12C sold - now supercarless
Discussion
OK, so just recently said goodbye to my McLaren 12C and now I'm supercar-less - for a short while at least - I hope.
Anyways, just to sum up the 12C in a few of sentences; nicely balanced car, plenty power, great track and touring potential, authentic special environment of driving and mine at least was very reliable. I've heard some expensive stories with McLarens when things go wrong, but mine wanted for nothing other than regular services, new tyres and brakes.
Both happy and sad to see her go, because although the car excelled in many areas it was the gearbox that didn't fully sit with me.
The 12C was the first 'auto' gearbox that I tried to couple with, after coming from manual gearbox Gallardo and manual gearbox Ferrari 430 prior.
(That and the fact a Mr Jenson Button took me out in it around Silverstone on a promo day to show me what it could do!!)
But I think it takes a long enough experience with both gearboxes to really focus in on what connection with driving you really want.
In terms of 'speed' and 'simplicity' of driving, allowing one to focus on braking, steering, car balance and throttle.....then an auto box at least removes a 'process' from the equation that allows you to place more attention on the others. In all other times its basically just an aid to be a bit lazy
And the 12C's gearbox was good at this.
However, I find a manual gearbox adds much more than what the autobox takes away (or adds, if that makes sense).
A level of connection with the car and the driver's ability is established much stronger with a manual gearbox and a clutch pedal.
Some may agree/disagree but it probably becomes a personal preference than something that can be empirically measured.
Acceleration and lap times are only part of driving, so for me I started to miss a clutch pedal and full control over the car early on in my 4 year ownership of this car, but really wanted to find the sweet spot on how to approach the 12C's auto box. I believe I found it after a couple of trackdays and I did enjoy the car - a lot! But I've always wanted to return to manual. Driver ability and the element of "getting it right" adds a huge factor in to performance car driving, so much so that I really don't care how much time is lost between gear changes vs a computer doing the job.
So with that in mind I've been looking to sell my 12C for about a year and recently the right buyer turned up with the right price, so it had to be done.
Now, currently without a supercar in the garage at the moment, it is looking empty and 'sorry'. But I'm looking to go and test out some Aston Martin V12's later in the summer and then playing a waiting game to see how prices will be affected by brexit, interest rates etc. As there is little chance of me buying at current 'peak' asking price.
I guess if there are enough of us with this mind set then prices are due to fall - but I think this topic is currently on another thread.
Anyways, just to sum up the 12C in a few of sentences; nicely balanced car, plenty power, great track and touring potential, authentic special environment of driving and mine at least was very reliable. I've heard some expensive stories with McLarens when things go wrong, but mine wanted for nothing other than regular services, new tyres and brakes.
Both happy and sad to see her go, because although the car excelled in many areas it was the gearbox that didn't fully sit with me.
The 12C was the first 'auto' gearbox that I tried to couple with, after coming from manual gearbox Gallardo and manual gearbox Ferrari 430 prior.
(That and the fact a Mr Jenson Button took me out in it around Silverstone on a promo day to show me what it could do!!)
But I think it takes a long enough experience with both gearboxes to really focus in on what connection with driving you really want.
In terms of 'speed' and 'simplicity' of driving, allowing one to focus on braking, steering, car balance and throttle.....then an auto box at least removes a 'process' from the equation that allows you to place more attention on the others. In all other times its basically just an aid to be a bit lazy
And the 12C's gearbox was good at this.
However, I find a manual gearbox adds much more than what the autobox takes away (or adds, if that makes sense).
A level of connection with the car and the driver's ability is established much stronger with a manual gearbox and a clutch pedal.
Some may agree/disagree but it probably becomes a personal preference than something that can be empirically measured.
Acceleration and lap times are only part of driving, so for me I started to miss a clutch pedal and full control over the car early on in my 4 year ownership of this car, but really wanted to find the sweet spot on how to approach the 12C's auto box. I believe I found it after a couple of trackdays and I did enjoy the car - a lot! But I've always wanted to return to manual. Driver ability and the element of "getting it right" adds a huge factor in to performance car driving, so much so that I really don't care how much time is lost between gear changes vs a computer doing the job.
