Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[See what the Chevy C7 ZR1 may be benchmarked against]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/see-what-the-chevy-c7-zr1-may-be-benchmarked-against/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/see-what-the-chevy-c7-zr1-may-be-benchmarked-against/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/see-what-the-chevy-c7-zr1-may-be-benchmarked-against/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



One of the greatest things every Corvette has had going for it, and also one of the most re-used arguments against it, is its price-to-performance equation - long before the Nissan GT-R became the de facto Porsche 911 comparator the Corvette spent decades as Exhibit A. Depending on which side of the argument you stressed, supporters crowed about how much performance you got for how (comparatively) little, detractors carped on how little you got everywhere else in the bargain.

It appears Chevrolet is working as hard as ever to render the argument meaningless. Spy shooters at KGP captured a convocation of European birds of prey leaving the General Motors test center, and aimed at benchmarking the C7 Corvette ZR1. The road train comprised of two C7 Corvette Stingrays, a 2013 Corvette ZR1, McLaren MP4-12C, Ferrari 458 Italia, Audi R8 V10 Spyder and Porsche 911 Carrera S and it was last seen heading down the same kinked-up back roads used to hone the Corvette Stingray.

The C7-series ZR1 and its possible 700 horsepower are still a ways off. If it really is being positioned to compete with the celestial exotica in the testing group, could it be the first Corvette to regularly be the first answer to the question "Cost no object, which would would you rather have?"

See what the Chevy C7 ZR1 may be benchmarked against originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi r8 v10 spyderc7 corvettechevy corvettechevy corvette zr1corvette zr1ferrariferrari 458 italiamclarenmclaren mp4-12cporscheporsche 911spy shotsTue, 07 May 2013 11:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559599/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/see-what-the-chevy-c7-zr1-may-be-benchmarked-against/20559599/article-detail.xml 20559599 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/c7-corvette-zr1-benchmark-spies_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/c7-corvette-zr1-benchmark-spies.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren dealership creates special MP4-12C Greenwich Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/mclaren-mp4-12c-greenwich-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/mclaren-mp4-12c-greenwich-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/mclaren-mp4-12c-greenwich-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Could this be a first? Normally we wait in anticipation of the camouflage to be taken off prototype cars, but Greenwich Patch is reporting that Miller Motorcars in Greenwich, CT has taken a production car back to its prototype days. The McLaren MP4-12C above was painted gray, but you'd never know it because the sheetmetal has been covered by a vinyl wrap decorated with the same camouflage pattern McLaren uses for its pre-production prototypes. It was designed by McLaren - for proof, check out this P1 in winter testing - and took three days to apply. The shapes are those of race tracks around the world.

The dealership calls it the MP4-12C Greenwich Special Edition. It's a pre-owned car and we're not sure whether the wrap was applied as new or to help the coupe find a new home, but we'd like to buy a pint for the person that thought it up. If you like the style but not the $259,035 price, you can probably design one for your own car with countless hours and Adobe Illustrator. Or, you can simply get a closer look at this one from every angle, in the high-res gallery above.

McLaren dealership creates special MP4-12C Greenwich Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camouflageconnecticutgreenwichmclarenmclaren mp4-12cmiller motorcarsprototypevinyl wrapMon, 06 May 2013 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558966/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/mclaren-mp4-12c-greenwich-edition/20558966/article-detail.xml 20558966 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mclaren-mp4-12c-greenwich_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mclaren-mp4-12c-greenwich.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren MP4-12C flies through Utah backcountry with camera in tow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/mclaren-mp4-12c-flies-through-utah-backcountry-with-camera-in-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/mclaren-mp4-12c-flies-through-utah-backcountry-with-camera-in-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/mclaren-mp4-12c-flies-through-utah-backcountry-with-camera-in-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

McLaren MP4-12C in Utah

We have to thank the boys and girls from Car and Driver for this video. According to the description on YouTube, this footage was filmed somewhere in Utah, and after watching all 28 minutes we're thankful that there's nothing getting in the way of the beautiful landscape, awe-inspiring sunset and aural pleasure of the supercar. And we're also thankful for the demonstration of the McLaren MP4-12C and its active aerodynamics...

As you're surely aware, there's seemingly no end to well-shot automotive video on the Internet, with affable hosts, intriguing camera angles and even stunning special effects. But there seems to be a distinct lack of good, clean raw footage such as what was captured by Car and Driver in the video you'll see below, which makes us sad. Help cheer us all up by scrolling down below and reveling in the high-definition beauty that unfolds.

