McLaren MP4-12C Customer Preview Event
Discussion
So this evening I went along to the customer preview event at the McLaren factory and had a look at the new car.
The first car they showed us was the orange one, and the group I was with were all a little bit unimpressed to be honest. Vs a 458 it just didn't look all that. It was only later when we say the silver car that you could see the cars potential visually. The light metallic brought out the lines and gave it a far more technical look which really suited it. The wheels on the silver car were better, and there were far more parts made from carbon. Looked really good, and the cabin was very nice too - felt really technical and nicely laid out.
Apparently the car can lap the ring 10 secs faster than a 458 which is 7.20ish for the Macca?
One controversial aspect is the absence of an LSD. This got flagged up by Chris Harris in Evo and they didn't really have a good explanation of why its not there tonight. They implied it wasn't necessary as they have an advanced TCS system and suggested the hydraulic suspension could do the job, but it wasn't a terribly credible explanation. I guess time will tell if its a problem at 10/10ths but I can't help but be suspicious.
Doors really stick out when you open them. They look great, but you'd be screwed in a small parking space!
This is where the production line will go, currently housing the 3 VP cars which will be used for testing.
Slave wheels eh? Gotta wonder what they get up to in the factory!
Nice full carbon disk. Much better than the Porsche laminated stuff which is very vulnerable to heat etc.
Rear subframe + engine. Not carbon! Made be think of Lotus but welded not bonded. You can see the hydraulics for the dampers.
To be honest the presence of these made the MP4 look a little pedestrian.
And again!
Oh yes...
Decisions decisions...
Full Gallery here : >>> CLICK ME <<<
The first car they showed us was the orange one, and the group I was with were all a little bit unimpressed to be honest. Vs a 458 it just didn't look all that. It was only later when we say the silver car that you could see the cars potential visually. The light metallic brought out the lines and gave it a far more technical look which really suited it. The wheels on the silver car were better, and there were far more parts made from carbon. Looked really good, and the cabin was very nice too - felt really technical and nicely laid out.
Apparently the car can lap the ring 10 secs faster than a 458 which is 7.20ish for the Macca?
One controversial aspect is the absence of an LSD. This got flagged up by Chris Harris in Evo and they didn't really have a good explanation of why its not there tonight. They implied it wasn't necessary as they have an advanced TCS system and suggested the hydraulic suspension could do the job, but it wasn't a terribly credible explanation. I guess time will tell if its a problem at 10/10ths but I can't help but be suspicious.
Doors really stick out when you open them. They look great, but you'd be screwed in a small parking space!
This is where the production line will go, currently housing the 3 VP cars which will be used for testing.
Slave wheels eh? Gotta wonder what they get up to in the factory!
Nice full carbon disk. Much better than the Porsche laminated stuff which is very vulnerable to heat etc.
Rear subframe + engine. Not carbon! Made be think of Lotus but welded not bonded. You can see the hydraulics for the dampers.
To be honest the presence of these made the MP4 look a little pedestrian.
And again!
Oh yes...
Decisions decisions...
Full Gallery here : >>> CLICK ME <<<
Edited by DanH on Thursday 8th July 23:29
Edited by DanH on Thursday 8th July 23:32
I quite liked the black one (first page) 
Got to admit, looked at this car for the first time at the FOS and agree, a little disappointed in the flesh, but then so is the Noble. Colour can make a huge difference and I'm sure if Noble were to show their M600 in a different colour, it would transform its look. The proof of the pud is in the tasting, have you a test booked up??
Got to admit, looked at this car for the first time at the FOS and agree, a little disappointed in the flesh, but then so is the Noble. Colour can make a huge difference and I'm sure if Noble were to show their M600 in a different colour, it would transform its look. The proof of the pud is in the tasting, have you a test booked up??wessexrfc said:
I quite liked the black one (first page) Got to admit, looked at this car for the first time at the FOS and agree, a little disappointed in the flesh, but then so is the Noble. Colour can make a huge difference and I'm sure if Noble were to show their M600 in a different colour, it would transform its look. The proof of the pud is in the tasting, have you a test booked up??
TBH when you see this vs a noble you have to wonder if they would/could sell any nobles? In fact have they? This car is obviously not as bespoke and more a mass produced item, but it was very nicely done. Got to admit, looked at this car for the first time at the FOS and agree, a little disappointed in the flesh, but then so is the Noble. Colour can make a huge difference and I'm sure if Noble were to show their M600 in a different colour, it would transform its look. The proof of the pud is in the tasting, have you a test booked up??I have to say that this car isn't really doing it for me. It somehow looks like a car from a lower price sector, more Evora than Gallardo. Just doesn't look that special in the pictures. Not helped by the gratuitous F1 pictures, now there is a car that looks special.
I have no doubts at all that it will be a superb car to drive but I can't see it ever being on my lottery wish list.
I have no doubts at all that it will be a superb car to drive but I can't see it ever being on my lottery wish list.
t, looks like something from Star Trek.I can understand their technical explanation for the lack of a diff, and preference for brake steer. I can imagine that it really is a very effective way of covering mileage on the road and track as fast as possible, however my only nagging doubt is whether it will let you drive like an arse in it? There will inevitably be occasions when a "private" and empty patch of tarmac invites you to have a play with all the toys off, and spinning a single wheel or having the brakes grabbed, will never be as fun as a diff locking and both wheels trying to drive.
I like what they've done with the styling; they've avoided trying to make it look fashionable and kept it pretty much to function. The message is that it's a tool, rather than a garage accessory to prove you've got some cash.
There are plenty of outlets for people who want 'bling', the McLaren should be reserved for those who want performance without feeling the need to ram it down people's throats.
There are plenty of outlets for people who want 'bling', the McLaren should be reserved for those who want performance without feeling the need to ram it down people's throats.
Dr G said:
After seeing the orange car at Goodwood I don't think I'd want any other colour - although I'm not a fan of any of the wheel options I've seen so far.
I'm with you, that orange is simply stunning, put the anthracite wheels from the silver car onto the orange body and it would look perfect.Unfortunately, flappy paddles only means it wouldn't be on my list even if I could afford it!!
Very underwhelmed by the looks of this, I wanted it to stand out against the other Supercars currently on the market but it just seems to dissapear into the background, not exciting to look at at all IMO.
Im sure it'll drive well, but if I was approaching it for a drive Id feel a bit let down before I even got into the car.
Im sure it'll drive well, but if I was approaching it for a drive Id feel a bit let down before I even got into the car.
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