So with that in mind I've been looking to sell my 12C for about a year and recently the right buyer turned up with the right price, so it had to be done.
Now, currently without a supercar in the garage at the moment, it is looking empty and 'sorry'. But I'm looking to go and test out some Aston Martin V12's later in the summer and then playing a waiting game to see how prices will be affected by brexit, interest rates etc. As there is little chance of me buying at current 'peak' asking price.
I guess if there are enough of us with this mind set then prices are due to fall - but I think this topic is currently on another thread.
Yeah I thought about a manual V12 vantage as it seemed to be a good idea to have one if the last of that combo at the time.
Sad to say the drive did not live up to my dreams. Very heavy GT car and blotchy gearchange not made easier by my driving position being close to steering wheel to reach the pedals.
Car looked and sounded great but not for me and won't come close to the 12C experience IMHO
Sad to say the drive did not live up to my dreams. Very heavy GT car and blotchy gearchange not made easier by my driving position being close to steering wheel to reach the pedals.
Car looked and sounded great but not for me and won't come close to the 12C experience IMHO
Same here...My 650s went yesterday (to trade).
2 1/2 years of Mclaren ownership has been great - but modern supercars are just too fast (for the road).
I want something a bit more simple to enjoy ........thinking about everything from a 2010 Boxter Spyder to a 997.2 GT3 RS (At a push).
Final nail in the coffin was choosing to take my wife's JCW Mini out on sunday morning blast rather than the 650s.
No dount I will be back ( 720s still calling my name)
2 1/2 years of Mclaren ownership has been great - but modern supercars are just too fast (for the road).
I want something a bit more simple to enjoy ........thinking about everything from a 2010 Boxter Spyder to a 997.2 GT3 RS (At a push).
Final nail in the coffin was choosing to take my wife's JCW Mini out on sunday morning blast rather than the 650s.
No dount I will be back ( 720s still calling my name)
The Surveyor said:
Give a manual Aston a try, you'll soon miss the dual-clutch paddle shift. Later manuals are OK at best, early ones are dreadful IMHO.
Sorry don’t agree. The manual box on my V12 Vantage is a joy and better than the various Porsche’s I have had. I didn’t like the box on the V8 I had though which might be why they get bad press. I really like the 570s but I couldn’t part with the Aston to get one and I can’t afford both.Wilmslowboy said:
Same here...My 650s went yesterday (to trade).
2 1/2 years of Mclaren ownership has been great - but modern supercars are just too fast (for the road).
I want something a bit more simple to enjoy ........thinking about everything from a 2010 Boxter Spyder to a 997.2 GT3 RS (At a push).
Final nail in the coffin was choosing to take my wife's JCW Mini out on sunday morning blast rather than the 650s.
No dount I will be back ( 720s still calling my name)
I'm in a similar camp to you at the moment. Just can't enjoy/use the power now without the risk of losing your license. The way society is heading it's usually looks of disapproval if you're pressing on, even when doing it safely and legally. I suspect it won't be long before the only place we can drive them as intended is on a track. They're just too fast, especially for the UK. 70mph as you hit 3rd is not a 'fun' way to drive a car. I'm thinking less is maybe more so at least I can use more of the range and get a better driving experience. I know there's more to SC ownership but the odd spirited drive down a country road, the blast from 30 to 70/80 joining a m-way, overtaking, a track-day every once in a blue moon and the occasional charity event only keeps the appeal for a while when you know you're using less than 50% of it's potential. I'm looking at current offerings and their performance, thinking to myself ... what's the point 2 1/2 years of Mclaren ownership has been great - but modern supercars are just too fast (for the road).
I want something a bit more simple to enjoy ........thinking about everything from a 2010 Boxter Spyder to a 997.2 GT3 RS (At a push).
Final nail in the coffin was choosing to take my wife's JCW Mini out on sunday morning blast rather than the 650s.
