The best gets better

The McLaren MP4-12C gets an upgrade

If Hollywood has taught us anything it’s a) be sure to stock up on ‘congratulations on your divorce’ cards whenever a couple professes their undying love for one another, and b) no matter how beautiful you believe a person to be — read Jolie, Theron or Washington (Kerry in this case) — they’ll regardless be paying a quick trip to the surgeon before long.

However unnecessary we may feel these visits are, there is presumably a burning desire within these stars to perfect perfection. This quest for a more flawless aura is what got them to the top of their field and, hopefully, may keep them there.

In the same vein, McLaren Automotive, rather than resting on its laurels, has instead announced a package of enhancements that will make its 12C high performance sports car even more invigorating to drive.

Headlining the changes is a 25PS (25hp) power increase. It takes the maximum output of the mid mounted, twin turbocharged V8 engine to 625PS (616hp) to give yet more vivid acceleration at track speeds with no loss in efficiency. Modifications have been made by McLaren’s engineers to the 12C’s engine and SSG transmission increasing responsiveness. Ease of use, a phrase not often associated with cars of this type, is improved through a host of detail changes while a wider variety of paint, leather and wheel options give customers yet more scope for personalisation.

The 12C’s unique Intake Sound Generator (ISG) system, which controls the amount of engine intake sound heard in the cabin, is now programmable across three levels in all three Powertrain modes allowing the driver to select the amount of aural drama he or she wants to enjoy. But one aspect that hasn’t changed is the 12C’s purposeful styling… apart from a subtle revision to the McLaren Speed Marque badge, that is.

This latest iteration of the 12C is available to order now. Customers who have already taken delivery of a 12C are not being neglected, though. Every 12C owner is being offered a package of upgrades, including the extra 25PS (25hp), at no cost.

Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive managing director, said, “Given our racing heritage, it is in our nature to continuously seek out improvements. The team at McLaren Automotive recognises that our existing and future customers deserve the very best product and service we can offer, and the launch of the enhanced 12C reaffirms its position as the most powerful luxury sports car among its competitor set.

“We designed and engineered the 12C from a clean sheet of paper, and I am delighted with the innovative technology package created for our first sports car,” he continued. “Our customers love driving a car with technologies and systems that have proved successful in Formula 1 and which create an incredible driving experience in a unique new high performance sports car. New and existing customers will now enjoy an even better experience thanks to the upgrades.”

david@khaleejtimes.com