View source for Engineering:McLaren 12C

{{short description|Sports car designed and manufactured by British automobile manufacturer McLaren Automotive}}
{{hatnote|For <sup>12</sup>C, see [[Physics:Carbon-12|Carbon-12]].}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = McLaren 12C
| image = McLaren MP4-12C – Frontansicht (4), 30. August 2012, Düsseldorf.jpg
| manufacturer = [[Company:McLaren Automotive|McLaren Automotive]]
| aka = 
| production = 2011–2014
| assembly = Woking, Surrey, England
| class = [[Engineering:Sports car|Sports car]] ([[Engineering:S-segment|S]])
| body_style = 2-door [[Engineering:Coupé|coupé]]<br/>2-door retractable hard-top convertible
| layout = [[Engineering:Longitudinal engine|Longitudinal]], Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
| platform = 
| engine = 3.8&nbsp;L M838T twin-turbocharged V8
| transmission = 7-speed SSG [[Engineering:Graziano Trasmissioni|Graziano]] [[Engineering:Dual-clutch transmission|dual-clutch]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|2670|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="http://cars.mclaren.com/12c/specification.html"/>
| length = {{convert|4509|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="http://cars.mclaren.com/12c/specification.html"/>
| width = {{convert|1908|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="http://cars.mclaren.com/12c/specification.html"/>
| height = {{convert|1199|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="http://cars.mclaren.com/12c/specification.html">{{cite web|url=http://cars.mclaren.com/12c/specification.html|title=McLaren 12C Specifications|access-date=19 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615101856/http://cars.mclaren.com/12c/specification.html|archive-date=15 June 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| weight = {{convert|1434|kg|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="http://cars.mclaren.com/files/live/sites/MclarenAutomotive/files/contributed/global/docs/models/12C%20Spider/MP4-12C_2012_Tech%20Spec_V6.pdf">{{cite web|url=http://cars.mclaren.com/files/live/sites/MclarenAutomotive/files/contributed/global/docs/models/12C%20Spider/MP4-12C_2012_Tech%20Spec_V6.pdf|title=McLaren 12C Specifications PDF|access-date=19 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318150535/http://cars.mclaren.com/files/live/sites/MclarenAutomotive/files/contributed/global/docs/models/12C%20Spider/MP4-12C_2012_Tech%20Spec_V6.pdf|archive-date=18 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| related = [[Engineering:McLaren 650S|McLaren 650S]]<br/>[[Engineering:McLaren P1|McLaren P1]]
| successor = [[Engineering:McLaren 650S|McLaren 650S]]
| doors = [[Engineering:Butterfly doors|Dihedral]]
| designer = Frank Stephenson
| sp = uk
}}
{{Listen
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 |title        =McLaren MP4-12C at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2010
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The '''McLaren MP4-12C''', later known simply as the '''McLaren 12C''',<ref>{{cite web|title=12C|url=http://cars.mclaren.com/12c/introduction.html|publisher=McLaren|access-date=5 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330042216/http://cars.mclaren.com/12c/introduction.html|archive-date=30 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> is a [[Engineering:Sports car|sports car]] that was designed and manufactured by [[Company:McLaren Automotive|McLaren Automotive]]. It was the first ever production car wholly designed and built by McLaren,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cars.mclaren.com/featured-articles/12c-five-years-on.html|title=12C five years on|access-date=2 September 2018|archive-date=3 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903045853/http://cars.mclaren.com/featured-articles/12c-five-years-on.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and their first production road car since the [[Engineering:McLaren F1|McLaren F1]], which was last built in 1998. The car's final design was unveiled in September 2009 and was launched in mid-2011.

