McLaren MP4-12C Supercar
McLaren MP4-12C A New Different Supercar
Art Center Car Classic 10
Pasadena, California October, 2010
by Jim Bennett API Senior Editor and
Analyst
McLaren Automotive is the iconic and successful Formula One builder, who is introducing the McLaren MP4-12C to the global market. It's a significant, innovative and sports performance vehicle focused on the growing but somewhat “value conscious” rarefied supercar performance enthusiast. Some earlier McLaren models sell for one million dollars and more. The MP4-12C
The new McLaren Supercar is being shown at selective venues worldwide. High interest locations including Britain, Germany, United States and then Asia and the Middle East.
The world renowned Art Center College of Design (ACCD) hosted a MP4-12C unveiling during it's 80th year anniversary celebration. Stewart Reed, Chair of Transportation Design Department indicated 2010 would be a very special 80th weekend celebration of the creative spirit of students, faculty and alumni.
The “Freedom of Motion” theme celebrates the powerful combination of technology and passion that allows people move well beyond our physical abilities. Later in the year, I noticed McLaren was introducing a new vehicle thus making the Art Center Car Classic10 a must attend event. As in previous Car Classics, I was not disappointed . This is especially true with the insightful “ Meet The Designer” presentations and a significant array of unique vehicles that I will cover in a separate article next month after the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Design
Highlights and MP4-12C Insights
Art Center College of Design (ACCD) has producing some of the world's best transportation designers. McLaren's influential and celebrated Design Director, Frank Stephenson, a 1986 ACD Transportation graduate returned to college and presented the new McLaren MP4-12C during the 89th anniversary weekend and popular Car Classic10 Concurs. He discussed some groundbreaking features of the 12C which is arguably one of the most technologically advanced production automobiles ever to be produced. It attracted a very interested and informed automotive audience along with some potential 12C customers.
The McLaren MP4-12C nameplate stands for it's latest 12th model designation and the extensive use of lightweight Carbon fiber. It promises new levels of 21st century performance and efficiencies while weighing around 2800 pounds. Attributes include lower weight with more strength through applied carbon fiber technology, speed, comfort, quality and satisfying road manners.
For example, the 12C is expected to accelerate 0-60 mph in the mid 3 seconds with a top speed of at least 200 mph. Time from 0-124 mph is likely under 10 seconds with a complete stop within 5 seconds.
Excellent handling, braking, overall ease of drive-ability (without being a race car driver) has reportedly been achieved through an innovative, intensive F1 style extensive global testing and development program.
Up to 25 of McLaren's best engineers accompanied new prototypes to better understand and evaluate future customer operating conditions. They made immediate field adjustments and improvements. Other issues were quickly followed through their UK technology center. These efforts helped reduce development time while gathering essential new engineering data and experience under varied operating conditions.
Also, Formula One world champion driver Jensen Button and Lewis Hamilton have both driven MP4-12C's at speed at Goodwood. They were delighted with the performances as shown in McLaren promotional videos.
Early MP4-12C orders indicate strong buyer interest worldwide in the rapidly expanding sport car segment. The first two years of 12C production is completely sold out. Production will begin in Q2 in 2011.
This year, North America has 10 McLaren dealers out of 50 dealers internationally. By 2015, McLaren dealers could increase up to at least 100 outlets worldwide. This would lead to higher McLaren production capacity including a planned MP4-12C Spyder carbon fiber top model and other developments to be announced.
McLaren
MP4-12C First Impressions and Highlights
The MP4 12C two passenger carbon bodied sports car was designed with a clean and flowing design, carbon fiber construction, lower center of gravity and low vehicle body mass in mind. This is a excellent start since basic physics principles and evolving state of the art vehicle handling dynamics favor lighter weight vehicles with low centers of gravity.
These elements are essential for “Best In Class” performance under challenging conditions and while achieving high customer satisfaction in the exclusive high performance vehicle marketplace with changing owner metrics. McLaren wishes to reach a larger market of discriminating owners and enthusiasts with a wider product range of superb vehicles.
The MP4-12C benefits from McLaren's passion, for performance excellence coupled with their extensive and successful Formula 1 experience. They have expanded by adding key poeple, developed a practical and stunning McLaren Technology Center in Woking, UK. Importantly, McLaren continues to think outside the box with a firm practical eye and focus on the future legendary automobiles.
Back to the vehicle, I discovered the design objectives for lower weight, adequate power, cutting edge components with proven performance breeding seem to be fully supported by McLaren's significant in-house capabilities. Distinctive McLaren achievements are pursued in their development approaches focusing on meaningful high level performance with safety and efficiency in mind.
Innovative design and creative development of a new Carbon MonoCell chassis promises to achieve new levels of design, development, engineering and production characteristics pioneered through decades of F1 competition.
Engine power and its road application is competently handled by a 3.8 litre, twin-turbocharged, 600 bhp, 8,500 rpm V8 engine connected to a new McLaren developed seven speed Seamless Shift (SSG) gearbox with dual clutches.
The McLaren MP4-12C development efforts did not copy any components from other vehicles.
2011
North American Launch Quotes
Anthony Joseph recently joined McLaren as Regional Director of North America.
He commented on his appointment and McLaren in a recent North American press communication.
“This is such an amazing opportunity to be part of the launch of not just a brand new range of high-tech sports cars, but the launch of a new car company in a region which will be a major market for McLaren Automotive.”
“Utilizing our engineering expertise and racing heritage, we will build cars using nothing but McLaren components, in lower numbers, and higher quality than our competitors.”
“This ensures exclusivity, which I’m sure will be a major factor in generating strong demand and ongoing high residual values from 2011.”
“We are initially working to locate and establish a select group of retail partners to best serve our customer base and represent McLaren Automotive going forward.”
“There has been significant enthusiasm from a number of existing luxury car retailers throughout North America, and our first challenge is finding those who really buy-in to our evolving business aspirations.”
Closing
Thoughts
At API, we have heard McLaren and many automotive enthusiasts can't wait for production cars to be available.
We plan to follow the North American launch, sample the dealer experience, chronicle public reactions, record new owners experiences and determine how these new automobiles adapt to daily life.
It will be most interesting to see how the MP4-12C performs in its class unbridled on tracks throughout the world.
Also, we look forward to seeing how the MP4-12C will rank in API's Best In Class results developed from a wide range of information and experiences.
Special Thanks to Art Center College of Design and Frank Stephehson of McLaren for all their time and efforts during this memorable weekend.
Another job well done.
