McLaren MP4-12C

[autogyro]

I can say for certain that the build tables for the SLR were set up at Woking before the prototypes were built. Gordon Murray was setting them up when I visited on another matter.

[Morteza]

I found on Wikipedia that the SLR assembly was done at Woking.

[Pup]

Little bit more info on the tub...

http://www.compositesworld.com/articles ... oad%283%29

And some interesting news on their future plans, 5 models total...

http://www.compositesworld.com/articles ... oad%283%29

Oh, and guess who's going back to Le Mans...

http://www.autosport.com/directory/appointments.html

McLaren Applied Technologies, a Company of the McLaren Group, is seeking applications from suitably experienced candidates to support the exploratory phase of a possible future racing project.

Mechanical Design Engineer (General)
Ref: MDE 1

You will be responsible for detailing all the major mechanical components, such as suspension systems, steering, chassis components, and roll cage. Previous experience in GT2, GT3 would be preferred for this position.

[Pandamasque]

There are some awesome renders of a fictional version here.

[xpensive]

Gawd how I want that car...but I guess that is just as likely to happen as South Africa winning the World Cup,
no matter how I toot my vuvuzela, or what do you think JET?

[marcush.]

Ron will happily accept the order and your cheque ,I´m sure X

[Vasco]

Whoa, those GT pics look stunning!!

Gawd how I want that car...but I guess that is just as likely to happen as South Africa winning the World Cup,
no matter how I toot my vuvuzela, or what do you think JET?

[-X ... South Africa will win...at some point...in the future...i hope...

[Richard]

Little bit more info on the tub...

http://www.compositesworld.com/articles ... oad%283%29

And some interesting news on their future plans, 5 models total...

http://www.compositesworld.com/articles ... oad%283%29

Those links both point to the carbon tub story. Have you got the link about the 5 different versions?

[Pup]

Ah, sorry about that; here you go...

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11009032821 ... xt-5-years

My guess is that they're counting convertible versions. I thought this bit was interesting, though I'm not surprised as I think mclaren buyers will be buying the car more than the flash...

Speaking with Autoguide, McLaren's Regional Director for North America, Tony Joseph, said MP4-12C buyers aren't the usual suspects. Instead of owning a Ferrari, they normally drive Porsches.

[JohnsonsEvilTwin]

Porsche will be a bit miffed, but I suppose they dont have a 160k model to do battle with the Mclaren yet.
I do see the point though, Ferrari's are generally seen as accessories more than driving tools.
I wonder how this proposed 918 is shaping up in budget terms? and will it be an MP4 12 competitor, or a class above in the Pagani/Bugatti bracket?



And when is there a test date for the Mclaren? Im intrigued where it stands in relation to the 458 and SLS.
Both of which are similarly priced but quite different concepts.

[WhiteBlue]

It takes no rocket science to figure that the 458 Italia will have superior performance to to the McLaren.

458 Italia: 0.54 hp/kg
MP4-12C: 0.46 hp/kg

-> 17% power/weight advantage for the Ferrari

Add the fact that the McLaren sales and service organization is in the process of being build and you can figure where most of the money is going to end up. The MP4-12C will have to be rely on being cheaper than the Ferrari and more performant than the Merc to sell. This is going to hurt the McLaren margins compared to Ferrari. McLaren simply do not have the engine technology that Ferrari have cultivated for years. Their chassis is probably first class but they will probably need time to catch up with the engine competence that Ferrari had decades to cultivate.

[747heavy]

Porsche will be a bit miffed, but I suppose they dont have a 160k model to do battle with the Mclaren yet.
I do see the point though, Ferrari's are generally seen as accessories more than driving tools.
I wonder how this proposed 918 is shaping up in budget terms? and will it be an MP4 12 competitor, or a class above in the Pagani/Bugatti bracket?



And when is there a test date for the Mclaren? Im intrigued where it stands in relation to the 458 and SLS.
Both of which are similarly priced but quite different concepts.

The concept used a 500-horsepower V8 along with a pair of electric motors with 109 hp each and a lithium ion battery that can provide 16 miles of emissions-free driving from grid energy. The powertrain is not expected to be changed much for production and Porsche has not announced when 918 will be available. There has been speculation that the production model could cost up to €500,000 (about $650,000 USD), although if it comes to the States, it should be eligible for a federal tax credit. Even with up to $7,500 it still makes the Chevrolet Volt look downright cheap.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/28/repo ... roduction/
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07 ... n-program/

I think if it comes it is in a league of it´s own, and lightyears ahead of the MP4-12 in terms of "the next generation super sports car".

[JohnsonsEvilTwin]

It takes no rocket science to figure that the 458 Italia will have superior performance to to the McLaren.

458 Italia: 0.54 hp/kg
MP4-12C: 0.46 hp/kg

-> 17% power/weight advantage for the Ferrari

A Zonda has less than a Veyron but it will destroy the Veyron into submission round a track as well as putting a big grin on your chops.
Driveabilty, torque ....REAL WORLD performance means more to me.

[JohnsonsEvilTwin]

@747 OH!

Thats worth 2 MP4 12C's! With Change for a CLK Blackseries......

[747heavy]

you know the saying from Café de Paris in Monte Carlo
" If you have to ask for the price/menu, you don´t have enough money"

And that all for the Toyota Prius of Super Sports Cars........

Have a nice day JET