The MP4-12C uses a carbon fibre composite chassis, and is powered by a [[Engineering:Longitudinal engine|longitudinally-mounted]] McLaren M838T {{convert|3799|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} twin-turbocharged V8 engine, generating approximately {{Convert|600|PS|hp kW|0|abbr=on}} at 7,500 rpm and {{Convert|600|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 5,600 rpm. The car makes use of Formula 1-sourced technologies such as "brake steer",<ref name="autoblog">{{cite web|
url=http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/mclaren-mp4-12c-first-batch-of-details-and-images-surface/|
title=McLaren MP-12C:First Batch of details and images surface|
publisher=Autoblog}}</ref> where the inside rear wheel is braking during fast cornering to reduce understeer. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a seven-speed [[Engineering:Dual-clutch transmission|dual-clutch transmission]] Seamless-Shift gearbox (SSG) manufactured by [[Engineering:Graziano Trasmissioni|Graziano Trasmissioni]]. 

A convertible version of the car called the '''MP4-12C Spider''', renamed the '''12C Spider''' in 2012, was also available. In February 2014, McLaren announced the related [[Engineering:McLaren 650S|650S]], with revised bodywork, upgraded engine and other technical improvements. In April 2014, McLaren announced the end of production of the 12C.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dobie|first=Stephen|title=McLaren 12C supercar discontinued|url=http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/260200/mclaren_12c_supercar_discontinued.html|work=Evo|access-date=6 April 2014|date=4 April 2014}}</ref>

==Development==
McLaren started developing the car in 2007 and secretly purchased a [[Engineering:Ferrari 360|Ferrari 360]] to use as a test mule. The mule called '''MV1''' was used to test the 3.8-litre [[Engineering:Turbocharger|twin-turbocharged]] V8 engine.  The car also featured side vents for additional cooling which were later incorporated in the final production model.  Later in the year, the company purchased an [[Engineering:Ultima GTR|Ultima GTR]] to test the braking system and suspension components, that mule was called the '''MV2'''. The space frame and body of that car were modified in order to accommodate the new components. Later, a third prototype was developed which was another Ferrari 360 dubbed the '''MV3''' which was used to test the exhaust system. McLaren then built two prototypes themselves called '''CP1''' and '''CP2''' incorporating the ''Carbon Monocell'' monocoque which were used for testing the heat management system and performance. The final car was unveiled to the public on 9 September 2009 before the company's launch in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/car-design/a30686/mclaren-automotive-started-with-two-ferraris-and-an-ultima/|title=McLaren 12C, development|first=Máté|last=Petrány|date= 7 September 2016|publisher=road and track|access-date= 19 January 2018}}</ref>

==Specifications==
[[File:McLaren MP4-12C – Innenraum, 30. August 2012, Düsseldorf.jpg|thumb|right|Interior]]

===Design===
In 2008, McLaren hired Frank Stephenson as design director for their reborn production car project.<ref>{{cite news |title=McLaren hires Frank Stephenson as new design director |author= Ireson, Nelson |url=http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1023267_mclaren-hires-frank-stephenson-as-new-design-director |newspaper= Motor Authority |date= 8 August 2008 |access-date=22 March 2012}}</ref>

As with the [[Engineering:McLaren F1|McLaren F1]], carbon fibre is used extensively in the vehicle to minimise weight. The MP4-12C weighs {{convert|1301|kg|0|abbr=on}} dry.<ref name="www.edmunds.com">{{cite web|
url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=156926|
title=McLaren MP4-12C First look| publisher=Edmunds.com| date=13 October 2009}}</ref>

The [[Engineering:Chassis|chassis]] is based around a F1 style one-piece carbon fibre tub, called the Carbon MonoCell, weighing only {{convert|80|kg|0|abbr=on}}. The MonoCell is made in a single pressing by using a set of patented processes, using Bi-Axial and Tri-Axial carbon fibre multiaxial fabrics produced by Formax UK Ltd. with the MonoCell manufactured by Carbo Tech in [[Place:Salzburg|Salzburg]], Austria.<ref name=WCF/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/view/10221/carbo-tech-to-produce-carbon-fibre-monocoques-for-mclaren-sports-cars/ |title=Carbo Tech to produce carbon fibre monocoques for McLaren sports cars |publisher=Reinforced Plastics |date=15 June 2010 |access-date=23 November 2011 |archive-date=19 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119012859/http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/view/10221/carbo-tech-to-produce-carbon-fibre-monocoques-for-mclaren-sports-cars |url-status=dead }}</ref> This has reduced the time required to produce a MonoCell from 3,000&nbsp;hours for the F1 and 500&nbsp;hours for the [[Engineering:Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren|Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren]], to 4&nbsp;hours for the MP4-12C.<ref name=WCF>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldcarfans.com/110031825200/mclaren-mp4-12c---full-specs-announced-video |title=McLaren MP4-12C – Full Specs Announced [Video&#93; |publisher=Worldcarfans.com |access-date=23 November 2011}}</ref>