No dount I will be back ( 720s still calling my name)
Very un-PH I knowWell I've sold my 12c as well recently after 6 years but unlike the rest of thread here, completely unrelated to finding the car too fast or not enjoyable to drive. I can say hand on heart the car was a pleasure to drive everytime I got into it (35k miles) and did almost everything I could ask of it (fast, comfortable, inordinately capable both as a good GT cruiser and a ballistically quick car on track) but I'm done with the Mclaren thing for now and perhaps forever and although I'd dearly like a 675 (coupe only even if not limited to 500...) for all manner of reasons I'm not going to be stepping back into Mclaren ownership anytime soon.
RamboLambo said:
Yeah I thought about a manual V12 vantage as it seemed to be a good idea to have one if the last of that combo at the time.
Sad to say the drive did not live up to my dreams. Very heavy GT car and blotchy gearchange not made easier by my driving position being close to steering wheel to reach the pedals.
Car looked and sounded great but not for me and won't come close to the 12C experience IMHO
Was the blotchy gear change from AM's autobox? Its never been any good from what I hear.Sad to say the drive did not live up to my dreams. Very heavy GT car and blotchy gearchange not made easier by my driving position being close to steering wheel to reach the pedals.
Car looked and sounded great but not for me and won't come close to the 12C experience IMHO
I'll be however looking at the manuals.
To be honest I'm also looking forward to a car with a bit more weight, as I think managing the weight transfer and having the car move around a bit should be a bit more involving and fun.
Wilmslowboy said:
Same here...My 650s went yesterday (to trade).
2 1/2 years of Mclaren ownership has been great - but modern supercars are just too fast (for the road).
I want something a bit more simple to enjoy ........thinking about everything from a 2010 Boxter Spyder to a 997.2 GT3 RS (At a push).
Final nail in the coffin was choosing to take my wife's JCW Mini out on sunday morning blast rather than the 650s.
No dount I will be back ( 720s still calling my name)
Shame you missed this one then:2 1/2 years of Mclaren ownership has been great - but modern supercars are just too fast (for the road).
I want something a bit more simple to enjoy ........thinking about everything from a 2010 Boxter Spyder to a 997.2 GT3 RS (At a push).
Final nail in the coffin was choosing to take my wife's JCW Mini out on sunday morning blast rather than the 650s.
No dount I will be back ( 720s still calling my name)
https://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/ph-features-s...
I also just sold my 12C after 2.5 years and 14k miles. It was awesome, I loved it but I missed a manual gearbox. So I bought an Exige 350 sport and I love it! So engaging and when I get the Komotec upgrade will be as fast as a McLaren but with a manual box :-) No good for touring with my wife though which was the USP of the McLaren, hyper fast but also refined long distance cruiser so I need to find a touring car to compliment the Exige.....
Bispal said:
I also just sold my 12C after 2.5 years and 14k miles. It was awesome, I loved it but I missed a manual gearbox. So I bought an Exige 350 sport and I love it! So engaging and when I get the Komotec upgrade will be as fast as a McLaren but with a manual box :-) No good for touring with my wife though which was the USP of the McLaren, hyper fast but also refined long distance cruiser so I need to find a touring car to compliment the Exige.....
Similar boat to me then 
Had considered an Exige.
One thing that put me off though was the thought of not having an LSD; spinning all the power to the unloaded wheel.
Do you find it an issue on yours?
Atomic12C said:
Similar boat to me then
Had considered an Exige.
One thing that put me off though was the thought of not having an LSD; spinning all the power to the unloaded wheel.
Do you find it an issue on yours?
It's not an issue for me, I haven't noticed any wheel spinning and I have read interviews with the Lotus engineers who developed the chassis and say it isn't required. It didn't put me off and I wouldn't let it put you off either. Had considered an Exige.
One thing that put me off though was the thought of not having an LSD; spinning all the power to the unloaded wheel.
Do you find it an issue on yours?
In terms of driving pleasure and accessibility of performance I can say out of the 30+ cars I have owned this is the best car in those areas. The 12C was of course faster but not all the time and sometimes too fast and the 12C does not have the adjustability, finesse and compact size of the Exige. Strangely passengers have told me the Exige feels faster than the 12C. My S1 Elise 160 had slightly better steering but that's about all its beat on.
As I said before its not a GT car if you plan on taking your wife or GF away for 2 weeks you will need something else. But then the car that answers all the questions is a 911 and I have had one and it was a great car but not exciting enough for me.
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