2012 Mclaren MP4-12C
Seller's description
MODEL HISTORY
The McLaren MP4-12C, later known simply as the McLaren 12C is a sports car designed and manufactured by McLaren Automotive. It is the first production car wholly designed and built by McLaren since the McLaren F1, which ended production in 1998. The car’s final design was unveiled in September 2009, and was launched in mid-2011.
The MP4-12C features a carbon fibre composite chassis, and is powered by a mid-mounted McLaren M838T 3.8-litre V8, twin-turbo engine developing approximately 592 bhp and around 443 lb·ft of torque. The car makes use of Formula 1-sourced technologies such as brake steer, where the inside rear wheel is braked during fast cornering to reduce understeer. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a seven-speed seamless shift dual-clutch gearbox.
The name’s former prefix ‘MP4′ has been the chassis designation for all McLaren Formula 1 cars since 1981. ‘MP4′ stands for McLaren Project 4 as a result of the merger between Ron Dennis’ Project 4 organisation with McLaren. The ’12′ refers to McLaren’s internal Vehicle Performance Index through which it rates key performance criteria both for competitors and for its own cars. The criteria combine power, weight, emissions, and aerodynamic efficiency. The coalition of all these values delivers an overall performance index that has been used as a benchmark throughout the car’s development. The ‘C’ refers to Carbon, highlighting the application of carbon fibre technology to the future range of McLaren sports cars.
MP4-12C shares its name with the MP4/12 Formula 1 car that raced in the 1997 season. This car featured a second brake pedal discovered by photographers to counter understeer on the exit of the corners by selecting the inside rear wheel, similar to the computer controlled “brake steer” system of the MP4-12C.
EQUIPMENT
LHD, Volcano red calipers, 19-inch Lightweight forged multi spoke alloy wheels, Steel brake system, Sports exhaust system, Carbon fibre wing mirrors, Carbon fibre side air intake’s, Carbon fibre engine bay, Carbon fibre electric memory seats, Carbon fibre wheel Arches, Heated seats, Launch control and Winter mode, Carbon fibre centre console, Black Leather Bound And Carbon fibre multi functional steering wheel With paddle shift, Carbon fibre door switch surrounds, Iris Upgraded With Meridian Sound Package, Sat Nav, Front/ Rear park assist, Xenon headlights with power wash function, Electric folding mirrors, Adaptive air suspension, AC, Climate control, Alcantara headliner, Phone prep, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, AUX input, FM/AM, Dual cup holder, Tracker, Cruise control.
EXTERIOR
In 2008, McLaren hired Frank Stephenson as design director for their reborn production car project. As with the McLaren F1, carbon fibre is used extensively in the vehicle to minimise weight. The MP4-12C weighs 1,301 kg dry. The chassis is based around a F1 style one-piece carbon fibre tub, called the Carbon MonoCell, weighing only 80 kg.
The deep glossy Volcano red paint work contrasts perfectly against the black alloys, front diffuser and rear buttress. The dark scene continues with use of carbon fibre to the door mirrors, side vents and engine bay. The McLaren ‘swoosh’ logo is not only used to the front badging; look closer, the front headlights and side sculpture of the car is designed in exactly the same way; a truly wonderful design aspect.
The body oozes aerodynamic features with intakes, vents, fins and large scoops channeling air to vital radiators, utilizing it to increase downforce and discarding anything that might slow it down. A functional design masterpiece.
INTERIOR
Even the way you enter the car is technically genius. Instead of using a conventional handle, McLaren has invented it’s own way to gain entry with the swipe of your hand alongside the underneath of the door; this saves weight and improves aerodynamics. Once the beautifully crafted butterfly door has been raised you are presented with even more carbon, this time from the skeleton of the carbon-monocel tub, seats, climate control switches on the doors, steering wheel and centre console.
The interior of this car is well equipped and can be used daily with mod-cons including Sat Nav, AC, heated electric seats and phone prep. The IRIS control unit is very simple to use with a touch screen face and large home button; a similar set-up to the latest smart-phones.
Seated low in the comfortable large leather seats and the wall of the carbon-tub well over waist height, the MP4 feels like a true race car. All switch-gear is placed correctly and easily accessible; the status-quo of a non-usable super car is now over.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The car is powered by the M838T 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8 engine, designed and developed by McLaren, Ilmor and Ricardo. The design of the engine was based on a racing engine which was designed and developed by Tom Walkinshaw Racing for the IRL Indy Car Championship but never raced.
The engine is connected to a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch gearbox made by Graziano Oerlikon. Dubbed the “Seamless Shift Gearbox” or SSG, the gearbox features a system dubbed Pre-Cog that allows the driver to preselect the next gear by lightly tapping the paddle.
Having recently been serviced by McLaren Manchester at 18,486 miles, this MP4 is on the button and ready to go.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
This MP4-12C sports a set of un-marked, gloss black Super-light forged alloy wheels. The 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloys are wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero rubber; all of which show plenty of life remaining.
This example is mated to a set of steel brakes with the calipers painted in matching Volcano red. For a car that has never seen the track, the steel brakes provide sufficient stopping power for road use.
HISTORY FILE
Supplied new on the 10th April 2012 to the UK this example benefits from an extended manufacturers warranty, with the balance remaining until July 2017
This MP4-12C has been serviced only by the Main dealer whilst in the care of its 2 previous owners.
Having only been serviced in July this year at 18,486 miles by McLaren Manchester, this MP4-12C is ready to be enjoyed by it’s next custodian.
The history file contains the owners manual, service book, two keys and a tracker.
Contact The Octane Collection for more details.
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