The car has a conventional two side-by-side seating arrangement, unlike its predecessor the F1 which featured a three-seat formation (front centre, two behind either side). To make up for this, however, the car's central console is narrower than in other cars, seating the driver closer to the centre. Interior trim and materials can be specified in asymmetric configuration&nbsp;– known as "Driver Zone".

===Suspension===
The McLaren MP4-12C uses a unique hydraulic configuration to suspend the vehicle as opposed to more traditional coil springs, [[Engineering:Shock absorber|dampers]] and anti-roll bars. What McLaren has called "ProActive Chassis Control," the system consists of an array of high and low pressure valves interconnected from both left to right and front to back, and the typical anti-roll bars were omitted entirely. When high pressure meets high pressure under roll conditions, stiffness results; and subsequently when high pressure meets low under heave and warp, more give is allowed, ultimately providing a firmer, competent suspension setup in spirited driving, and a very plush, compliant and comfortable ride when moving at slower, constant speeds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mp4-12c.over-blog.com/pages/Proactive-chassis-control-and-how-it-works-4755895.html|title=Proactive chassis control and how it works}}</ref>

===Engine===
[[File:McLaren M838T (in MP4-12C chassis).jpg|left|thumb|McLaren M838T Engine]]
The car is powered by the M838T {{convert|3799|cc|L CID|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} twin-turbo V8 engine, designed and developed by McLaren, Ilmor and [[Company:Ricardo plc|Ricardo]].<ref name="ricardo.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.ricardo.com/en-gb/News--Media/Press-releases/News-releases1/2011/New-Ricardo-engine-assembly-facility-commences-pilot-production/|title=New Ricardo engine assembly facility commences pilot production|access-date=19 February 2011|work=ricardo.com|date=13 February 2011}}</ref> The design of the engine is based on a racing engine which was designed and developed by Tom Walkinshaw Racing for the IndyCar Series but never raced. However, other than the {{cvt|93|mm|2|abbr=on}} [[Engineering:Bore (engine)|bore]], little of that engine remains in the M838T.<ref name="caranddriver">{{cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q1/2012_mclaren_mp4-12c-first_drive_review/tech_trickledown_page_2|title=Car & Driver: 2012 McLaren MP4-12C Tech Trickledown|date=2011-02-01|access-date=2011-03-27}}</ref> It produces {{Convert|600|PS|bhp kW|0|abbr=on}} at 7,500&nbsp;rpm and {{Convert|600|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 5,600&nbsp;rpm. It has a [[Engineering:Redline|redline]] of 8,500&nbsp;rpm, with 80% of torque available at just 2,000&nbsp;rpm.<ref name="www.edmunds.com"/><ref name="Official Website">{{cite web|
url=http://www.mclarenautomotive.com/uk/default.aspx#/p11/explode|
title=The Official McLaren Automotive Website|
date=2010-02-03|
access-date=3 February 2010|
archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001055450/http://www.mclarenautomotive.com/uk/default.aspx#/p11/explode|
archive-date=1 October 2009|
url-status=dead}}</ref> When first announced, McLaren claimed that it would have a higher horsepower to [[Earth:Greenhouse gas emissions|carbon dioxide emission]] ratio than any internal-combustion engine available at the time.<ref name="carmagazine">{{cite web|url=http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/First-Official-Pictures/McLaren-MP4-12C-2011-the-first-official-story-09-09/|title=McLaren MP4-12C – the first official P11 story|date=8 September 2009}}</ref>

McLaren announced a small number of improvements to become available in October 2012, with the option to be retrofitted to existing cars free of charge. The engine power was increased to {{Convert|616|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} while the proclaimed {{CO2}} emissions remain at 279&nbsp;g/km.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tisshaw|first=Mark|title=Upgraded McLaren MP4-12C gets 616bhp|url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/upgraded-mclaren-mp4-12c-gets-616bhp|work=Autocar|access-date=8 June 2012|date=7 June 2012}}</ref> This change in engine power became a standard feature with the 2013 model.