Continue reading McLaren MP4-12C flies through Utah backcountry with camera in tow

McLaren MP4-12C flies through Utah backcountry with camera in tow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenMcLaren MP4-12Craw videoutahvideoWed, 03 Apr 2013 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20528761/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/03/mclaren-mp4-12c-flies-through-utah-backcountry-with-camera-in-to/20528761/article-detail.xml 20528761 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mclaren-raw-footage-utah_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mclaren-raw-footage-utah.jpg <![CDATA[Neiman Marcus Christmas Book McLaren special editions sell out in two hours]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/26/neiman-marcus-christmas-book-mclaren-special-editions-sell-out-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/26/neiman-marcus-christmas-book-mclaren-special-editions-sell-out-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/26/neiman-marcus-christmas-book-mclaren-special-editions-sell-out-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

McLaren MP4-12c Spider Neiman Marcus limited edition parked in showroom

Apparently, despite the global economic downturn, some people out there still have large sums of disposable income. We know this because Neiman Marcus sold through a dozen special edition McLaren 12C Spiders in less than two hours Wednesday. At $354,000 each, this single offering grossed Neiman Marcus a staggering $35,400 a minute. Not that we should be surprised. Last year, the retailer sold 10 brand-new Ferrari FF specials out in a mere 50 minutes and in 2009, Neiman Marcus cleared out 50 special Jaguar XJ sedans in four hours and four minutes.

The retailer's annual Christmas Book extravaganza offered the supercar packaged with first-class travel to the UK, two nights at a five-star hotel there, a tour of the McLaren Tech Center and dinner with McLaren chairman Ron Dennis. Each car also includes matching luggage and a numbered stainless-steel badge. One of NM's high-rolling catalog shoppers will be able to say they own the very first McLaren 12C Spider sold to the public.

Neiman Marcus says customers should have their Spiders in time for unwrapping Christmas morning. Let's hope the fortunate recipients live some place warm and that their roads are clear enough to enjoy a truly happy holiday.

Neiman Marcus Christmas Book McLaren special editions sell out in two hours originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12c12c spider2013 mclaren mp4-12c spidermclarenmclaren mp4-12cneiman marcusnewsFri, 26 Oct 2012 17:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20362306/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/26/neiman-marcus-christmas-book-mclaren-special-editions-sell-out-i/20362306/article-detail.xml 20362306 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-nm-mclaren-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-nm-mclaren-628.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren debuts 12C Can-Am Edition racing concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/mclaren-debuts-12c-can-am-edition-racing-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/mclaren-debuts-12c-can-am-edition-racing-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/mclaren-debuts-12c-can-am-edition-racing-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



You'd think the McLaren MP4-12C was campaigning in Formula One based on the constant pace of development the supercoupe has benefitted from over its first year. Heading into its second year, it is apparent that the development train won't stop, with the Can-Am Racing concept developed by McLaren GT making its debut during this weekend's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The U.S.-specific concept in McLaren Orange and satin black is based on the 12C GT3 racer, but breaks GT3-class rules to be the "ultimate track car." The bespoke aerodynamic package is said to increase downforce by 30 percent, which we're assuming is over its GT3 sibling. If there's a feature on this car that could make it to production, it's that the engine has been recalibrated to produce 630 horsepower, making this the most powerful MP4-12C to date - just 14 hp beyond the latest road-going car.

The concept is a tribute to the anything-goes days of Can-Am racing in the sixties and seventies and the orange cars fielded by Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme. You can find out more about it in the press release below and we'll bring you photos of the real thing from Pebble Beach.

Continue reading McLaren debuts 12C Can-Am Edition racing concept

McLaren debuts 12C Can-Am Edition racing concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenMcLaren MP4-12Cmclaren mp4-12c can-am editionmp4-12cmp4-12c can-am editionpebble beachpebble beach 2012Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20301311/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/15/mclaren-debuts-12c-can-am-edition-racing-concept/20301311/article-detail.xml 20301311 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mp4-12ccan-am_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mp4-12ccan-am.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren dismisses V12 engines as "a thing of the past" [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/mclaren-dismisses-v12-engines-as-a-thing-of-the-past-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/mclaren-dismisses-v12-engines-as-a-thing-of-the-past-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/mclaren-dismisses-v12-engines-as-a-thing-of-the-past-w-poll/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

McLaren V8 engine

The V12 engine is synonymous with supercars, from classics like the Lamborghini Miura and Countach to modern-day screamers like the Ferrari FF and Pagani Huayra. The McLaren F1 - a car universally considered one of the most lust-worthy machines of all time - made use of a 6.1-liter V12 provided by BMW that pushed out 618 naturally aspirated horsepower.

