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McLaren MP4-12C Live Unveiling – What’s it Like to Touch and Sit In?

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Last week, The Smoking Tire had the pleasure of being invited to LA’s newest exotic car dealership, McLaren of Beverly Hills, to check out the new MP4-12C in the flesh, as well as learn some very interesting information about what could be a game-changing supercar.

We were first shown a bare powertrain chassis with only seat and steering wheel attached. We were shown how low the internally developed 3.8L, twin-turbo V8 sits in the middle of the car. We were shown the carbon fiber tub, and the fact that the entire car was designed around the perfect driving position. We were shown the lack of swaybars, replaced by an electro-hydraulic damper system that adjusts itself on the fly, and, in “comfort” mode, is deactivated entirely for the smoothest ride possible. We were shown why the exhausts go upwards, through the rear bumper, instead of downwards: it saves 2 kilograms, and doesn’t interrupt airflow over the rear diffuser. We were shown the 7-speed DCT transmission and why it is the smallest and lightest unit available, to keep the center of gravity closest to the middle of the car. And we were told how the McLaren MP4-12C doesn’t share any componentry with any other car on the road. Every piece, down to the last nut and bolt, is pure McLaren.

And then they took the cover off the finished product. (more…)

23.08.2010 News, Photos 10 Comments

Update: The Greatest McLaren F1 of All Time?

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

On the heels of our latest entry into The Smoking Tire dream garage, a friend of the site sent in these photos from a recent Florida car show. This is McLaren F1 #73 of 73, the last F1 built. Hard as it is to believe, the owner wasn’t satisfied with the car, so he sent it back to McLaren, and had them install a GTR Body Kit, special forged wheels (the only set of its kind), re-paint the car in Dark Tangerine Metallic, and, most importantly, install the LM engine. This is one of two such F1 road cars to have the engine swapped for the LM unit. They finished the job by adding an upgraded cooling system, upgraded air conditioning (a must for South Florida) and a sport exhaust. The grand total? 690hp and 2300 lbs.

Although this isn’t an authentic LM for the history books,  it combines the best of both worlds: The more powerful engine and bodywork with the less noisy snychromesh gearbox from the road car, and a full interior with A/C and a radio.

#73 is such a unique piece of McLaren history, it’s hard to say what the car is actually worth. Given that a nice example F1 would sell at about $1.8 million in today’s market, and estimates for the LM’s are around $10 million, we’d say $5-6 million is a good number for this car.

Thanks, Vinny for the tip!

15.06.2010 News, Photos, Viewer Submission 2 Comments

TST Dream Garage: Matt’s Favorite Car of All Time

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

The most common question I get (aside from requests to drive certain cars) is, “What is your favorite car of all time?” Well, obvious as it may be, it’s the McLaren F1 LM.

If there was ever a car that brings a sense of occasion to the driver, it’s definitely the McLaren F1 LM.  Just look at the numbers: Total production of 5 cars. 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. Top speed is drag limited at 225 mph, lower than the “normal” F1, but the acceleration and handling is better in the LM due to its 165 lb weight reduction. The BMW V12 makes 680 horsepower in LM trim (that’s 110hp per liter). This was all in 1995.

Nothing says “this car is for drivers,” like a seat in the middle. The starting sequence is would be familiar to a fighter pilot.  It’s also wonderful that everything cocoons around you so that you really are master of all you survey.  The cherry on top of this already wonder sundae is that it’s so hunkered down and race focused that you absolutely need headphones and microphones to protect your ears from the beautifully loud V12 and straight-cut gearbox, just so you could talk with your passenger.  If we’re honest though, she’s (I wouldn’t prefer a guy passenger with me in my dream) going to have to be pretty special to be in your dream car.  Plus it’s literally made of gold; how freaking awesome is that? Being a dream car though, I’m glad I’ll wake up before the costs come into play (even touch up paint is over $100).  The F1 really is the definition and yardstick as to what will go into a dream garage.  Now we just need a dream track to ourselves and all will be right with the world.

15.06.2010 News, Photos 13 Comments

Here’s My McLaren MP4-12C, What’s Yours Look Like?

Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

I have to admit, I’m excited for the new McLaren MP4-12C. The old F1 was, is , and may forever be the best driver’s car built, but I gotta say, there’s something really exciting about a new, “affordable” McLaren. What it means for people like me is that we will actually see them out and about! Anyway, McLaren has launched its online configurator for the MP4-12C and I found myself wasting a good 20 minutes this morning building the perfect McLaren. Then they send you a whole build sheet! Check it out after the jump. (more…)

03.04.2010 News, Photos 4 Comments

McLaren MP4-12C Engine Porn!

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

We’ve been seeing spy shots and pre-production photos of the forthcoming McLaren MP4-12C for about 6 months now, and if I were a bettin’ man (and I am a bettin’ man), I’d be bettin’ that it’s going to be a damn treat to drive that thing. I mean come on, the last car they built in-house held the production car speed record (241mph) for over a decade. (more…)

18.03.2010 News, Photos 3 Comments

Jay Leno Gets a Ride in the McLaren P11 – VIDEO

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Jay Leno: Lucky guy. He got to take a trip over to the Dunsfold Aerodrome in England, better known as the Top Gear test track, and brought back with him some very impressive footage of the pre-production supercar in action. This video is interesing enough on its own merits, but, speaking as someone who has watched more than his share of Top Gear in my life, I can say this car is insanely fast, even without a lap timer. The speed at which the P11 negotiates the Hammerhead is absolutely incredible (and I just re-watched the Gumpert Apollo sequence to be sure), and in the rain the test driver nearly loses it going around Gambon, but recovers just in time.

23.12.2009 News, Video No Comments