The M838T engine is manufactured for McLaren at the [[Company:Ricardo plc|Ricardo]] Shoreham Technical Centre in West Sussex.<ref name="ricardo.com"/>

===Transmission===
[[File:McLaren MP4-12C – Heckansicht (2), 30. August 2012, Düsseldorf.jpg|thumb|2012 MP4-12C]]
The engine is connected to a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch gearbox made by [[Engineering:Graziano Trasmissioni|Graziano Oerlikon]]. Dubbed the "Seamless Shift Gearbox" or SSG, the gearbox features a system dubbed "Pre-Cog" that allows the driver to preselect the next gear by lightly tapping the paddle.<ref name="caranddriver"/><ref name=Telegraph_review>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/carreviews/8319057/McLaren-MP4-12C-review.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110215203614/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/carreviews/8319057/McLaren-MP4-12C-review.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-02-15|title=McLaren MP4-12C review |date=2011-02-14 | location=London|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Andrew|last=English}}</ref>

===Performance===
DragTimes.com posted a YouTube video of a stock McLaren 12C accelerating from 0 to {{convert|60|mph|0|abbr=on}} in 2.8 seconds and from 0 to {{convert|100|mph|0|abbr=on}} in 6.0 seconds.<ref name="YouTube.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhhxptV2bZ8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/zhhxptV2bZ8 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=McLaren MP4-12C, 0-60 MPH in 2.8 Seconds Launch Control Demonstration on the Street|via=YouTube|date=28 April 2013 |access-date=15 October 2014 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> DragTimes.com also recorded a quarter mile time for the McLaren 12C of 10.27 seconds at  {{Convert|218|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}},<ref name="dragtimes.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.dragtimes.com/Mclaren-MP4-12C-Timeslip-26246.html|title=2012 McLaren 12C Timeslip|publisher=dragtimes.com|date=18 March 2014 |access-date=19 March 2014 }}</ref> the 3rd fastest verified time for a stock production car at the time.

McLaren has claimed the vehicle's top speed to be {{Convert|207|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="mclaren.com">{{cite web|url=http://cars.mclaren.com/home/models_link/12C/specification.html|title=McLaren 12C – Specification|publisher=mclaren.com|date=1 January 2012|access-date=15 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506073850/http://cars.mclaren.com/home/models_link/12C/specification.html|archive-date=6 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> but a top speed of {{Convert|346.6|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} was achieved in the MP4-12C Spider, which is 3&nbsp;mph "slower" than the coupe. The Coupe (in reality) can do {{Convert|218.61|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg8Vn3Yso-U |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/dg8Vn3Yso-U |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=McLaren MP4-12C Spider 0-346 km/h Top Speed Test sport auto|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> It can brake from {{Convert|200|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} to a complete stop in under 5&nbsp;seconds.<ref name="arizonafoothillsmagazine.com">{{cite web|url=http://arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/autos/2011-mclaren-mp4-12c-hitting-the-us-market/|title=2011 McLaren MP4-12C Super Sports Car Hitting the US Market|publisher=arizonafoothillsmagazine.com|date=6 May 2011 |access-date=29 May 2012 }}</ref> Braking from {{Convert|100|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} to zero can be done in under {{Convert|30|m}}, around seven car lengths.

2011 McLaren MP4-12C has a [[Engineering:Power-to-weight ratio|power-to-weight ratio]] of {{convert|{{#expr:1434/600 round 2}}|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}} per [[Horsepower|horsepower]].

2013 McLaren 12C has a power to weight ratio of {{convert|{{#expr:1434/625 round 2}}|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}} per [[Horsepower|horsepower]].