Though not a true successor to the iconic F1, McLaren's more recent MP4-12C makes 617 horsepower from just eight cylinders displacing 3.8 liters, albeit with the help of twin turbochargers. Such power capabilities have prompted McLaren managing director Antony Sheriff to proclaim, "The V12 engine is a thing of the past. The engine belongs in a museum."

We're not quite ready to archive away all thoughts of V12-powered supercars, but Sheriff has a point. V8 engines, even with turbochargers in tow, are easier to package than V12s and have significantly fewer moving parts, which is good for both power and efficiency. Sheriff suggests that even a V6 would be a possibility for future high-performance applications from McLaren.

And so, we leave this question to you, dear readers: Is the V12 engine a thing of the past? Take part in our informal poll below to voice your opinion.

View Poll

McLaren dismisses V12 engines as "a thing of the past" [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1mclarenmclaren f1mclaren mp4-12cmclaren v12mclaren v8mp4-12ctwin-turbo v8v-12v12Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20294634/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/07/mclaren-dismisses-v12-engines-as-a-thing-of-the-past-w-poll/20294634/article-detail.xml 20294634 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mclaren-v8-engine_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mclaren-v8-engine.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche planning Panamera Shooting Brake, McLaren mulling one, too]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/porsche-planning-panamera-shooting-brake-mclaren-mulling-one-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/porsche-planning-panamera-shooting-brake-mclaren-mulling-one-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/porsche-planning-panamera-shooting-brake-mclaren-mulling-one-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

2011 Porsche Panamera - low rear view - maroon

McLaren MP4-12C dead-on rear viewWagon fever long ago caught on in Europe, but the fervor may be set to reach new heights. Porsche and McLaren are reportedly working on new long-roof versions of their Panamera and MP4-12C models, both evidently inspired by the new Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake. Autobild reports Porsche may pull the wraps off a new wagon version of the Panamera at the Paris Motor Show this October. We're a little confused by the move, as the current model already offers plenty of cargo capacity and rear seat room, but we suppose that hasn't stopped manufacturers from spinning off multiple load-lugging bodystyles from the same model before. Autobild says a production version of the Panamera Shooting Brake could bow with the next-generation of the four-door in 2015, depending on how well the CLS Shooting Brake sells.

Meanwhile, website GTSpirit.com is piling on an earlier AutoExpress report that McLaren may be interested in giving the Ferrari FF a run for its money. Rumors indicate a MP4-12C Shooting Brake would still get power from the same turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 found in the Coupe and new Spider model. With 592 horsepower on hand, the hatch could click off the 0-62 mph run in around three seconds. What we're most interested in with this mooted model is packaging - the MP4-12C is a rear mid-engined design, suggesting packaging rear seats or cargo area would be a difficult enterprise. Word has it the machine could arrive as soon as 2013, though that seems unlikely. If that were the case, odds are our spy shooters would have already spotted test mules out and about.

Porsche planning Panamera Shooting Brake, McLaren mulling one, too originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren mp4-12cmp4-12cmp4-12c shooting brakemp4-12c wagonpanamerapanamera shooting brakepanamera wagonparis motor showporscheporsche panameraporsche panamera shooting brakeMon, 16 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20278730/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/16/porsche-planning-panamera-shooting-brake-mclaren-mulling-one-t/20278730/article-detail.xml 20278730 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2011-porsche-panamera-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2011-porsche-panamera-628.jpg <![CDATA[1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Two]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/04/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/04/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/04/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Check out 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day One



DAY TWO - THE FASTER CURVES OVER HILL AND VALLEY

If the first day was a warm-up just to get us to the good stuff in central France, Day Two of my McLaren MP4-12C odyssey was one type of pure sports car touring pleasure. The sun was everywhere, the roads were pure entertainment, and the five test cars glowed through the daylight hours.

I'm not talking about encountering a wild series of hairpins, mind you, but rather higher speed roads nonetheless filled with satisfying curves and stunning countryside. First, however, right at the start of the day's driving leg, I had a stop at the former grand prix circuit Reims-Gueux.

