
Discussion

LukeyLikey

855 posts

148 months

Monday 3rd February 2014
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Shmee said:
All I know is slamming the anchors on from 70 is one hell of an experience!

I've put 600 miles on it now so starting to understand how it drives but I feel I've got a very, very long way to go.
Yes, I feel the same. I don't really understand why the 12C gets so many repeated comments about it being a little aloof and boring. There must be something in it somewhere because so many journalists repeat it but I have so far (1,300 miles) found it to be engaging, interesting and fast, not at all boring. I too have the feeling that it will be a while before I can get to grips with it fully. Not that it is unfriendly, just that it is so technical and that the massive performance forces you to think very carefully indeed.

I really love that. Can't wait for spring and warmer, dryer roads to find out more.

ZeusF

377 posts

124 months

Monday 3rd February 2014
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LukeyLikey said:
I didn't know this. Are you saying that the way the airflow works when brakes are applied reduces understeer? Or are you talking about brake steer, where the inside rear wheel is braked to help tuck the nose into a comer?
Both really.
The way the air is ducted stops the expel of air from the wheel which in turn can lose grip from a tyre.
The McLaren guides the air to pull the hot air from the brake to the outer side reducing the amount of heat going central to the car which makes cars "skittish" at high speed.

I wouldn't even call the McLaren a car so much as a work of engineering excellence. I think the term used was "A show of force"

One thing that did disappoint me was the fact the aerodynamic underside had many retaining bolts that were tightened up so much that they split the panel where the holes are to bolt to the cabin underside. Ive seen this on every one over worked on so far.


marky1

1,047 posts

197 months

Monday 3rd February 2014
quotequote all
LukeyLikey said:
Yes, I feel the same. I don't really understand why the 12C gets so many repeated comments about it being a little aloof and boring. There must be something in it somewhere because so many journalists repeat it but I have so far (1,300 miles) found it to be engaging, interesting and fast, not at all boring. I too have the feeling that it will be a while before I can get to grips with it fully. Not that it is unfriendly, just that it is so technical and that the massive performance forces you to think very carefully indeed.

I really love that. Can't wait for spring and warmer, dryer roads to find out more.
You sometimes wonder if these Journalists are just speaking out their hole. Maybe one says it's boring and then they all have to follow suit, and no one wants to go out on a limb? I haven't driven one but just find it hard to understand how it could be considered boring.

ZeusF

377 posts

124 months

Monday 3rd February 2014
quotequote all
The point of journalism is to grab attention of viewers/readers.
You don't get that by telling it like it is in almost all cases.
The 12c is a super car in every sense of the word and as such is far from boring.

Its a bit like saying popping candy is boring when we all know it isn't and will blow your head off if you insert the whole packet in one go smile

Russell996

494 posts

130 months

Monday 3rd February 2014
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marky1 said:
You sometimes wonder if these Journalists are just speaking out their hole. Maybe one says it's boring and then they all have to follow suit, and no one wants to go out on a limb? I haven't driven one but just find it hard to understand how it could be considered boring.
Boring is the wrong word and I doubt any journalist actually mean't the 12C is boring. The 12C is truly a wonderful car but there is no doubt it is different to drive compared to a 458 or Gallardo, how you describe the difference is subjective, the performance is stunning. I don't find the 458 or 12C as exciting to drive as some older cars, they are simply so accomplished, can't really list that as a complaint but it does stop me considering one.


Edited by Russell996 on Monday 3rd February 16:37

Stack

795 posts

188 months

Monday 3rd February 2014
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Hi Tim congratulations on the new car.

I absolutely love the colour of the wrap it's sensational ! I always wondered why McLaren did not do a "French Blue"

Keep living the dream & keep making your vids clap

epom

11,547 posts

162 months

Tuesday 4th March 2014
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Thats lovely, really nice. Well done you sir smile

bunter007

31 posts

169 months

Saturday 15th March 2014
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We saw this just behind Harrods last Sunday afternoon and followed you for a short while, very nice car and a great colour too smile

Relaxed

75 posts

249 months

Tuesday 18th March 2014
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Congrats on that Macca, Shmee.

