You submit a planning application and suddenly everyone knows what you’re up to, whether you wanted them to or not. Typical, isn’t it?
McLaren is building a new factory in Woking and the building plans have inadvertently revealed that they are planning to produce a soft top version of the recently released, and utterly beautiful, MP4-12C supercar. … continue reading ‘McLaren MP4-12C Goes Topless’
The McLaren F1 supercar and the latest rival to the tiny Smart car might seem worlds apart, but they have one thing, and one person, in common. Just like in his legendary F1 supercar design, Gordon Murray’s new concept, the T25 places the driver right in the centre of the car, although admittedly a far less powerful one than before.
Ok, the name doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue, but there’s no denying that the new McLaren MP4-12C is every bit as desirable as its famous predecessors, the Mercedes McLaren SLR and the first real hypercar, the McLaren F1.
The MP4-12C is mid-engined, using a twin-turbo 3.8 litre V8 to unleash a mighty 600bhp, fed through a DSG-style twin clutch transmission.
The design is heavily influenced by aerodynamics and weight distribution, but McLaren styling touches can be seen all around the car.
The chassis is an interesting one-piece “Monocell” design, which can cut the production time of new cars so much that it may find its way into other car designs. … continue reading ‘McLaren MP4-12C: Return of the Mac’