McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren Automotive (formerly McLaren Cars) is a British high performance automobile manufacturer founded and based in Surrey, England. The company was founded by Ron Dennis in 1989, with the purpose of experimenting with Formula One technology in the production of street ready cars. Now in their 25th of vehicle production, McLaren enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence. Their high performance vehicles are of extremely high quality, and are renowned for their performance capabilities, especially in terms of speed.

One of their newest models is the MP4-12C. The 12C is one of the only vehicles currently manufactured by McLaren, and it is the first car the company has designed and built independently this century, with the last being the McLaren F1 (which has not been produced since the late 1990s). The 12C began production in 2011 and is still being produced for the foreseeable future, with the 2014 model being one of the premier vehicles of 2014.

The car utilizes a 3.8 liter McLaren M838T Twin Turbo V8, which has a power output of 616 horsepower and 443 torque at 3,000 rpm. The 7 speed dual clutch transmission allows for maximum control over the vehicle, The car’s top speed is 207 miles per hour, making it intimidatingly fast for a street legal vehicle. Its 0-60 time is 3.2 seconds, but this time can be improved to 3 seconds flat if the car is equipped with Corsa tires.

One of the great innovations of the 12C, according to McLaren’s website, is the carbon fiber monocell cockpit. “The design of the MonoCell ensures the 12C performs handles like a race-bred supercar. Carbon fibre does not degrade like metal, so the integrity and racing performance of the MonoCell will be maintained for decades to come.” The entire monocell weighs only 165 pounds, which is consistent with this car’s overall aerodynamic, speed enhancing design.

The 12C’s Brake Steer technology allows for taking turns and difficult angles at maximum speeds while still being somewhat safe. According to McLaren’s website, the Brake Steer takes into account speed and steering angle. Using this information, Brake Steer “works out the perfect cornering trajectory. It then applies the exact amount of braking force required to the rear inside wheel as you corner – allowing the car to effectively pivot around the desired path.”
On top of the car’s incredible performance capabilities and control, the interior is luxurious as well. While it may not be spectacular in terms of roominess, the McLaren MP4-12C is lavish for the one, two or three people who can fit into the vehicle. All of this is going to cost you, of course. The 2014 McLaren MP4-12C has a base price of $239,400, and that is for the coupe. If you go for the convertible option, you are looking at a base price of $265,750.