McLaren prices MP4-12C at $229,000
09-11-09, 12:00 AM
#31
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Curb weight is reportedly about 3000lbs. Weight distribution is said to be 43/57.
Ideal weight distribution is considered to be anywhere from 48/52 to 45/55.
For comparison, both the SLS and LF A are said to have 48/52 weight distribution. Not sure about the 458.
The car has an electronic differential, instead of a traditional LSD.
Also it does appear that McLaren is working on a car (codename P12) that will be above this one in capability, exclusivity, and price.
Ideal weight distribution is considered to be anywhere from 48/52 to 45/55.
For comparison, both the SLS and LF A are said to have 48/52 weight distribution. Not sure about the 458.
The car has an electronic differential, instead of a traditional LSD.
Also it does appear that McLaren is working on a car (codename P12) that will be above this one in capability, exclusivity, and price.
09-11-09, 12:17 PM
#34
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Judging from engine specs, it is SLOWER than the Mclaren F1.
Nevertheless though, the weight difference might reveal something.
With that said: Does anyone have power-to-weight figures for between the two
???
Nevertheless though, the weight difference might reveal something.
With that said: Does anyone have power-to-weight figures for between the two
???
09-11-09, 01:32 PM
#35
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Power-to-weight for McLaren F1:
Curb weight: 2513 lbs
HP: 627
Power-to-weight: 0.25 HP/lb or 4 lb/HP
Power-to-weight for MP4-12C:
Curb weight: around 3000 lbs
HP: around 600
Power to weight: around 0.2 HP/lb or 5 lb/HP
The McLaren F1 has a power-to-weight ratio that is roughly 20% better.
On the other hand, the F1 is a race car for the streets, and is almost impossible to use as a daily driver. Even a Ferrari Enzo has a power-to-weight ratio worse than the F1.
Power-to-weight isn't everything though. The Enzo for example is faster around the Nurburgring than the F1 and around certain tracks, but the F1 has a higher top speed.
Not sure how daily-driver friendly the 12C will be.
Curb weight: 2513 lbs
HP: 627
Power-to-weight: 0.25 HP/lb or 4 lb/HP
Power-to-weight for MP4-12C:
Curb weight: around 3000 lbs
HP: around 600
Power to weight: around 0.2 HP/lb or 5 lb/HP
The McLaren F1 has a power-to-weight ratio that is roughly 20% better.
On the other hand, the F1 is a race car for the streets, and is almost impossible to use as a daily driver. Even a Ferrari Enzo has a power-to-weight ratio worse than the F1.
Power-to-weight isn't everything though. The Enzo for example is faster around the Nurburgring than the F1 and around certain tracks, but the F1 has a higher top speed.
Not sure how daily-driver friendly the 12C will be.
09-11-09, 02:24 PM
#36
Lexus Champion
Curb weight is reportedly about 3000lbs. Weight distribution is said to be 43/57.
Ideal weight distribution is considered to be anywhere from 48/52 to 45/55.
For comparison, both the SLS and LF A are said to have 48/52 weight distribution. Not sure about the 458.
The car has an electronic differential, instead of a traditional LSD.
Also it does appear that McLaren is working on a car (codename P12) that will be above this one in capability, exclusivity, and price.
Ideal weight distribution is considered to be anywhere from 48/52 to 45/55.
For comparison, both the SLS and LF A are said to have 48/52 weight distribution. Not sure about the 458.
The car has an electronic differential, instead of a traditional LSD.
Also it does appear that McLaren is working on a car (codename P12) that will be above this one in capability, exclusivity, and price.
09-11-09, 04:01 PM
#37
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Correct, the above weight distribution I mentioned is primarily for front-engine, RWD production cars.
In theory, ideal weight distribution from a purely performance point-of-view for cars is actually somewhere around 40/60. Many race cars, including F1 cars, tend to have a weight distribution close to this. This weight distribution typically is only achieved on mid or rear-engine race cars, but it's more complex than just the distribution. Race cars tend to have a huge amount of downforce, so that the negative consequences of such a rear-biased weight distribution are rarely seen. The difference with production cars is that they tend to have a lot less downforce.
