GPWizard F1 Forum

Everything Else => General Automotive => Topic started by: david1275 on March 19, 2010, 09:18:33 PM

Title: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: david1275 on March 19, 2010, 09:18:33 PM
Don't really like the car but this is quite a cool video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2pAlarHKV0&feature=sub (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2pAlarHKV0&feature=sub)
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: Scott on March 19, 2010, 09:56:24 PM
What's with the West logo on the wheels?  Is cigarette advertising allowed on production cars?  :DntKnw:
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: Andy B on March 20, 2010, 12:33:51 PM
Its the McLaren logo the same as the Nike swish. :good:
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: Scott on March 20, 2010, 02:16:39 PM
Oh sorry, the West logo is those two red and white lines that used to go through the drivers names after it was banned.  My oops.

You're right David...I don't like the car much either.  They are going to have to do a lot better if they think they can compete in production cars with Ferrari.  They're miles off.
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: SennaMan on March 20, 2010, 03:28:35 PM
Oh sorry, the West logo is those two red and white lines that used to go through the drivers names after it was banned.  My oops.

You're right David...I don't like the car much either.  They are going to have to do a lot better if they think they can compete in production cars with Ferrari.  They're miles off.

Well Scott, in what ways is this car "miles off"?
 
[Perhaps the value being way higher than FERRARI's beautiful-to-look-at-pininfarina styled but overpriced and fragile cars?]

Make no mistake, FERRARI will be very worried about McLARENs entry into the rarefied world of prestige supercars and sportscars. With good reason, the McLAREN MP4-12C [fabulous engineering and production standards but such a terrible model name] will attract many buyers who cannot/would not consider buying a FERRARI.

I think their debut car will be a smash hit and will launch a genuine U.K. competitor for top end sports cars. They already have letters of intent from 1600 would be buyers and delivery is expected to take at least 12 months from a firm order

I just want one......in "McLAREN ORANGE" of course.  :yahoo: :good:

Thanks David for posting a great video.
 
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: Scott on March 20, 2010, 03:41:37 PM
sorry, miles off in STYLE.  An opinion.
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: SennaMan on March 20, 2010, 03:48:31 PM
sorry, miles off in STYLE.  An opinion.

yeah Scott, I have to agree with you as no one can style a car like pininfarina. It amazes me they have been able to produce stunning cars of sheer beauty for over 60 years; even ZAGATO has not been able to do that.
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: Ian on March 20, 2010, 04:22:37 PM
It won't let me watch the darn thing.
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: cosworth151 on March 20, 2010, 04:40:48 PM
I agree with Lewis at the end:

"I'll take it!"
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: david1275 on March 20, 2010, 05:20:27 PM
Comparing a current Ferrari road car, say a 458 or 599 with this McLaren is like comparing a real woman with a blow up one!! Technically both should satisfy the needs of a horny man, but which one would you rather??  :D
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: Philbe on March 20, 2010, 06:44:06 PM
I agree, they'll sell lots of them. How else would a mid engine supercar look but like a 430/gallardo/R8 clone. I think a spyder version would be a fantastic looking car.  :good:
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: SennaMan on March 21, 2010, 08:16:41 AM
I agree with Lewis at the end:

"I'll take it!"

me too Cossie  :swoon:

here is a link to an article about the car on "CLASSIC DRIVER":

http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3300.asp?id=14536 (http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3300.asp?id=14536)
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: markb on March 21, 2010, 10:18:44 AM
Morning everyone.  Lots of views regarding Mclaren's new MP4.  I personally think it's a lovely car, and judging by the video, it certainly looks as though it handles well.  With regard to some comments made by some of you, that it's not good enough "to challenge Ferrari", well Ron Dennis made it quite clear, that they have not entered this market to challenge Ferrari or anybody else for that matter. 

Given that it's their "first" production car, it doesn't look bad does it?  I suppose only time will tell, but Ron Dennis also suggested at the Press Conferance, that "there will be more models to follow" so guys, watch this space!! 
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: david1275 on March 21, 2010, 10:41:23 AM
Don't worry about me spouting off Markb, it's mostly in jest. My published opinion is sort of basis, being a Ferrari fan I am programmed believe nothing is a good as a Ferrari, even a bad Ferrari, of which there have been a few.  ;)

Truth be told I think this is an amazing car and every bit as good if not better than some of its competitors, even if it does have a McLaren badge. However if I had the £175k it would take to buy one I would probably buy a Ferrari 458 Italia or 599 or 430 Scuderia or California..........damm it I wish I had the problem!!!  :'(
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: markb on March 21, 2010, 12:16:33 PM
Cheers for your comments David...I wish I had that problem as well e.g."of choosing what to buy with my £175K"......, but alas I don't, so there we go!! 