This more or less 7.8-km long (4.8-mile) circuit was extremely fast and therefore dangerous, given that in its earlier layout before 1951 it was essentially a triangle with three sharp right-handers and three very long straights to get you into trouble quickly should something go wrong. From 1954 through its closure in 1972, the circuit was reconfigured to an even faster 8.3 kms (5.2 mi). The main straight is nowadays actually the busy two-lane highway RN31 and the entire grandstand is still there on one side, the well-kept pit area on the other. Here and there around the pit structure is stenciled a beautiful sentiment: "Memoire des pilotes, respect du site." France is a nation not unknown for its abundant graffiti, but there is none of it to be seen here.

Continue reading 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Two

1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Two originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>000 miles11000 miles12ccross-countrydrivelondonmclarenmclaren mp4-12cmonacomp4-12croad tripvideoWed, 04 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20265955/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/04/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-two/20265955/article-detail.xml 20265955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/11-mclaren-mp4-12c-london-to-monaco-day-2-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/11-mclaren-mp4-12c-london-to-monaco-day-2-opt.jpg <![CDATA[1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day One]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 McLaren MP4-12C road trip - two examples on public roads

DAY ONE - UNDER THE ENGLISH CHANNEL INTO FRANCE

Since the very first viewings and tech workshops in early 2010 of the McLaren MP4-12C, I've been working my contacts in Woking, England for a cross-country drive in the innovative supercar. We're still talking about a possible New York to Los Angeles run, but while waiting on that, I was recently offered a 1,000-mile-plus dash from McLaren headquarters outside of London south to Monaco, traversing all of France to experience all types of pavement - and all types of weather, as it turned out - over three days. This would be the first official long distance drive organized by McLaren for the car. Not surprisingly, I accepted.

When first talked about in concrete terms to the outside world in 2009, the McLaren MP4-12C was billed not just as a lightweight, 592-horsepower holy terror performance car, but as a comfortable premium motoring experience more than capable of a London-to-Monaco run. I doubted this right from the start, but then my initial prototype drives got me thinking that maybe the claim was genuine. The macho 12C tears it up at the track as well as any exotic, but perhaps it can be used as a pleasant cross-country cruiser, too.

Continue reading 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day One

1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day One originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12Cfeaturedfrancelondonmclarenmclaren mp4-12cmonacomp4-12Cmp412croad tripwokingTue, 03 Jul 2012 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264034/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/03/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-one/20264034/article-detail.xml 20264034 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mclaren-mp4-12c-london-to-monaco-road-trip-day-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mclaren-mp4-12c-london-to-monaco-road-trip-day-1.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren debuts topless MP4-12C Spider]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/mclaren-debuts-topless-mp4-12c-spider/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/mclaren-debuts-topless-mp4-12c-spider/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/mclaren-debuts-topless-mp4-12c-spider/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

McLaren MP4-12C Spider - top down at sunset, front three-quarter view

There are certain elements the world can always use more of. Chief among those is, of course, beer, although convertible supercars capable of cresting 200 mph certainly make our list as well. Fortunately, McLaren has scratched that itch with its brand-new MP4-12C Spider. Like its hardtop cousin, the machine can climb to 62 mph from a stand still in just 3.1 seconds, though the drophead boasts a slightly lower top end of 204 mph compared to the 207 mph of the coupe. Power still comes from a 616-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine.

McLaren has opted for a retractable hard top, which the company says takes around 17 seconds to put up or down. The MP4-12C Spider also treats occupants to a power wind deflector that can be raised or lowered behind the seats. If you like what you see, get ready to pony up $265,750 for the pleasure of ownership. Check out the press release below for more information or head over to the McLaren site to configure your own.

Continue reading McLaren debuts topless MP4-12C Spider

McLaren debuts topless MP4-12C Spider originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren mp4-12cmclaren mp4-12c spidermp4-12cmp4-12c convertiblemp4-12c spiderTue, 03 Jul 2012 11:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20270961/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/03/mclaren-debuts-topless-mp4-12c-spider/20270961/article-detail.xml 20270961 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-mclaren-mp4-12c-spider-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-mclaren-mp4-12c-spider-628.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren previews new MP4-12C Spider [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/mclaren-previews-new-mp4-12c-spider-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/mclaren-previews-new-mp4-12c-spider-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/mclaren-previews-new-mp4-12c-spider-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

McLaren MP4-12C Spider

July 3 is going to be a bad day to be a Ferrari 458 Spider or a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. That's because on that day one week from now, McLaren will be releasing a Spider of its own.

