Priced at $229,000: the McLaren MP4-12C.
Considering the price tag for previous models bearing the McLaren moniker, including the million-dollar F1, the British maker’s latest offering is a positive bargain, at $229,000.
Of course, you better have a bit more in your bank account if you plan to cover taxes, gas guzzler fees – and a long, long, long list of options that even includes a 3-camera in-car recording system so you can see the look of fear on your face when you miss the tight corner on track day.
Produced using carbon fiber, and weighing just 2,866 pounds, the Formula One-influenced MP4-12C will be powered by a mid-mounted3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 making 592 horsepower channeled through a 7-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch gearbox. A “pre-cog” system will permit the driver to pre-select the next gear, using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, reducing gear shift times to near-instantaneous, MacLaren claims.
The McLaren MP4-12C will take on the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini.
The price tag positions the MP4-12C against some formidable competition, including the Lamborghini LP-570-4 and the soon-to-arrive Ferrari 458. But the McLaren’s sticker is significant considering the extensive use of carbon fiber.
“We are extremely proud to be able to offer the 12C at a price that has not been realized by a carbon fiber-based vehicle before,” proclaimed
Imports will begin to arrive late this year, the new 2-seater carrying a 2012 model-year designation.
McLaren today confirmed it has added two more outlets, one in Newport Beach, the other in Philadelphia, completing a 10-dealer launch network. There are 35 retailers worldwide.