McLaren MP4-12C performance specs revealed
The latest plans for McLaren Automotive’s global launch of a range of high-performance sports cars were announced on March 18, including performance data from recent testing programs, details of the car’s innovative construction, and new technologies inspired by Formula 1.
Indicative performance data from the most recent test sessions are confirming the development team’s confidence in producing a car of exceptional out-and-out performance as well as quality, safety, comfort, and efficiency levels. The 12C is set to present new standards in the sports car market:
* 0 – 124 mph under 10 sec
* 124 – 0 mph under 5 sec
* 62 – 0 mph under 3 sec
* V-max over 200 mph
* ¼ mile around 11 sec
* CO2 under 300g/km
* Lightest dry weight around 2860 lbs
Mark Vinnels, McLaren Automotive’s Programme Director said: “We are very encouraged with this first release of performance data from the latest XP-Beta development cars. We are focusing on ‘real-world’ performance that has relevance for 12C drivers on track or on road. As you would expect of McLaren, we are aiming to set new standards for all performance criteria, from top speed to fuel economy, in-gear acceleration to braking distances and carbon dioxide emissions.
“What these results don’t show though is the overall package compared to our competitors that will make the 12C easier to drive, more comfortable to spend time in, and dynamically jaw-dropping,” Vinnels concluded.
Continued development and testing programmed in New Zealand, Arizona, Spain, and at venues including the Nordschleife at the Nürburgring will deliver further performance figures in the summer before the first customer car is built at the McLaren Technology Center in late-2010.
The innovative one-piece molded carbon-fiber chassis (the MonoCell) is the key to the 12C’s performance, forming the structural heart of the car, and an ideal occupant cell that delivers exceptional crash test results and a unique driving environment.
The MonoCell’s low weight, structural rigidity, dimensional accuracy and innovative four-hour manufacturing process are the factors that support McLaren Automotive’s decision to structure its range of cars around this racing-derived technology. This concept is a core strand of McLaren’s DNA.
The structural integrity that a carbon chassis offers then allows McLaren Automotive the freedom to clothe the car with a combination of aluminum and low-density SMC (sheet molding compounds) panels that, themselves, are ground-breaking: the SMC panels are 11 percent lighter than on any production car.
Reducing weight is an obsession at McLaren, borne of the principles that have driven McLaren’s racing teams to more motorsport success than any other: recent developments have lowered the MonoCell’s weight further to below 80 kilos, whilst continued lightweight engineering supports McLaren Automotive’s plans to launch the 12C at a lighter dry weight than any competitor at around 1300 kilos.
McLaren Automotive is aiming for the 12C to be at least 75 kilos lighter than its nearest competitor and a long list of further lightweight solutions highlights the 12C’s introduction as a new type of sports car, driven by McLaren Automotive’s obsessive attention-to-detail. Examples include:
* Standard composite forged aluminium/cast iron brake system is lighter than optional carbon-ceramic brake system.
* Low-weight Lithium-Ion battery.
* Lightweight magnesium structural beam supports the dashboard.
* Small, twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivers 600 hp from 3.8L capacity.
* Rear mounted engine cooling radiators minimize the pipework.
* Hexagonal aluminum wiring saves four kilos over circular wiring.
Not only is the 12C incredibly light and fast, it also features a range of new technologies, many inspired by Formula 1, and all unique to McLaren. In fact, the 12C has been described as ‘pure’ McLaren: all content in the car is bespoke to the 12C, from the switchgear to the engine.
Neil Patterson, Chief Engineer for the McLaren MP4-12C said: “Our goal for the 12C, and future McLaren cars, is to offer what we call ‘accessible performance’, no matter what the driver’s ability.
“With that in mind, with the technologies we have introduced, and with a small and lightweight, low- and mid-mounted engine, we have been able to deliver what we feel is a perfectly balanced chassis. The 12C will be a joy to drive in town, on an Autobahn, or on a track. There is no compromise and huge flexibility,” Patterson concluded.