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McLaren MP4-12C

 

 

Design principles

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, explained: "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.

 

Carbon original

The McLaren MP4-12C MonoCell, or 'tub', not only brings dynamic benefits, but also offers fundamental engineering opportunities that form the basis of the car's unique character. It has been designed to allow a much narrower structure overall which in turn contributes to a more compact car that is easier to position on the road and more rewarding to drive.

This is the first time a car in this market segment has been based around such a strong and lightweight racing car engineering solution and the first time any car has ever featured a one-piece carbon fibre structure. This step change in sports car design means that the 12C introduces new standards not just in handling, ride and outright performance, but also economy and practicality in an already very competitive sector.

The 12C MonoCell also offers greater occupant safety because it acts as a safety survival cell, as it does for a Formula 1 car.

"The whole 12C project is based on the concept of the MonoCell. This means that McLaren can launch into the market with greater performance than our rivals and a safer structure, said Claudio Santoni, McLaren Automotive Body Structures Function Manager.

Specs

The MP4-12C is a midengine, rear-wheel-drive two-seater. The engine is a twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 592 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, of which 80 percent is available at 2,000 rpm. The rev counter is redlined at 8,500 rpm. The engine has dry-sump lubrication and a flat crankshaft, which leads to the prediction that it will have a soundtrack similar to that of the Ferrari F430. The inlet trajectory of the engine and the camshaft covers are made of carbon fiber.

The V8 is not derived from a Mercedes power plant. It is called the M838T engine "unique for this car." It was reportedly developed by Cosworth, a company that is owned by piston-maker Mahle, which produces parts for Mercedes and is located close to Stuttgart.

Numbers 0-60-mph  in the 3.5-second range, It will be able to reach 220 mph and will be very stable at that speed, thanks to its excellent aerodynamics.

It has been released a specific power output for the engine of 155 horsepower for every liter of displacement, which would mean an overall displacement of 3.8 liters. The V8 has the best relation between horsepower and CO2 emissions of any series-produced engine. Emissions numbers will probably be around 300 g/km.

 

 

Pictures: Autoblog.com

Video: Autocar.co.uk (YouTube)

 

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