McLaren MP4-12C marks British brand’s return to road car market
McLaren Automotive has unveiled the MP4-12C, a carbon-fibre supercar with a 600bhp twin-turbo V8, signalling its ambition to compete directly with established sports car rivals from 2011.
McLaren Automotive has revealed its first in-house production car, the MP4-12C, introducing a new carbon-fibre chassis to the mid-engined supercar segment. The car was unveiled at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, with sales due to begin through a dedicated global network in early 2011.
Introduction of the McLaren MP4-12C
The MP4-12C is positioned in the core sports car market, targeting rivals such as Ferrari and Lamborghini with a list price between £125,000 and £175,000. Unlike the earlier Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, the 12C is developed and built entirely by McLaren, using no carryover parts from other manufacturers. It is the first of a planned range of high-performance models from the newly formed McLaren Automotive division.
Carbon MonoCell Chassis and Powertrain
Central to the 12C is its Carbon MonoCell, a one-piece carbon fibre tub that introduces a new approach to strength and weight in this price bracket. McLaren claims this is the first time a car in this segment has used a single-piece carbon structure, a technology derived from its Formula One experience dating back to the MP4/1 in 1981 and the 1993 McLaren F1 road car.
Power comes from a bespoke 3.8-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, codenamed M838T, producing around 600bhp. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG), developed in-house. The combination of a lightweight chassis and high-output engine gives the 12C a strong power-to-weight ratio, though McLaren has yet to publish official performance figures. The MP4-12C’s Carbon MonoCell weighs just 80kg, contributing to the car’s low overall kerb weight.
Chassis Technology and Usability
McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control system debuts on the 12C, allowing continuously variable suspension settings for both ride comfort and handling. The company says this enables the car to combine track capability with everyday usability, a key aim for the new model. Attention to occupant packaging is also claimed to improve comfort and practicality compared to rivals.
- Carbon MonoCell structure for rigidity and lightness
- 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine (M838T)
- Seven-speed dual-clutch SSG transmission
- Proactive Chassis Control suspension
Market Positioning and Future Plans
The MP4-12C marks McLaren’s return to the road car market after the SLR partnership with Mercedes-Benz and the earlier F1. The company aims to establish itself as a direct competitor to Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini, with the 12C serving as the first in a planned series of new models. Production will take place in the UK, with McLaren targeting global sales through its own dealer network. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 2011.
The 12C’s introduction signals McLaren’s intention to transfer its Formula One engineering expertise to a broader range of road cars. The company is positioning the 12C as a foundation for future models, aiming for a significant presence in the high-performance sports car market.
For more on the MP4-12C’s media debut and its appearance on track, see Top Gear Season 17 Episode 2: Hot Hatches and McLaren MP4-12C Tested in Italy.
