2013 McLaren MP4-12C

Although it was only launched last year, McLaren has already announced a series of upgrades for the MP4-12C.

Central to the 2013 model year changes is a power increase from 592 bhp (441 kW / 600 PS) to 616 bhp (460 kW / 625 PS), achieved by remapping the twin-turbo V8 engine’s fuel system. Combined with modifications to the seven-speed transmission, the result is improved mid-range acceleration, a crisper throttle response and quicker gear changes. Neither fuel economy nor CO2 emissions have suffered, though.

McLaren MP4-12C (2013) Front Side 1

Among the other enhancements are additional programming options for the Intake Sound Generator system (which basically controls the amount of engine noise heard inside the cabin), buttons for the doors instead of touch sensors, an additional ‘Auto Lo’ mode for the climate control and altered automatic headlight activation settings.

The good news for existing MP4-12C owners is that most of the improvements - including the engine and transmission tweaks - will be available as part of a retrofit package. The even better news is that this will be offered by McLaren free of charge.

McLaren MP4-12C (2013) Front Side 2

Commenting on the revisions, Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director, said: “Given our racing heritage, it is in our nature to continuously seek out improvements. The team at McLaren Automotive recognizes that our existing and future customers deserve the very best product and service we can offer, and the launch of the enhanced 12C reaffirms its position as the most powerful luxury sports car among its competitor set.

“We designed and engineered the 12C from a clean sheet of paper, and I am delighted with the innovative technology package created for our first sports car. Our customers love driving a car with technologies and systems that have proved successful in Formula 1 and which create an incredible driving experience in a unique new high performance sports car. New and existing customers will now enjoy an even better experience thanks to the upgrades.”

Sales of the 2013 McLaren MP4-12C are due to begin during October 2012.

2013 McLaren MP4-12C - Technical Specifications
Engine
Displacement 3,799 cc
Configuration V8 twin-turbo
Construction Aluminium block and cylinder heads; dry sump lubrication
Valvetrain 32-valve, DOHC, dual VVT
Max power 616 bhp (460 kW / 625 PS) at 7,500 rpm
Max torque 600 Nm (442 lb/ft) at 3,000-7,000 rpm
Transmission
Type 7 Speed SSG with Pre-Cog
Performance (with optional Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres)
0-62 mph (100 km/h) 3.1 seconds
0-124 mph (200 km/h) 8.8 seconds
0-186 mph (300 km/h) 26.5 seconds
¼ mile (400 m) 10.6 seconds at 136 mph (219 km/h)
Top speed 207 mph (333 km/h)
Body
Type Carbon fibre MonoCell with aluminium front and rear frames
Wheelbase 2,670 mm
Track Front 1,656 mm / rear 1,583 mm
Length 4,509 mm
Width 1,908 mm
Height 1,199 mm
Dry weight 1,336 kg (2,945 lbs)
DIN weight 1,434 kg (3,161 lbs)
DIN weight distribution Front 42.5% / rear 57.5%
Chassis
Active aerodynamics McLaren Airbrake
Front brakes 370 mm cast iron discs with forged aluminium hubs
Rear brakes 350 mm cast iron discs with forged aluminium hubs
Wheels Front 19” x 8.5”J / rear 20” x 11”J
Tyres Front 235/35 R19 / rear 305/30 R20

Related posts:
MP4-12C versus 458 Italia
McLaren MP4-12C GT3

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more

Alfa MiTo TwinAir arrives

Image
The Alfa Romeo MiTo supermini is now available with the innovative two-cylinder TwinAir petrol engine. Although its capacity is only 875 cc, a turbocharger and the MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve control system mean it produces a respectable 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) and 145 Nm (103 lb/ft) of torque. Performance might not be scintillating - the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes 12.5 seconds and maximum speed is 108 mph (173 km/h) - but the TwinAir’s trump card is efficiency. Carbon dioxide emissions are only 98 g/km, a level that brings numerous benefits for UK drivers including zero road tax, a full discount on the London Congestion Charge and qualification for the lowest company car benefit-in-kind rate. Fuel economy is also decent and, according to the official figures, a TwinAir-powered MiTo will manage 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Impressive maybe, but still some way off the 78.5 mpg (3.6 l/100km) of the existing 1.3 JTDM-2 diesel MiTo. However, any
Read more

Bullet Classic goes green

Image
The Royal Enfield Bullet Classic definitely has a certain charm about it. Now it’s available as a Battle Green version, which pays homage to the company’s long relationship with the Indian Army. The association dates back to 1949, when Royal Enfield first set up an operation in Chennai to build a military spec 350 cc Bullet. Despite its 1950s looks, the Bullet Classic is surprisingly modern. The entire range received a new 499 cc engine back in 2009, featuring fuel injection and a five-speed transmission. Fortunately for riders not familiar with the traditional Royal Enfield set up, this also saw the gear change move to the left side of the bike. The Euro 3 compliant single cylinder engine produces 27 bhp (20 kW / 28 PS) and, while it’s never going to make the bikes the fastest on the market, its near 80 mpg (3.5 l/100km) fuel consumption is impressive. The Battle Green Bullet Classic, which has its frame, wheel rims and bodywork all painted in matt green, costs £4,895 in the UK
Read more

Electric KTM Freeride

Image
Austrian manufacturer KTM has unveiled its Freeride electric bikes at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show. Available as either an off-road enduro or a street-orientated supermoto, both versions share the same battery and motor technology. That means a peak 30 horsepower and a top speed of 43 mph (70 km/h). Performance is helped by the two bikes being so diminutive - total all-in weight is only 90 kg, including the battery pack. As with most electric vehicles, it’s the battery that will be so critical to the success of the product. Price, performance, range and recharging time are all directly influenced by it. According to KTM, the Freeride’s 2.5 kWh battery should be good for one hour of off-road riding. After that, it’ll take 90 minutes to fully recharge, although alternatively it can simply be swapped over for another one - assuming the rider can afford the cost of a spare. KTM is planning to commence European Freeride sales in spring 2011, with a price expected to be ‘under €10,0
Read more