Mclaren MP4-12C

The McLaren MP4-12C is a sports car designed and manufactured by McLaren Automotive. The car's final design was unveiled on 8 September 2009, and it is set to be launched in 2011. The MP4-12C will feature a carbon fibre compositechassis, and will be powered by a mid-mounted McLaren M838T 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine developing circa 600 bhp (447 kW; 608 PS) and around 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. The car will make use of Formula 1-sourced technologies such as "brake steer", where the inside rear wheel is braked during fast cornering to reduce understeer. Power will be transmitted to the wheels through a 7-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch gearbox equipped with "Pre-Cog", which allows the driver to pre-select the next gear by half-pulling the paddle shifter behind the steering wheel, which allows the transmission to execute faster gear changes.
The MP4-12C will be sold at a price between £125,000-175,000.

Specifications

Design

As with the McLaren F1, carbon fibre (Carbon MonoCell) is used extensively in the vehicle to minimize weight. The MP4-12C will weigh only 1,300 kg (2,866 lb) dry. The chassis is based around an F1 style one-piece carbon fibre tub, weighing only 80 kg (176 lb).

Engine

The car is powered by a 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. The engine produces approximately 600 bhp (447 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. It has a redline of 8,500 rpm, with 80% of torque available at just 2,000 rpm. When they announced the car, McLaren claimed that their engine will have a higher horsepower to carbon dioxide emission ratio than any internal-combustion engine available at the time. Contrary to earlier speculation, this is McLaren’s own V8, dubbed M838T using twin turbos and driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The V8 has a dry sump and a flat-plane crank like a race engine, to lower the centre of gravity and allow a higher rev limit.

Performance

McLaren have stated the MP4-12C can accelerate from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in under 10 seconds. The car will have a top speed in excess of 320 km/h (199 mph) and will be able to brake from 200 km/h (124 mph) to a complete stop in under five seconds. Braking from 100 km/h (62 mph) to zero can be done in under 30 metres (98 ft), around seven car lengths. It is expected the 12C will complete the standing quarter mile in approximately 11 seconds.