Seeing as how McLaren Automotive currently only makes on model, you have doubtlessly surmised by now that we're speaking of a MP4-12C convertible. The long-anticipated Spider version is coming fast around the bend - but it's a good thing the Woking-based racing-team-turned-exotic-automaker didn't opt to release it at Goodwood, seeing as how the entire country is flush with rain at the moment.

McLaren isn't saying much about its new roadster, only that it's essentially the same as the coupe, albeit with an open roof. We're expecting a rather innovative take on the folding hard-top when the 12C Spider takes its first bow on the third, but in the meantime, you can check out the high-resolution image above and the video with Formula One ace Jenson Button and the press release below.

Continue reading McLaren previews new MP4-12C Spider [w/video]

McLaren previews new MP4-12C Spider [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jenson buttonmclarenmclaren mp4-12cmclaren mp4-12c spidermp4-12cmp4-12c spidermp412cFri, 29 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20268960/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/29/mclaren-previews-new-mp4-12c-spider-w-video/20268960/article-detail.xml 20268960 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mp4-spider_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mp4-spider.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren Automotive looks back on its first year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/mclaren-automotive-looks-back-on-its-first-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/mclaren-automotive-looks-back-on-its-first-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/mclaren-automotive-looks-back-on-its-first-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

McLaren MP4-12C in Abu Dhabi

It's been one heck of a first year for McLaren Automotive. Since setting up shop twelve months ago, the Formula One team's new sportscar-making unit has sold over 1,000 examples of the MP4-12C supercar, but that's not the sum total of its achievements.

To get there, McLaren set up a global network of 38 brand-spanking-new dealerships in a total of 22 countries, including those in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and right here in North America.

The newest British automaker orchestrated it all from its new facility in Woking, right next door to the F1 team's headquarters, which was officially opened by the British prime minister. And while it was at it, McLaren also set up the Special Operations division to build even more unique versions of its supercars like the High Sport, as well as its own racing division to handle the MP4-12C GT3 that's taking on racing series around the world. Oh, and Macca rolled out an upgrade of the 12C while it was still in its infancy as well.

Not bad for a year's work, and we can't wait to see what next year brings. Recent rumors have included a roadster version of the 12C and even a supposed shooting brake of some sort in the works, but the biggest splash will be made when the successor to the mighty McLaren F1 jumps into the pool. Watch this space.

Continue reading McLaren Automotive looks back on its first year

McLaren Automotive looks back on its first year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren automotivemclaren mp4-12cmp4-12cWed, 27 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20266526/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/27/mclaren-automotive-looks-back-on-its-first-year/20266526/article-detail.xml 20266526 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mp4-dhabi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mp4-dhabi.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren MP4-12C Spyder to get trick folding hardtop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/mclaren-mp4-12c-spyder-to-get-trick-folding-hardtop/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/mclaren-mp4-12c-spyder-to-get-trick-folding-hardtop/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/mclaren-mp4-12c-spyder-to-get-trick-folding-hardtop/#commentsFiled under: , ,

McLaren MP4-12C

If you're going to go up against the Ferrari 458, a coupe isn't going to do it alone. No, for that you'll need a convertible version, too, to steal away customers who'd otherwise be putting their names down on the wait list for the 458 Spider.

Lamborghini knows that, as it has demonstrated with successive versions of the Gallardo. Audi knows it too, as it has shown with the R8 Spyder. Aston Martin makes a DBS Volante and Porsche offers a 911 Turbo convertible. So if McLaren is going to play in this league, it's going to need a convertible version of its MP4-12C. And if it's going to outshine these soft-topped contenders and pick up market share from the 458 Spider with its innovative folding hard-top, it's going to need a similarly impressive parlor trick, too. Fortunately that's just what's coming down the pipeline.

According to the latest intel from British weekly Autocar, McLaren has been collaborating with Webasto on a new type of roof mechanism for the upcoming 12C Spyder. Now if the name Webasto sounds familiar, that's probably because it's the same German outfit that developed the apertures for the Mini, Volkswagen Eos, Volvo C70 and, most crucially, the Ferrari California and 458 Spider.