==Naming convention==
The name's former prefix 'MP4' has been the chassis designation for all McLaren Formula 1 cars since 1981. 'MP4' stands for McLaren Project 4 (formerly known as Marlboro Project 4) as a result of the merger between Ron Dennis' Project 4 organization with McLaren. The '12' refers to McLaren's internal Vehicle Performance Index through which it rates key performance criteria both for competitors and for its own cars. The criteria combine power, weight, emissions, and aerodynamic efficiency. The coalition of all these values delivers an overall performance index that has been used as a benchmark throughout the car's development. The 'C' refers to Carbon, highlighting the application of carbon fibre technology to the future range of McLaren sports cars.

MP4-12C shares its name with the MP4/12 Formula 1 car that raced in the 1997 season.  This car featured a second brake pedal discovered by photographers to counter understeer on the exit of the corners by selecting the inside rear wheel, similar to the computer controlled "brake steer" system of the MP4-12C.

In the end of 2012, the name of the ''MP4-12C'' was reduced to ''12C''&nbsp;– that name is usually used when referring to the coupe. The open-top version now being referred to as the ''12C Spider''.

==Production==
Produced at the new £50M McLaren Production Centre, which is located next to the existing award-winning McLaren Technology Centre in Surrey, the building is designed to serve as the future production site of [[Company:McLaren Automotive|McLaren Automotive]]'s road cars. British Prime Minister David Cameron officially opened the building on 18 November 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/mclaren-technology-centre-david-cameron-formula-one-2011-11-18 |title=McLaren opens new £50 million factory… – BBC Top Gear |publisher=Topgear.com |date=18 November 2011 |access-date=23 November 2011 |archive-date=20 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120160344/http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/mclaren-technology-centre-david-cameron-formula-one-2011-11-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

All of the major components were produced by external contractors, with only final assembly, paint and inspection / shipping occurring at the McLaren Production Centre. Final assembly started with the MonoCell, around which all components were then placed and fitted.

==Reception==
On 10 July 2011, the MP4-12C set the second fastest lap around ''Top Gear''{{'s}} test track, posting a time of 1&nbsp;minute and 16.2&nbsp;seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/show/powerlaps.shtml |title = Top Gear Power Laps|date=10 July 2011 |access-date=11 July 2011}}</ref> The car was developed and tested by McLaren on the ''Top Gear'' test track as part of their product development, long before its appearance on the show. It was 1.1&nbsp;seconds slower than the Ariel Atom 500 and 2.4&nbsp;seconds slower than the [[Engineering:Pagani Huayra|Pagani Huayra]].<ref name="test">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/show/powerlaps.shtml |title=TopGear Stig Power Laps |publisher=BBC |date=20 October 2008 |access-date=20 July 2011}}</ref>

The MP4-12C lapped the Nürburgring in 7&nbsp;minutes and 28&nbsp;seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc1Eaiu1nls  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/uc1Eaiu1nls |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title = MoterSport-McLaren MP4-12C : Nürburgring test |website=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The MP4-12C won the Middle East "Car of the Year" Award as "Best Supercar" in 2012 and overall "Car of the Year" at the Middle East Motor Awards the same year.<ref name="The Car Addict">{{cite web|
url=http://www.the-car-addict.com/2012/11/MCLAREN-12C-CAR-OF-THE-YEAR-2012-MIDDLE-EAST.html|
title=McLaren 12C Named Middle East 'Car of the Year'|
publisher=The Car Addict|
access-date=29 November 2012|
archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208050000/http://www.the-car-addict.com/2012/11/MCLAREN-12C-CAR-OF-THE-YEAR-2012-MIDDLE-EAST.html|
archive-date=8 December 2012|
url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref>
{{cite web | url=http://www.zawya.com/story/The_McLaren_12C_named_Middle_East_Car_of_the_Year-ZAWYA20121129102936/|
title=The McLaren 12C named Middle East 'Car of the Year'|
publisher=zawya}}
</ref>

