McLaren MP4-12C supercar priced

McLaren prices its all new supercar, the MP4-12C. Cheaper than its main rival from Ferrari

Text: Stephen Dobie / Photos: Matt Vosper
24th November 2010

McLaren has revealed the price of its new supercar, the MP4-12C. And, at £168,500, it undercuts its key rival, the Ferrari 458 Italia. Add the car’s first registration fee and road fund licence and its £169,505 is a seemingly tactical £40 cheaper than the 458. And that’s pricing with the upcoming 20 per cent VAT rate – the Ferrari’s price is set to rise to £173,132 in 2011 when the new tax rate is in force.

Another compelling comparison is with the MP4-12C’s predecessor, the mighty McLaren F1. When new in 1994 it cost a pretty substantial £639,000, almost four times pricier than the new car. The MP4-12C’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine produces 592bhp and 442lb ft, the F1’s 6.1-litre V12 possesses 627bhp and 480lb ft. Though with less weight to shift its 240mph top speed is somewhat higher than its successor’s claimed 200mph+. Though it’s not four times quicker…

The MP4-12C will be available from McLaren’s three showrooms in London, Manchester and Birmingham, as well as 32 further dealers overseas. The car will cost between 200,000 and 203,360 euros in Europe.

Apparently, reports of the McLaren MP4-12C supercar's death have not been greatly exaggerated.

The British automaker was reportedly planning to halt 12C production to meet demand for the new 650S--essentially an upgraded and restyled 12C. Now, itappears the 650S will completely replace its predecessor.

In a letter to a customer posted on the McLaren Life forum, McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt said the company would put the 12C out to pasture, in light of the success of the 650S.

Flewitt said McLaren already has a six-month backlog of 650S orders, and that the company will have to use all of its production capacity to meet them. He said the change represents a "natural evolution of our model line-up."

It's easy to see why customers would flock to the 650S rather than the 12C. While it it is known as a car that is both fast and easy to drive, the 12C lacks the flair of most supercars. The 650S takes care of that with styling inspired by the P1 hybrid hypercar, as well as several mechanical upgrades.

However, as a send-off McLaren will give 12C owners a little of that 650S magic.

The automaker will offer a free Technology Upgrade to current owners beginning in June. It will include new software for the car's Active Aero aerodynamics package--including a Drag Reduction System that lowers the rear wing during straight-line driving--and upgrades to the 12C's Android-based IRIS infotainment system.

McLaren will also offer the 650S' backup camera and SIRIUS satellite radio to 12C owners for an undisclosed price.

With the 650S holding down the middle of the lineup, McLaren will move on to two new models: one positioned below it, and one positioned above it but below the P1.

When it comes to ADV1 Wheels, we're always looking for new models, new photo shoots, new angles. Great cars and great pics go hand in hand and we're not ones to ever take it for granted.

The McLaren MP4-12C or 12C, whichever way you prefer, is slowly becoming not only a modern day classic for McLaren, but also a smart buy if you're into the used supercar market.

This everyday 600 PS beauty is wearing a set of Track Spec ADV6 wheels, rocking the Matte Black disc finish, Brushed Gunmetal lip finish and measuring 19x8.5 in the front and 19x11.5 out back.

That's actually a really good choice as far as size because it changes the overall appearance of the car without actually making it look like it now serves a different purpose. Like sitting pretty in the corner of some tuning show.

So yeah, its 3.3 second 0-62 mph (100km/h) time might still be within reach, and if you're worried that driving a 12C would put you at the back of the supercar class on any given field trip, you shouldn't be. It's still incredibly fast, while being lighter than both the Porsche 911 Turbo S as well as the Lamborghini Huracan.

Also, props for the custom plates featuring the Miami Heat logo. The owner is definitely doing a good job supporting them in their struggle to make the Playoffs this year. Great way to represent!