The McLaren MP4-12C Sports Car
The McLaren MP4-12C design follows similar principles to McLaren’s Formula 1 cars, and the legendary McLaren F1, where everything is for a reason and all lines, surfaces, and details are designed with a job in mind as much as styled.
Frank Stephenson, McLaren Automotive Design Director, explains: “Many sports cars and super cars present an ‘in-your-face’, ‘look-at-me’ image that can become wearing and boorish; the ultimate backhanded compliment becomes, “…it was of its time”. Great design, however, is timeless and looks relevant years later. With the 12C we have produced a car that looks great today and will still look great in years to come.”
The 12C’s body has been styled to support sector-leading levels of downforce. This downforce contributes to sector-leading levels of lateral grip and stability. Air flow has been manically managed to support all performance figures and light weight targets. For example, placing the radiators adjacent to the engine keeps the car narrow and reduces weight. However, this results in a huge challenge of ensuring ample air flow to the radiators. The result? The large side air scoops and integrated turning vanes that are dramatic, but purely functional. No larger or smaller than required.
The designers’ challenge is to then take that styling purpose driven by engineering aspirations and add personality. That’s why the air scoops resemble the McLaren logo in form, as do other features around the car.
Packaging was fundamental to the McLaren MP4-12C design challenge. Externally, the car had to be compact, yet internally it had to offer an unparalleled driver and passenger environment where comfort and driving enjoyment were not compromised.
“With the interior, we have created a real step forward in the packaging of a sports car. Moving the driver and passenger closer together improves driving control, but comfort levels are segment-leading.
“We also repackaged many of the major components that normally sit under the dashboard to allow for more space and a unique form. For example, we designed a small, bespoke air-con unit that has been moved outside of the cockpit. Such a solution is unique in sports car design and highlights how packaging is one of the 12C’s really strong points,” said Frank Stephenson, McLaren Automotive Design Director.
Visibility is important in any road car but often in the sports car segment it proves disappointing. Accordingly, McLaren designers paid great attention to all-round visibility for both safety and driving precision.
The low windscreen cowl is inspired by the McLaren F1 and, importantly, allows the driver a clear view of the front of the car. The view of the top of the front wings also facilitates perfect placement of the 12C in a corner as the highest point of the wing lies directly above the centre of the wheel. Rear vision is excellent too making the 12C the most useable and enjoyable high performance sports car in its segment.
The name of the new McLaren sports car is MP4-12C. What does this signify? As one might expect at McLaren everything has a purpose and the nomenclature is no exception.
‘MP4’ has been the chassis designation for all McLaren Formula 1 cars since 1981. It stands for McLaren Project 4, resulting from the merger of Ron Dennis’ Project 4 organisation 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. It represents power and efficiencies.
The ‘C’ refers to Carbon, highlighting the unique application of carbon fibre technology to the future range of McLaren sports cars.
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2 Responses to “The McLaren MP4-12C Sports Car”
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Just love the profile of this car… the back is mint!
Wow, awesome…. I can’t wait for that