With decades of experience and multiple champion medals under its belt, McLaren launched its first commercial sports car McLaren F1 in 1993. Twenty years later, it remains the fastest normally aspirated sports car, its appearance and specification is legendary. McLaren collaborated with Mercedes-Benz on McLaren Mercedes SLR, but McLaren F1 remains incomparable for many. Second on the line, McLaren MP4-12C has conjured much excitement since its official announcement in 2010. The name is composed of many significance — ‘MP4’ is the frame designed for Formula One in 1981; ‘12’ represents its performance including its drive, weight, exhaust, dynamic air flow efficiency and more; ‘C’ represents carbon fibre technology.
MP4-12C was officially launched in Hong Kong last week. With 3.8L twin turbo engine and 7-speed dual-clutch, maximum 600 horsepower; its lightweight carbon fibre structure, mid-engine, twin-turbo and F1 design concept, MP4-12C puts together cutting edge technology of countless manufacturers. The carbon fibre MonoCell frame is most anticipated. Back in 1981, McLaren already pioneer using carbon fibre in the F1 world, launching the extremely successful ‘MP4/1’. In 1993, McLaren applied carbon fibre on McLaren F1 limited edition sports car, and then Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Now that all sports car manufacturers are using it as the default material, McLaren developed MonoCell for MP4-12C. The all-in-one improves on the traditional aluminium structure. Its lightweight, 75kg, is ultimate.
The other highlight is its airbrake, which increases drag and rare axles pressure during a brake. The result, a shorter braking distance. In normal circumstances, the weight of a car shifts to the front under braking, and causes it to be pressed lower. With this Airbreak, the car is ‘pulled’ from the back and kept in balance. What’s more, under heavy braking above 95 km/h, a piston operated by transmission hydraulics raises the Airbrake to 32 and 69 degrees — increasing rare axles pressure and slowing the car down with wind resistance.
Text: BEBOP | Translation: dilettante
Edit: Carmen Lee
Photo: Kimio Ng
Update: 13 Apr 2011
SPECIFICATION:
Engine: McLaren M838T Twin-Turbo 3.8L V8
Transmission: 7-Speed Dual-Clutch
Acceleration: 3.3s (0-100km/h)
Maximum Speed: 330km/h
Maximum Power: 600PS (7,000rpm)
Maximum Torque: 600Nm (3,000-7,000rpm)
Price: HKD$3,900,000
MCLAREN HONG KONG
5/F, Sime Darby House, 380 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong.
+852 2437 1655 hongkong.mclaren.com
