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

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