V12V to Macca before V12VSM?

[12pack]

Been a good year at work, and despite having thought since getting a monster EV daily driver that I would never again get another petrol car, I found myself at the local Mclaren dealer considering to trade in the old V12V. Had to check the Maccas out before I went for a V12VSM. Had a go in a 570s spider. Amazing car - a great ride as well as performance from a conventional suspension. But ultimately didn’t feel special enough. The top end scoot didn’t make up for the, well 1980s, turbo lag and the bland interior.



But then I also had a go in a 650s. Wow, that was something else. Yes a bit of lag, but nothing like the 570s. The performance level is now really making me consider going to the dark side a bit before heading perhaps ultimately back to a V12VSM.

Thoughts, please?

[12pack]

Thanks for the responses, gents. No real surprises in your thoughts. And would honestly walk away if the performance difference was limited to up to what the 570 offers (which as justin220 said is actually quite a bit). But the 650s was something else entirely. And it’s a hard top spider. No doubt the Aston looks better, but the performance difference makes it feel like a bit of a poseur. Still will be hard to give it up. Not there yet.

[12pack]

Thanks for the honest view. Indeed the Mclarens are amazing value, but I’m concerned they continue to drop. Though, the V12V values are dropping too.

[12pack]

Well, I’m quite close now to going for the 650s spider. Indeed future values are a worry, but I’m hoping some winter/Brexit concerns are built in. At some point I’ve got to scratch that mid-engine super car itch.Throw in a hardtop convertible that I’ve never had and I’m almost there. And anyone with a petrolhead heart cannot possibly ignore the F1-derived tech and just the stupendous performance of this thing

Edited by 12pack on Saturday 15th December 13:00

[12pack]

Indeed, but after years of feathering the throttle on the V12V to avoid that brake-clattering DSC, on my short test drives it was a pleasure to be able use the full thing. And progressively too. If I gave it 50% - I got 50%. And unlike in the Aston past 50% I got even more explosive speed. BTW, In sport mode there was plenty of tail action on the Mclaren as well, but it generally put down that power really well.

I’m sure at some point I’ll want to change back - I see this as an interesting diversion for the moment. Hope I don’t lose my shirt.

Going for this one

Edited by 12pack on Saturday 15th December 22:41

[12pack]

Thanks for the positive comments, folks. Indeed very relevant comment about the service. After my last V12V service noticed a blemish in the front splitter CF finish, which the dealer will rectify at no cost. It’s not just the service I’d miss, but this forum too. I think I’ll probably continue to post as if I still had the V12V waiting for me in the garage...

Edited by 12pack on Sunday 16th December 18:48

[12pack]

Ripley500, Surveyor thanks for the input. Indeed it’ll be between Leeds and Manchester. Good to know.

[12pack]

Well, it’s done - Back to Carbon Black.

[12pack]

Only question is - what do I do with my mug?

[12pack]

Cockernee said:

Until earlier this year I was fortunate enough to own both a V12V and a 12C, both totally different cars.

V12V is dynamically old school and I mean that nicely. Manual box, fantastic sound and it wants to kill you, because frankly the torque is just outrageous for the suspension and chassis. I could drive it at 30 MPH and smile like the proverbial cheshire cat. Problem for me was that I needed something to scratch that supercar itch. I bloody loved that car and it was my 2nd V12V and I would own another in a heart beat.

And now we have a McLaren 12C, oh boy where do I start, its bloody mental. Yep, that's it, completely bonkers fast, a bit like someone just pressed fast forward on the video. It handles, stops and accelerates nothing like a V12V, where the V12V wants to kill you, this will take you to the edge of jail and back without any such drama. I had to sell one earlier in the year and the McLaren had to stay, it's just a bit more special IMHO, it's a supercar and a bloody good one. Not had any issues with reliability or dealer issues, so I have perhaps been luckier than some, but after 6 track days it hasn't missed a beat, whereas the V12V really wasn't the right car for the track, regardless of AM telling you it is.

I also think that the 12C is a better looking car, but understand that it is completely subjective. What I do know is if McLaren could make my Macca sound like my V12V, then problem solved.

The issue is that the McLaren needs to be driven fast to really enjoy and that is getting less possible on the roads, but on track it is immense.

Fully agree about the sound especially when cruising around town. While the 650 sounds a bit agricultural behind your head around town, it certainly out-howls the V12V as the revs rise. It has this Jurassic Park T-Rex thing going on. And they’ve certainly stepped up the surge from down low too, and of course is even stronger than my P100D at the top. Compared to the 570s I drove back-to-back, this is a monster in the mid range. Has no problem breaking out the rears but in a progressive way. Only 200 miles with it, but I must say I will miss rev matching myself on down shifts, but no issues with torque compared to the Aston.

[12pack]

cayman-black said:

Cockernee i have to disagree in your picture that Aston is the far better-looking car.

Edited by cayman-black on Saturday 22 December 11:48

I think you’re both right. After all of 3 days with the 650 in place of the V12V in the garage, sure the Aston is more classically beautiful. But the Macca has undeniably more road presence. Parked next to “normal” cars it is far more eye-catching. Think Darth Vader.

[12pack]

Yes I did. I was originally going for a V12VSM but given the 650s spider prices, I thought I try a mid-engined supercar hard top convertible for a change. No room in my Cheshire garage for both. And I have a Tesla roadster deposit (in the US).

Kept the V12 reg, though, for the future. So if you see a Carbon Black V8 TT with a V12xx reg out and about, it’s just me trying to confuse the local car watchers.

Edited by 12pack on Saturday 22 December 15:41

[12pack]

So started experiencing a down side to post-AM ownership. I’ve had a yob in VW cut ahead of the Macca and then slow down, forcing me to do the same. And a guy in a sports bike give me the finger for no apparent reason. Perhaps they thought I was driving Italian.

Never had that with the V12V.