For McLaren, Webasto is said to have made a three-piece folding roof that stacks in between the seats and the engine, allowing the twin-turbo V8 to be viewed through its clear compartment cover - something the 458 cannot boast. The panels themselves will likely be crafted from carbon fiber like much of the rest of the MP4-12C, but as for the nomenclature we'll have to wait and see. The only other roadgoing convertible McLaren ever produced was the SLR Roadster, whose name was likely determine by Mercedes-Benz, not by McLaren. Other convertibles on the market take the name Spider, Spyder, Speedster, Roadster, Cabrio, Cabriolet, Drophead Coupe, Volante or simply Convertible.

McLaren MP4-12C Spyder to get trick folding hardtop originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren mp4-12cmclaren mp4-12c spydermp4-12cmp4-12c spyderFri, 01 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248441/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/01/mclaren-mp4-12c-spyder-to-get-trick-folding-hardtop/20248441/article-detail.xml 20248441 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mp412c0042_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mp412c0042.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren GT division moving into new facility closer to Woking]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/mclaren-gt-division-moving-into-new-facility-closer-to-woking/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/mclaren-gt-division-moving-into-new-facility-closer-to-woking/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/mclaren-gt-division-moving-into-new-facility-closer-to-woking/#commentsFiled under: ,

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 - front three-quarter view, yellow

Think of the name McLaren and you're likely to conjure up images of two different things: grand prix racing and exotic supercars. Each of these two core areas of competence has its own division under the McLaren Group umbrella, but in between them sits a third division called McLaren GT.

The operation is dedicated to developing and supporting the above-pictured MP4-12C GT3 racing car, of which it has sold 25 examples to 13 teams currently fielding them in racing series across Europe and around the world. But while it has operated out of a dedicated facility in Leicestershire - a good two-hour drive down the M1 from the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking - the sports racing division is coming back home.

The new base for McLaren GT is being built near the group's state-of-the-art headquarters at the facility that housed the F1 team until 2004 when the MTC was completed. The 60,000-square-foot complex will include offices, garages, engine workshops and more all under one roof, in close proximity to the F1 team and the automotive assembly line, and most crucially, allow the sports racing division and its clients more direct access to the same simulators used by Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

Continue reading McLaren GT division moving into new facility closer to Woking

McLaren GT division moving into new facility closer to Woking originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren gtmclaren mp4-12cmclaren mp4-12c gt3mclaren technology centermclaren technology centremp4-12cmp4-12c gt3mtcwokingWed, 30 May 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20246413/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/30/mclaren-gt-division-moving-into-new-facility-closer-to-woking/20246413/article-detail.xml 20246413 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/45383964536mclarenmp4-12cgt3001_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/45383964536mclarenmp4-12cgt3001.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the McLaren MP4-12C hit the dunes of Abu Dhabi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/watch-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-hit-the-dunes-of-abu-dhabi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/watch-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-hit-the-dunes-of-abu-dhabi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/watch-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-hit-the-dunes-of-abu-dhabi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

McLaren MP4-12C in Abu Dhabi

The Middle East is an enormously vital market for McLaren, and not just because its oil barons have the cash to buy as many MP4-12C supercars as they and every member of their family could possibly want. While the team has only won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix once and has yet to do the same at the Bahrain Grand Prix - the only two in the region (discounting Turkey), the company is part owned by Saudi businessman Mansour Ojjeh, and another part by the royal family of Bahrain.

Little wonder, then, that the upstart McLaren Automotive is setting up no fewer than six dealerships in the Middle East, the first of which has just opened its doors. To mark the occasion, McLaren took its new MP4-12C to the dunes of Abu Dhabi and around the Yas Island Marina Circuit and brought a camera crew - armed with a RED video camera and Canon's new 1DX - along for the ride. The resulting high-resolution images and footage are worth a glance, so check 'em out in the gallery below, the video below that and the press release below them both.

Continue reading Watch the McLaren MP4-12C hit the dunes of Abu Dhabi

Watch the McLaren MP4-12C hit the dunes of Abu Dhabi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabimclarenmclaren automotivemclaren mp4-12cmp4-12cuaeunited arab emiratesvideoyas islandyas marinaThu, 24 May 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244506/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/watch-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-hit-the-dunes-of-abu-dhabi/20244506/article-detail.xml 20244506 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mclaren-abu-dhabi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mclaren-abu-dhabi.jpg <![CDATA[Bugatti Veyron, Lexus LFA, McLaren MP4-12C and Lambo Aventador in 1/4-mile shootout... who wins?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/bugatti-veyron-lexus-lfa-mclaren-mp4-12c-and-lambo-aventador-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/bugatti-veyron-lexus-lfa-mclaren-mp4-12c-and-lambo-aventador-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/bugatti-veyron-lexus-lfa-mclaren-mp4-12c-and-lambo-aventador-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Jason Camissa with supercars

Automobile Magazine scribe Jason Cammisa was sent into the desert to referee four carbon-fiber-bodied wild animals fighting it out over the quarter mile: the V8 McLaren MP4-12C, the V10 Lexus LFA, the V12 Lamborghini Aventador and the W16 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport. It's a tough job, innit?