Factors like inertia, load transfer, stability systems, active steering/braking systems, AWD/4WD systems, and aerodynamics all come into play.
Traditional RWD rear-engine Porsches are typically a handful to drive due to their unusual weight distribution.
Particularly if you have cars with active aerodynamics, that affects weight distribution in a way by changing the downforce levels on the car, and thus it's handling. At high speeds, weight distribution is affected as much by downforce on the car as it is by the car's physical weight distribution.
From what I know, due to many of the above-mentioned factors, a distribution of 48/52 or 47/53 is considered ideal for front or front-mid engine RWD cars.
In theory, ideal weight distribution from a purely performance point-of-view for cars is actually somewhere around 40/60. Many race cars, including F1 cars, tend to have a weight distribution close to this. This weight distribution typically is only achieved on mid or rear-engine race cars, but it's more complex than just the distribution. Race cars tend to have a huge amount of downforce, so that the negative consequences of such a rear-biased weight distribution are rarely seen. The difference with production cars is that they tend to have a lot less downforce.
Factors like inertia, load transfer, stability systems, active steering/braking systems, AWD/4WD systems, and aerodynamics all come into play.
Traditional RWD rear-engine Porsches are typically a handful to drive due to their unusual weight distribution.
Particularly if you have cars with active aerodynamics, that affects weight distribution in a way by changing the downforce levels on the car, and thus it's handling. At high speeds, weight distribution is affected as much by downforce on the car as it is by the car's physical weight distribution.
From what I know, due to many of the above-mentioned factors, a distribution of 48/52 or 47/53 is considered ideal for front or front-mid engine RWD cars.
03-19-10, 09:09 AM
#39
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McLaren MP4-12C
McLaren MP4-12C 
----------------------
1300 kg/ 2866 lb.
600 bhp, 600 Nm / 443 lb ft.
0-100 km/h (62mph) under 3 seconds
0-200 km/h (124 mph) under 10 seconds
200-0 km/h in under 5 seconds
60-0 less than 30 meters (98′)
1/4 mile under 11 seconds
Top speed over 320 km/h, 200 mph
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTQhaQJ4QN8
----------------------
1300 kg/ 2866 lb.
600 bhp, 600 Nm / 443 lb ft.
0-100 km/h (62mph) under 3 seconds
0-200 km/h (124 mph) under 10 seconds
200-0 km/h in under 5 seconds
60-0 less than 30 meters (98′)
1/4 mile under 11 seconds
Top speed over 320 km/h, 200 mph
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTQhaQJ4QN8
03-19-10, 12:39 PM
#42
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I love this car. Those performance figures are eye-opening. Better than I thought it would be. I'm very happy they've stuck to the sports car philosophy of low weight.
I know there are critics who think it looks bland but I think it looks absolutely beautiful. It has an understated elegance that is timeless. It'll still look great in 20 years.
I imagine this is what the NSX could've evolved to if Honda had bothered to advance it but oh well, Honda's lost is McLaren's gain. If I had the money, this is the number 1 car I'd have on my wishlist.
I know there are critics who think it looks bland but I think it looks absolutely beautiful. It has an understated elegance that is timeless. It'll still look great in 20 years.
I imagine this is what the NSX could've evolved to if Honda had bothered to advance it but oh well, Honda's lost is McLaren's gain. If I had the money, this is the number 1 car I'd have on my wishlist.
03-19-10, 12:55 PM
#43
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Those are some killer stats.
Can't wait to see the Stig drive it (and I can guarantee that it'll so happen that the track will be "dry" on that day). 
Can't wait to see the Stig drive it (and I can guarantee that it'll so happen that the track will be "dry" on that day).
Last edited by Mister Two; 03-19-10 at 01:34 PM.
