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Set to become the first “modern” McLaren, the MP4-12C was designed over a five year period almost exclusively on McLaren’s world class computers, which are also used for the manufacturer’s Formula 1 cars. This enabled the engineers to completely develop and even test each element of the car before a single part was constructed. The MP4-12C features dynamic styling which was purposely designed to be timeless and relevant for years to come. While the end result looks kind of generic from certain angles, the designers achieved a fine balance between performance, functionality and driver comfort through superb packaging.

McLaren Automotive says the 2-seat MP4-12C will be the first in a range of high-performance sports cars it’s intent on building, and the two occupants will sit quite close together to make the car’s body as narrow as possible for more weight savings. McLaren has kept the cockpit of the MP4-12C as clean and purposeful as possible. For instance, the steering wheel has no buttons, while each door’s armrest incorporates individual climate controls. Access to the interior is through large ‘dihedral’ doors that are opened by swiping a hand underneath the broad shoulder running across the top of the door.

The MP4-12C is powered by a bespoke McLaren ‘M838T’ 3.8 liter, V8 twin-turbo engine producing around 600bhp, driving through a McLaren seven speed Seamless Shift dual clutch gearbox (SSG). It is targeting not only new standards for power and performance in its sector, but also class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions; supported by McLaren’s experience of active aerodynamics to aid cooling, grip, handling and road holding. The McLaren engine revs to 8,500rpm, has quick transient throttle response and delivers its abundant torque throughout the rev range.

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