==Spider==
[[File:2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider rear.jpg|thumb|McLaren MP4-12C Spider]]
The 12C Spider is a convertible version of the MP4-12C with a retractable hardtop. Because the coupe was designed from the outset with a convertible version in mind, no additional strengthening was needed for the Spider and it weighs only {{convert|88|lb|kg|abbr=on|order=flip}} more than the coupe.<ref name=r&t201301>{{cite journal|last=Comer|first=Colin|title=No Roof, No Change, No Problem|journal=Road & Track|date=January 2013|volume=64|issue=5|pages=44–49}}</ref> McLaren has worked to keep the Spider's top speed {{convert|204|mph|0|abbr=on}} close to the coupé's {{convert|207|mph|0|abbr=on}} top speed and up to {{convert|196|mph|abbr=on}} is possible roof down. Meanwhile, the dihedral doors of the coupé are retained.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mclarenautomotive.com/uk/insider/archive/2012/07/03/12c-spider-arrives.aspx|title=McLarenAutomotive.com 12C Spider|publisher=McLaren Automotive|date=3 July 2012|access-date=3 July 2012|archive-date=5 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705104118/http://www.mclarenautomotive.com/uk/insider/archive/2012/07/03/12c-spider-arrives.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:McLaren MP4-12C High Sport.jpg|left|thumb|MP4-12C HS]]

== MP4-12C HS ==
In March 2012, McLaren released pictures of five 12C HS taken in front of the McLaren Technology Center. The HS stands for High Sport. The 12C HS has different wheels and revised aerodynamic features inspired from the 12C GT3 such as a revised front end and rear bumper, larger vents and diffuser and a modified rear wing. Power was also increased by 75 horsepower.<ref>{{Cite web|title=McLaren MP4-12C High Sport comes into focus|url=https://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/mclaren-mp4-12c-high-sport-comes-into-focus/|access-date=2021-02-16|website=Autoblog|language=en}}</ref> Mclaren only made 10 units of the MP4-12C HS. In January 2016, a 12C HS painted in F1 Vodafone Racing Team colours reportedly commissioned by Ron Dennis was offered for sale at Mecum's Kissimmee auction with 203 miles. It had an estimate of $1,300,000 – $1,600,000 and didn't sell.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2012 McLaren MP4-12C High Sport {{!}} S148 {{!}} Kissimmee 2016|url=https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0116-230036/2012-mclaren-mp4-12c-high-sport/|access-date=2021-02-16|website=Mecum Auctions|language=en}}</ref> The same F1 Vodafone Racing Team was offered again in January 2017 at Mecum's Kissimmee auction with an estimate of $950,000 – $1,200,000 where it still didn't sell.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2012 McLaren MP4-12C High Sport {{!}} F183.1 {{!}} Kissimmee 2017|url=https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0117-279239/2012-mclaren-mp4-12c-high-sport/|access-date=2021-02-16|website=Mecum Auctions|language=en}}</ref>

==McLaren X-1==
The '''McLaren X-1''' is a one-off sports car based on the McLaren 12C and built by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). It was displayed at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. According to Paul MacKenzie, MSO Programme Director, the X-1 has been developed for the past three years. To style the X-1, McLaren used ideas from a 1961 [[Company:Facel Vega|Facel Vega]], a 1953 Chrysler D'Elegance Ghia, a 1959 [[Engineering:Buick Electra|Buick Electra]], a 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K and a 1971 [[Engineering:Citroën SM|Citroën SM]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gtspirit.com/2012/08/17/official-mclaren-x-1-concept/|title = Official: McLaren X-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/9483507/McLarens-bespoke-X-1-breaks-cover.html|title=McLaren's bespoke X-1 breaks cover |last=Knapman|first=Chris|date=17 August 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph|accessdate=22 July 2021}}</ref>

