Light weight and performance are defining philosophies at McLaren.

 

But outright power alone is of little significance if a car’s weight saps output or if that power is unmanageable and
compromises the driving experience or results in unacceptable emissions.

 

Fundamentally, it is critical to keep weight as low as possible. Increased customer demands for safety and advanced features all mean that shaving weight is difficult.

 

However, at McLaren saving weight remains a passion and at the heart of the McLaren MP4-12C is a carbon fiber composite chassis: the Carbon MonoCell.

 

This revolutionary structure is the automotive version of a McLaren motor racing innovation from the 1981 MP4/1 Formula 1 car.

 

It is not only the nucleus of a fast, safe, clean and light car, but through its revolutionary one-piece molding manufacturing technique, also presents a unique structure that allows greater freedom for innovative packaging and interior design.

 

The MonoCell allows for a creativity of interior design that sets new standards.

 

The whole focus is on making the 12C cockpit uniquely spacious and functional – in a car that is actually narrower than competitors.

 

The interior styling then offers a symmetry that wraps around the occupants and makes them feel physically and emotionally comfortable.

 

The McLaren MP4-12C is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.8L 90° V8 engine — the ‘M838T.’ This marks the start of a new era in ‘core’ segment sports cars — smaller capacity, lighter weight, higher efficiency and more economical power units.

 

The engine has the highest specific power output in its segment which, when allied to its low weight carbon composite chassis, delivers exemplary power- and torque-to-weight ratios.

 

With an anticipated summer 2011 launch in North America, the 12C is the first in a range of high performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive.

 

Along with future models within the range, it will challenge the world’s best sports cars, benefiting from the expertise and virtuosity of the McLaren Group.

 

The 12C is set to re-write the rules of sports car design through Formula 1-inspired engineering, a revolutionary carbon fiber MonoCell chassis, and an absolute focus on efficiency and quality. It represents ‘pure McLaren’; from unique engineering to bespoke design where everything is for a reason.

 

McLaren Automotive has a rich and seamless heritage in producing premium sports cars for the road.

 

The McLaren F1 road car, which was launched in 1992, set the world land speed record for a production car, and is regarded as one of the best examples of supercar exotica.

 

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, one of the fastest cars on the streets, is also the most successful supercar ever in its price bracket.

 

The manufacturer is now developing its own retail network with a product lineup to challenge the very best sports cars on the market.

 

For more information on McLaren Automotive and its vehicles, visit www.mclarenautomotive.com.