2012 McLaren MP4^12C Successful Formula 1 Cars

Written By CNDFX Mar 14, 2012 Add Comment

McLaren team with experience in developing successful Formula 1 cars and expertise from launching McLaren cars in the past, has launched a new type of sports car. The groundbreaking new MP4-12C features technology born on the race track, and for the first time available in a road car.

The 12C development team has pushed the car to its limits in all climates and driving scenarios in Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Bahrain, the USA, and South Africa, but much of the car’s performance credentials have been honed on the broken surfaces and offset cambers much closer to home; Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, England.

Located close to the McLaren Technology Centre, Dunsfold has proved an effective ‘home’ for the 12C development programme. It is there that bespoke components including the one-piece carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis, unique Proactive Chassis Control suspension system, race-derived Brake Steer and McLaren Airbrake were first tested and tuned in unison.

Wheels, tyres and brakes

The wheel and tyre combination selected for the 12C is critical to performance and handling agility. The front wheel diameter is 19” to ensure the sidewall height is large enough to ensure good impact isolation, and maintain excellent aerodynamics.
The MP4-12C is supplied as standard with Silver finish cast aluminium 5-spoke design wheels (8.5”x 19” Front, 11” x 20” Rear). Two wheel upgrade options are available. Lightweight and Super-Lightweight Forged Wheels offer significant weight savings, in turn increasing efficiency and performance. The 5-spoke Lightweight Forged Wheels have a technical appearance and save 6kg, compared to the standard wheels. The 10-spoke Super-Lightweight Forged Wheels offer a pure performance look and are 10kg lighter in total. To date, more than 70 per cent of 12C customers have ordered upgraded Lightweight or Super-Lightweight Forged Wheels.
Standard tyres on the 12C are bespoke Pirelli P Zero’s, with latest generation tyre technology. The 12C’s ProActive Chassis Control system has allowed the Vehicle Dynamics team to use a softer compound than is normal on high performance sports cars to achieve extra grip. Pirelli P Zero Corsa ‘sport’ tyres are available as an option for use at higher temperatures and on circuits. These give more grip in normal conditions than the PZero tyres, but are less effective than the standard tyres in standing water or temperatures below 7°C.
The standard forged aluminium bell and cast iron brake configuration is bespoke to the 12C and has been optimised for weight, saving around 8 kg from a standard cast iron option that was considered. Naturally, it gives excellent performance in terms of braking bite and feedback. As an upgrade, Ceramic Composite Matrix (CCM) brakes may be specified.

MP4-12C performance data highlights