The Head 2 Head race was run elimination style, with the winner of each two-up challenge facing the next devil up the totem pole. Although you might not have any doubts about the eventual victor, how each of these supercars fared is good watching. See all the screaming for yourself in the video below.

Continue reading Bugatti Veyron, Lexus LFA, McLaren MP4-12C and Lambo Aventador in 1/4-mile shootout... who wins?

Bugatti Veyron, Lexus LFA, McLaren MP4-12C and Lambo Aventador in 1/4-mile shootout... who wins? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventadorbugattibugatti veyron grand sporthead 2 headjason cammisalamborghinilamborghini aventadorlexuslexus lfalfamclarenmclaren mp4-12cmp4-12csupercarveyronveyron 16.4veyron grand sportvideoThu, 17 May 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239972/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/bugatti-veyron-lexus-lfa-mclaren-mp4-12c-and-lambo-aventador-i/20239972/article-detail.xml 20239972 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/automobiledragrace_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/automobiledragrace.jpg <![CDATA[40% of McLaren MP4-12Cs bound for the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/40-of-mclaren-mp4-12cs-bound-for-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/40-of-mclaren-mp4-12cs-bound-for-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/40-of-mclaren-mp4-12cs-bound-for-the-u-s/#commentsMcLaren dealership

Niche automakers face a difficult decision: lay out the mountain of cash it takes to have their exotic rides certified for American roads, or save the money and miss out on one of the largest markets. McLaren Automotive had the new MP4-12C homologated for the United States, and now they're thankful that they did.

According to Motor Trend, a whopping 40 percent of the 1000 orders for the MP4-12C that McLaren has taken so far have been placed by customers in the US, through its extensive dealer network here.

It was a surprise most of all for Antony Sheriff, the American who serves as McLaren Automotive's managing director. From his experiences as a racing fan on this side of the Atlantic, he felt that McLaren lacked the brand recognition that names like Ferrari and Lamborghini enjoy in a market that's had an on-again, off-again relationship with Formula One.

With the MP4-12C already off to an auspicious start, the focus at McLaren's high-tech facility in Woking, England, has turned to expanding the lineup. The successor to the legendary McLaren F1 is in the works, and the rumormill suggests that both a convertible version of the MP4-12C and a stripped-down, hardcore variant in the mold of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia and Porsche 911 GT3 RS are also being developed. As for those shooting-brake rumors, we haven't been holding our breath, and wouldn't suggest you do, either.

40% of McLaren MP4-12Cs bound for the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren automotivemclaren mp4-12cmp4-12cSat, 28 Apr 2012 12:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20224297/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/28/40-of-mclaren-mp4-12cs-bound-for-the-u-s/20224297/article-detail.xml 20224297 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mclaren-dealer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mclaren-dealer.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren working on MP4-12C shooting brake?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/mclaren-working-on-mp4-12c-shooting-brake/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/mclaren-working-on-mp4-12c-shooting-brake/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/mclaren-working-on-mp4-12c-shooting-brake/#commentsFiled under: , ,

McLaren MP4-12C - dead-on rear view with airbrake deployed

Anything Ferrari can do, McLaren can do better. At least that's what the boys in Woking seem to believe. After all, McLaren has trounced Ferrari around the Formula One circuit for the past several years now. But while the British team has followed its Italian rival from grand prix racing into building supercars with the McLaren F1, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and (most recently) the MP4-12C, one thing Ferrari does that McLaren doesn't is grand tourers. And with the advent of the FF, shooting brakes.

That could all change, however, if the latest rumors are to be believed. (Which is something which, in this case, we wouldn't take for granted.) According to the rumormongers over at Auto Express, McLaren is preparing a shooting brake based of the MP4-12C (pictured above, flashing its air brake). Now given that the 12C is a mid-engined supercar and not a front-engined GT like the Ferrari Four, we'd say that makes about as much sense as Renault reaching back into its showcar history to build the Espace F1.