==Motorsports==

===GT3===
[[File:Hiroki Katoh 2014 Super GT Suzuka Q1.jpg|left|thumb|McLaren MP4-12C GT3]]
In December 2010, McLaren announced that they would produce a small number of MP4-12C cars in order for them to compete in the FIA Group GT3. McLaren stated that they would provide maintenance for the cars and begin racing in 2012 with the CRS Racing team.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mclarengt.com/ |title=McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Announcement website |publisher=Mclarengt.com |access-date=19 February 2011 |archive-date=10 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910011301/http://mclarengt.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The MP4-12C was the first car to compete in sportscar racing for the company since the F1 GTR.<ref>{{cite news|last=Elizalde|first=Pablo|title=McLaren MP4-12C to race from 2012|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88720|access-date=18 December 2010|work=autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=17 December 2010}}</ref> It received its début with a single car entry for the Spa Francorchamps round of the British GT championship. This was followed by a three car entry in the 2011 Spa 24 Hours.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillip|first=Sam|title=McLaren MP4-12C GT3: a Top Gear exclusive|url=http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-2011-04-20|date=20 April 2011|access-date=5 May 2011|archive-date=8 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508042254/http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-2011-04-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> Another car was also entered in the GT cup of the 2011 Macau Grand Prix, driven by Danny Watts.<ref>{{cite news|title=Qualifying|url=http://www.afos.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1537:qualifying-rounds-11-a-12-guia-circuit-japan-&catid=84:results&Itemid=186|date=19 November 2011|access-date=19 November 2011|archive-date=4 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504041142/http://www.afos.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1537:qualifying-rounds-11-a-12-guia-circuit-japan-&catid=84:results&Itemid=186|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In March 2012, McLaren readied 25 MP4-12C GT3 cars for a full racing season in the 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship, and its GT drivers tested the car on its Dunsfold test track, the same test track as used in the ''Top Gear'' BBC television show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/321615/20120329/mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-top-gear-track.htm |title=McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Top Gear Track Test Video And Racing Debut – Autos & Trends |work=International Business Times |date=29 March 2012 |access-date=17 August 2012}}</ref> McLaren released several promotional videos for the MP4-12C in the lead up to the racing season, including one of Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton driving the car at locations in the U.S.

Compared to the road car, the MP4-12C GT3 produces less power with only {{Convert|493|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} due to [[Social:Homologation|homologation]]. The car features a bespoke six-speed gearbox that is {{Convert|80|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} lighter than the road car's seven-speed, developed with Ricardo. The steering wheel is sourced from the McLaren MP4-24 Formula 1 car.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/267454/mclaren_mp412c_gt3_racing_car_new_pictures_and_video.html|title=evo: McLaren MP4-12C GT3 racing car: new pictures and video|access-date=5 May 2011}}</ref>

The car took its first victories in the world at the two races of the Circuito de Navarra round of the 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship season being run by Hexis Racing.

==Marketing==
Tag Heuer produced a limited (1,000 units) series of Carrera MP4-12C Chronograph wrist watch inspired by the MP4-12C sports car. The watch was unveiled in 2011 TAG Heuer Mastering Speed Exhibition at Halle Secheron in Geneva.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/tag-heuer-carrera-mp4-12c-chronograph-ar140412.html|title=Tag Heuer Carrera MP4-12C Chronograph|author=KirGarlitos|date=23 December 2012|work=Top Speed}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mclarenstore.com/en/uk/mclaren-by-tag-heuer/tag-heuer-mp4-12c-watch/invt/mcl1155/|title=The only official McLaren Store – McLaren Teamwear – McLaren Gifts – McLaren Accessories – McLaren Polo Shirts – McLaren Jackets – McLaren T-shirts – McLaren Headwear – McLaren Footwear – McLaren Books – McLaren DVDs – McLaren Accessories|work=mclarenstore.com|access-date=13 December 2013|archive-date=14 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214010617/http://www.mclarenstore.com/en/uk/mclaren-by-tag-heuer/tag-heuer-mp4-12c-watch/invt/mcl1155/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/tag-heuer-makes-a-watch-worthy-of-the-mclaren-mp4-12c/|title=TAG Heuer makes a watch worthy of the McLaren MP4-12C|author=Noah Joseph|work=Autoblog}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081204025453/http://www.mclarenautomotive.com/ Official McLaren Automotive website]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Mclaren 12c}}
[[Category:Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Sports cars]]

{{Sourceattribution|McLaren 12C}}