Once you get over to Germany, give me a shout via PN and maybe we can meet up. As you see the pic, we (incl. a local mate) just MIGHT have sth to chat about... wink



Take care and enjoy !

Best,
Ulli (458)

Shmee

Original Poster:

7,565 posts

214 months

Tuesday 18th March 2014
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I'm going to be in Germany from Saturday 5th April to Friday 11th; meandering from Düsseldorf down to Stuttgart via a number of fun places. I think the morning of Sunday 6th needs to be the Autobahn test, see if this car can do 200mph.

mackay45

832 posts

172 months

Tuesday 18th March 2014
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Shmee said:
I'm going to be in Germany from Saturday 5th April to Friday 11th; meandering from Düsseldorf down to Stuttgart via a number of fun places. I think the morning of Sunday 6th needs to be the Autobahn test, see if this car can do 200mph.
I look forward to seeing the video of that! Enjoy/look after yourself.

Shmee

Original Poster:

7,565 posts

214 months

Tuesday 18th March 2014
quotequote all
mackay45 said:
I look forward to seeing the video of that! Enjoy/look after yourself.
Absolutely, only if conditions allow and feel appropriate.

Relaxed

75 posts

249 months

Tuesday 18th March 2014
quotequote all
Shmee said:
I'm going to be in Germany from Saturday 5th April to Friday 11th; meandering from Düsseldorf down to Stuttgart via a number of fun places. I think the morning of Sunday 6th needs to be the Autobahn test, see if this car can do 200mph.
OK then, if you wish to meet up, just PM me in advance.
I'm roughly 1 hours drive from Ddorf, so no distance.

Good autobahn to use for speed-tests as you come from
the north is the A31, btw. Kind of lonely sometimes,
so just about ideal... wink

Cheers !
Ulli

Radders

288 posts

228 months

Tuesday 18th March 2014
quotequote all
Shmee said:
Absolutely, only if conditions allow and feel appropriate.
Set off early and get over to spa on the 3rd of April, I'm there in my mp4 and can't wait. The car can't be fully appreciated until used on track and pushed to the limit.

Nice car and enjoy in good health.

Shmee

Original Poster:

7,565 posts

214 months

Tuesday 18th March 2014
quotequote all
Radders said:
Set off early and get over to spa on the 3rd of April, I'm there in my mp4 and can't wait. The car can't be fully appreciated until used on track and pushed to the limit.

Nice car and enjoy in good health.
You're too early! Pure McLaren is at Spa on Friday 25th April and I'll be there then.

Radders

288 posts

228 months

Tuesday 18th March 2014
quotequote all
Shmee said:
You're too early! Pure McLaren is at Spa on Friday 25th April and I'll be there then.
Should be there also wink

Shmee

Original Poster:

7,565 posts

214 months

Tuesday 18th March 2014
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Radders said:
Should be there also wink
Haha, good stuff!

Shmee

Original Poster:

7,565 posts

214 months

Tuesday 18th March 2014
quotequote all
Relaxed said:
OK then, if you wish to meet up, just PM me in advance.
I'm roughly 1 hours drive from Ddorf, so no distance.

Good autobahn to use for speed-tests as you come from
the north is the A31, btw. Kind of lonely sometimes,
so just about ideal... wink

Cheers !
Ulli
Thanks for the info, let's see what happens wink

Stevoox

367 posts

131 months

Monday 7th April 2014
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Such a stunning car!!

MikeG88

148 posts

134 months

Monday 26th May 2014
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Dougan1 said:
frown
Doesn't surprise anyone in the UK with our jealous culture of anyone doing well.
I'm envious! But I'm 25 and have a while to go yet. Unlikely Ill manage a 12C however!

Have I seen this car wafting about around Woking before? Sure Ive seen it.

Great motor. Is Schmee going for the 650s upgrade? Sure I read Mclarren were giving existing 12c customers the upgrade!