The rumors further state that the McLaren shooting brake (fancy-talk for a two-door wagon) would go downmarket to rival the Porsche 911 - which is something we've been expecting McLaren to pursue sometime after the MP4 roadster and the upmarket successor to the original F1 supercar. But something's a little amiss here, so for the time being, we'll take this particular report with a grain of salt that would dwarf Lot's wife. Then again, we did run into McLaren design director Frank Stephenson checking out the Fisker Surf in Paris last year...

McLaren working on MP4-12C shooting brake? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren automotivemclaren mp4-12cmclaren mp4-12c shooting brakemclaren shooting brakemp4-12cshooting brakeThu, 19 Apr 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20218737/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/19/mclaren-working-on-mp4-12c-shooting-brake/20218737/article-detail.xml 20218737 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mp412c0172_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mp412c0172.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren delivers 25 MP4-12C GT3s to customer racing teams for 2012 racing season [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/mclaren-delivers-25-mp4-12c-gt3s-to-customer-racing-teams-for-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/mclaren-delivers-25-mp4-12c-gt3s-to-customer-racing-teams-for-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/mclaren-delivers-25-mp4-12c-gt3s-to-customer-racing-teams-for-20/#commentsFiled under: , ,

McLaren MP4-12C GT3

When a McLaren hits the race track, the competition had better watch out. The British outfit is, after all, one of the most successful in Formula One, having won 176 grands prix, a dozen drivers' championships and eight constructors' titles. But McLaren's prowess extends beyond F1. The Woking firm was a force to be reckoned with in Can-Am in the late 60s, and the last time it built an endurance racing sportscar - the famed F1 GTR back in 1995 - it trounced even the advanced prototype racers to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Now, McLaren is back in the sportscar racing game with the new MP4-12C GT3. Based on the MP4-12C road car, the GT3 racing version took only a year to develop, and McLaren GT has delivered 25 examples of its racing car to independent racing teams around the world. Included in the purchase price are test sessions organized by McLaren and access to the team's advanced driving simulator and deep expertise in all things motorsport.

The cars are set to compete in the Blancpain Endurance Series (where the MP4-12C also serves as safety car), the VLN series at the Nürburgring, German'y ADAC GT Masters, the International GT Open and the FIA GT1 World Championship. The first of these are set to take place in Germany this weekend at the Nordschleife and Oschersleben, where the MP4-12C will be making its parallel race debuts. Can't wait that long? We've got two high-quality video clips of the car undergoing testing for your viewing pleasure (together with the full press release) after the jump and a fresh crop of high-resolution images added to the gallery above.

Continue reading McLaren delivers 25 MP4-12C GT3s to customer racing teams for 2012 racing season [w/videos]

McLaren delivers 25 MP4-12C GT3s to customer racing teams for 2012 racing season [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren automotivemclaren gtmclaren mp4-12cmclaren mp4-12c gt3mp4-12cmp4-12c gt3Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20204270/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/30/mclaren-delivers-25-mp4-12c-gt3s-to-customer-racing-teams-for-20/20204270/article-detail.xml 20204270 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/45386564536mclarenmp4-12cgt3-0422_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/45386564536mclarenmp4-12cgt3-0422.jpg <![CDATA[Gemballa GT is yet another one-off McLaren MP4-12C]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/gemballa-gt-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/gemballa-gt-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/gemballa-gt-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Gemballa McLaren MP4-12C

If Mansory's take on the McLaren MP4-12C was a fiery sunrise, then this is the other side of dawn: the Gemballa GT. Gemballa is campaigning a McLaren in this year's GT3 series, and the company's motorsport experience has been "distilled into a state-of-the art super sports car."

That means new front and rear clips, side skirts and rear wing, plus Gemballa wheels that go an inch bigger than standard - 20 inches up front and 21 in back. Inside, there's white leather trimming and a reworked steering wheel. No engine upgrades have been applied to the GT, but Gemballa says its' working on a power program. Check out all of its angles in the gallery of high-res photos.

Gemballa GT is yet another one-off McLaren MP4-12C originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gemballagemballa gtgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showMcLaren MP4-12CThu, 08 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20187614/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/08/gemballa-gt-geneva-2012/20187614/article-detail.xml 20187614 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/gemballa-mclaren-mp4-12c-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/gemballa-mclaren-mp4-12c-geneva.jpg -1 2