Motoring

The McLaren MP4-12C
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Life in the McLaren MP4-12C is now even more fun

By Chris Walsh
June 21, 2012

McLaren Automotive has announced a package of enhancements to make its MP4-12 even more invigorating to drive and even easier to live with. Headlining the changes is a 25bhp power increase that takes the maximum output of the mid mounted, twin turbocharged V8 engine to a mind-boggling 616hp.

This gives yet more acceleration with no loss in efficiency and the remaining modifications made by the McLaren engineers to the 12C’s engine and SSG transmission has also increased responsiveness.

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Even the much-criticised ‘ease of use’ of the McLaren is further improved through a host of detail changes and a wider variety of paint, leather interiors and wheel options are designed to give customers a bit more scope for personalisation.

One very cool feature of the MP4-12C is the Intake Sound Generator (ISG) system, which controls the amount of engine intake sound heard in the cabin. It is now programmable across three levels, in all three powertrain modes to allow the driver to select the amount of aural drama he or she wants to enjoy, whatever the conditions.

‘Vehicle Lift’ will be available as an option on the 2013 model. The system allows the car to be raised for improved ground clearance. This technology permits the vehicle to be raised by up to 40mm at the front and 25mm at the rear and may remain in position at up to 37mph.

One of the slightly more unusual ‘additions’ McLaren has made is over a new badge, which carries the official moniker ‘Speed Marque’ and will be available in two different new finishes. Mounted on the front luggage lid, rear deck, steering wheel and wheel centre caps, the revised Speed Marque may be specified in Rocket Red/Silver as standard or Stealth/Silver as an option!

Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director said: “Given our racing heritage, it is in our nature to continuously seek out improvements. The team at McLaren Automotive recognises that our existing and future customers deserve the very best product and service we can offer, and the launch of the enhanced 12C reaffirms its position as the most powerful luxury sports car among its competitor set.

This latest iteration of the 12C, which at launch set a new benchmark among its competitors for power, efficiency and pioneering technology, is available to order at a price from £176,000 in the UK.

An especially nice touch is that existing customers who have already taken delivery of a 12C are not being neglected as every MP4-12C owner is being offered a package of upgrades, including the extra 25bhp, at no cost, underlining McLaren’s commitment to its customers ensuring they enjoy owning their 12C as much as they do driving it.