Chris Harris video: McLaren 12C Spider
Why did the 12C Spider drop its 'MP4'? Harris has the answer!
Until recently I had no idea what the MP4 bit of a McLaren's name actually stood for. As recently as 1997, it actually denoted 'Marlboro' - which hands welcome retrospective support to my choice of cigarette brand around the same time. When McLaren did the 'West' deal in 1997, the 'M' became McLaren. I bought one pack of Wests, nearly hacked up a lung, and thereafter my fag and race team allegiances were forever separated.
The new Spider tested, the Harris way
I have no idea about the 12 bit. Nor the C. I thought the C was for 'coupe', but this Spider is also a 'C', so that's clearly not the answer.
Just as MP4 is no longer the answer for the road cars, which have now quietly dropped the MP4 part of their names, although it is lightly scattered on the car itself.
What's in a name? Not much for me, so long as it's not called a Dong or a Clack-Valve I couldn't really care. I'm far more interested in the way they drive. And the 12C, after a slightly shaky start, is now something to frazzle your head.
After I shot my home video at Ascari, I drove a Spider back down the Rondaroad into Malaga. Looking back, it's hard to think of a machine that could have covered ground at the same rate - the latest powertrain updates have elevated it to a new level. And I was enjoying myself - managing slip levels, using the steering's altering weight to judge speed and grip - but always being reminded that I was driving a car that feels like no other.
Some people dislike the Proactive chassis and its flat-handling - I think it gives the 12C a character all of its own and, under most conditions, provides the driver with more of everything.
Interesting to read the GT86 has just won Autocar's best handling whatsit, mainly for making the driver feel like a hero. While the F1 was a bit too rebellious, these new Macs are the class spods. I really do not want a car that makes going so illegally fast so mind-numblingly effortless - I'd be bored right into gaol. £190k can buy some very stimulating (mostly old) cars.
And MP4 was always McLaren Project4 from the early eighties F1 cars.
But (apart from the colours of the press cars) what a beast.
And I think I speak for everybody when I say - we need a Chris Harris 12C/458 duel, and we need it NOW. Ten paces, turn and fire. There ain't room in this town for the two of 'em. (spit - ding!)
If I had that sort of cash though (even though this might be more hard core) I'd take the 458 Italia.
I'll keep dreaming
I'll keep dreaming
I'd rather have a 12c.
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