McLaren MP4-12C - where has it gone?
McLaren MP4-12C - where has it gone?
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Discussion

SonnyM

Original Poster:

3,475 posts

224 months

Saturday 30th April 2011
quotequote all
I haven't seen any posts or news about the "new" McLaren for ages.

Anyone know what's happened? Is it actually coming out at some point or have McLaren given up? It's the longest release in history LOL...

Lambo FirstBlood

1,001 posts

210 months

Saturday 30th April 2011
quotequote all
I went to Dunsfold with some other customers getting early cars a couple of weeks ago. Drove it on the road in fully automatic mode; it was amazingly comfortable and easy to drive but still plenty of feedback through the steering. It's quite strange because you are acutely aware of the comfort when driving it in a civilised manner but it never feels wallowy or anything other than sharp. In my driving experience, it really is unique.

Also did a few laps with everything on the most aggressive track settings. it is insanely fast. Faster than anything I've ever driven. Didn't have much time to explore the car as it was a short stint but it moves the game on massively from the competition. I don't think Ferrari will be ready with a car that matches it's dynamic ability or pace until the 458 replacement! It is that good.

Appetite suitably whetted; My car should be here in 6 weeks

smile

IainZ

15,110 posts

237 months

Saturday 30th April 2011
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I live about 2 miles from the MTC. The factory looks pretty much finished from the outside & they are clearly building cars - I am seeing them on the road quite regularly wrapped in that blue plastic sheet stuff to protect the paint. Different cars, different colours etc,

Saw an Orange one (not wrapped) this afternoon on the way back towards the MTC being driven "with purpose" hehe . Looked & sounded awesome.

F355GTS

3,875 posts

286 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
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There was one at Goodwood today, mine's due of the line w/e 10th July thumbup

andrew

10,365 posts

223 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
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sat in one today. i can see why people rate it a bit dull on first acquaintance

iandc

3,893 posts

237 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
I saw the one at Goodwood today and interestingly a number of people were convinced it was a Lotus until they got up close. I think this is part of the problem. It is no doubt a great drivers car (as stated above) and does everything right but looks like a £50k and not a £200k car.

AndrewD

7,659 posts

315 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
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andrew said:
a bit dull on first acquaintance
Marcus says the same about you smile

andrew

10,365 posts

223 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
AndrewD said:
andrew said:
a bit dull on first acquaintance
Marcus says the same about you smile
marcus says a lot of things

SonnyM

Original Poster:

3,475 posts

224 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
Lambo FirstBlood said:
I went to Dunsfold with some other customers getting early cars a couple of weeks ago. Drove it on the road in fully automatic mode; it was amazingly comfortable and easy to drive but still plenty of feedback through the steering. It's quite strange because you are acutely aware of the comfort when driving it in a civilised manner but it never feels wallowy or anything other than sharp. In my driving experience, it really is unique.

Also did a few laps with everything on the most aggressive track settings. it is insanely fast. Faster than anything I've ever driven. Didn't have much time to explore the car as it was a short stint but it moves the game on massively from the competition. I don't think Ferrari will be ready with a car that matches it's dynamic ability or pace until the 458 replacement! It is that good.

Appetite suitably whetted; My car should be here in 6 weeks

smile
Excellent - this is the first I've heard from a punter who has actually driven one!

It looks nice in real life but some were hoping / are waiting for something more aggressive like the GT3, which is a fair comment though one could forgive the looks if it is amazing to drive...

It's lighter than my Boxster but has twice the power - awesome. wonder if it could keep up with an Aventador, that would be a shocker!

Look forward to some owner reviews...

Lambo FirstBlood

1,001 posts

210 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
SonnyM said:
wonder if it could keep up with an Aventador, that would be a shocker!

Look forward to some owner reviews...
I also have an Aventador on order. My Lambo dealer has his demo arriving around the same time as my MP4-12C arrives. We have already talked about doing some back to back tests so I should be able to report within the next couple of months.

My guess is that the Mclaren will be faster on a track or on twisty stuff. Straight line speed will be a lot closer.

iandc

3,893 posts

237 months

Monday 2nd May 2011
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Lambo FirstBlood said:
I also have an Aventador on order. My Lambo dealer has his demo arriving around the same time as my MP4-12C arrives. We have already talked about doing some back to back tests so I should be able to report within the next couple of months.

My guess is that the Mclaren will be faster on a track or on twisty stuff. Straight line speed will be a lot closer.
Look forward to your personal view. Much more realistic than the journos views in my opinion. Whilst speed of both etc will be of interest, I also think other factors are equally important such as presence and looks. Most of us would not be capable of wringing the neck out of either so the more subjective considerations come into play.
Just my two penny worth.