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McLaren MP4-12C 2009

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McLaren is back in the supercar league with a brand new MP4-12C that is announced as a first proposal in a several new sports cars range. "It is a long-held dream of mine to launch a range of high performance sports cars that set new standards in the industry", sid Ron Dennis, McLaren Automotive Chairman, "We began designing and building cars for aficionados of thoroughbred sports cars almost 20 years ago. Incorporating the leading edge technologies that the McLaren Group has built up within its various companies, I believe we are now perfectly placed to open up this new chapter in McLaren history as well as play a part in the regeneration of high-tech manufacturing in the United Kingdom and global automotive environment." he concluded.

"The first car from the new company, the McLaren MP4-12C , is a high performance two-seat mid-engine model in the "core" sports car market segment for cars costing between £125.000 and £175.000. The McLaren MP4-12C is pure McLaren, featuring no carryover parts from any other car, and will be produced by McLaren in the UK. It goes on sale through a dedicated worldwide retailer network in early 2011." explained Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director. " McLaren is already a car maker with maturity and experience, having produced iconic cars such as the F1 in 1993." McLaren has built the M6GT in 1969 that was derived from Can Am race car. The McLaren F1 (Car Reviews- McLaren F1) was produced between 1993 and 1998 while winning overall at 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. McLaren produced the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (Car review -Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren) between 2003 and 2009.

The heart of the new car is the one piece moulded Carbon MonoCell structure. McLaren pioneered the use of carbon composite construction in the 1981 Formula 1 MP4/1 model and set a trend for Formula 1 race cars. The company brought carbon fibre to road cars with the 1993 McLaren F1 and then built on this experience with a carbon fibre chassis and body on the SLR manufactured to the same exacting standards, but in higher volumes. The Carbon MonoCell not only reduces the weight of the structure but also allows for the use of much lighter weight body panels. For the first year McLaren plan to produce just 1.000 cars.

The McLaren MP4-12C is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3,8 litre 90° V8 engine - the 'M838T'. 'M838T' is a unique McLaren power ubit, developed specifically for the 12C. It is compact, lightweight and offers a combination of very high performance with excellent economy and CO2 emission values for its class. 'M838T' features dual variable valve timing and produces around 600 hp and 600 Nm of torque. A dry sump and flat plane crankshaft allow the engine to be placed extremely low in the chassis thereby lowering the centre of gravity and improving handling responses. The McLaren engine revs to 8.500 rpm and 80 per cent of torque is available at below 2.000 rpm.

The engine drives the rear wheels through two wet clutches and a McLaren developed seven speed Seamless Shift dual clutch gearbox (SSG). The Seamless Shift technology offers variable programs ranging from 'normal' for road use and 'sport' for quicker changes still, right up to a lightning quick high performance mode. In addition an 'automatic' mode, 'launch control' and 'winter' modes can be selected, the latter changing all electronic functions to suit low friction conditions and delivering maximum driver aid and support. There is no traditional manual transmission offered. The 12C's SSG is a development on the automated and sequential manual gearboxes with paddle shifts. Gears are changed using a Formula 1 style rocker shift that pivots in the centre of the steering wheel.

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The McLaren MP4-12C comes with Proactive control suspension; the suspension is based on double wishbones with coil springs. The dampers are interconnected hydraulically and provide adaptive responses depending on both road conditions and driver preference. The standard brakes for the 12C reduce overall vehicle and unsprung mass. McLaren has developed a composite braking system that uses a forged aluminium bell that attaches to the cast iron disc.

The 12C design was led by aerodynamics. The front is very low since it does not have to house large engine cooling radiators, two of which are mounted longitudinally at the sides. This offers the added benefit of space for storage under the bonnet. The 12C's face is dominated by large and distinctive air intakes and bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights inspired by the form of the McLaren logo. The dominant side air inlets act a turning vanes and help direct cooling air over the side radiators. The McLaren MP4-12C comes with active Airbrake that deploys hydraulically under braking, or when the driver wants to trim the car for increased downforce by using a switch on the Active Dynamics Panel.

The McLaren is the result of extended development. Getting the production process right for the one piece moulded Carbon MonoCell structure is the results of five years of extensive research. Simulation has been extensively employed in the development but over 20 prototypes have been built for an exhaustive test program around the globe. Delivery is expected to start in 2011.

Text Paul Damiens - Photos and illustrations by McLaren Automotive

McLaren MP4-12C 2009 Wallpapers (click on picture to enlarge)

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