Without doubt, Ferrari have produced some fantastic cars and have got a longstanding pedigree along with some other manufactures, but I believe that Mclaren will make a bit impact in the super-sports car business, so we'll wait and see what Mr.Dennis has up his sleeve!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a good one.
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: John S on March 21, 2010, 07:57:15 PM
Comparing a current Ferrari road car, say a 458 or 599 with this McLaren is like comparing a real woman with a blow up one!! Technically both should satisfy the needs of a horny man, but which one would you rather??  :D

The real one of course - the McLaren. :D  Make a nice change from them over inflated Italian models that apply far too much bright red warpaint. :DD :DD :DD

Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: david1275 on March 21, 2010, 09:15:34 PM
Comparing a current Ferrari road car, say a 458 or 599 with this McLaren is like comparing a real woman with a blow up one!! Technically both should satisfy the needs of a horny man, but which one would you rather??  :D

The real one of course - the McLaren. :D  Make a nice change from them over inflated Italian models that apply far too much bright red warpaint. :DD :DD :DD



Jez with hindsight I left myself wide open for that John.  :good:

I think the over inflated Italian tart would be more fun but.
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: cosworth151 on March 22, 2010, 11:26:19 AM
Quote
if I had the £175k it would take to buy one

That's why my personal supercar is an MG Midget Mk III that arrived at my garage mostly in cardboard boxes!  :-[
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: SennaMan on April 21, 2010, 10:33:40 PM
Morning everyone.  Lots of views regarding Mclaren's new MP4.  I personally think it's a lovely car, and judging by the video, it certainly looks as though it handles well.  With regard to some comments made by some of you, that it's not good enough "to challenge Ferrari", well Ron Dennis made it quite clear, that they have not entered this market to challenge Ferrari or anybody else for that matter. 

Given that it's their "first" production car, it doesn't look bad does it?  I suppose only time will tell, but Ron Dennis also suggested at the Press Conferance, that "there will be more models to follow" so guys, watch this space!! 

i have to disagree with you Mark [and other members' posts who doubt the new McLAREN will challenge FERRARI.]

This car IS squarely aimed at FERRARI, LAMBORGHINI, PORSCHE, AUDI et al and in terms of performance it will easily surpass the FERRARI 458 Italia or 599 or 430 Scuderia or California. One has only to look at the better power to weight ratio [0.46 bhp/kg] afforded by its 1300 kg weight [much lighter than even the ITALIA!} to see that.

In fact FERRARI and the other top supercar manufacturers will be very afraid of the new upstart. More so that McLAREN have planned for one new model to the range being released each year.

This is a very serious commitment to take the 'big boys' head on.   

Here's what wouter MELISSEN owner/administrator of Ultimate Car Page. com has to say about it:

[the actual Ultimate Car Page which has 24 fabulous pictures of the new car and detailed specifications can be found at:

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/4256/McLaren-MP4-12C.html (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/4256/McLaren-MP4-12C.html)


"Universally accepted as one of the all time greats, the McLaren F1, built between 1993 and 1998, is a very hard act to follow. It took McLaren well over a decade to again launch a sports car under their own name and they did not even attempt to build an actual replacement for the Le Mans winning supercar. Instead McLaren grabbed the elements that made the F1 so very good and applied them to a design for a different, much higher volume market segment. Slated for production from 2011, the all new McLaren MP4-12C will be pitched directly at the Ferrari 458 Italias and the Lamborghini Gallardos of this world.

The MP4-12C was designed over a five year period almost exclusively on McLaren's world class computers, which are also used for the manufacturer's Formula 1 cars. This enabled the engineers to completely develop and even test each element of the car before a single part was constructed. The key word in the MP4-12C's design is packaging. The designers achieved a fine balance between performance, functionality and driver comfort through superb packaging. The radiators are for example mounted longitudinally alongside the engine to free up space in the nose for luggage and yet also keep the car narrow enough to remain practical. The tight packaging also required every component of the MP4-12C to be bespoke; from the engine and gearbox to the knobs in the interior.

In 1981 McLaren pioneered carbon fibre composite tubs in Formula 1 and with the F1 supercar brought the aerospace derived material to the road. For the MP4-12C a new, cost-effective construction method was devised that allows McLaren to construct the entire tub in a single piece instead of having to bond different parts together. Known internally as the 'MonoCell', the hollow monocoque chassis is extremely rigid yet only weighs 80 kg. In early crash-testing the same tub was used for a front and side impacts. The MonoCell survived both crashes completely unscathed and could be used again without a problem. A chassis can be produced in just 4 hours, which is a fraction of the time needed to build a conventional multi-piece carbon fibre tub. This cut in production time and costs is what enabled McLaren to use a carbon fibre tub in a market dominated by aluminium and steel constructions.

Squeezed into the very tight engine bay is McLaren's very first 'own' engine. Dubbed the M838T, it is twin-turbocharged V8 with a displacement of 3.8 litre. Although no exact performance figures are known yet, it is expected to produce around 600 bhp and 600 Nm of torque, 80% of which is available as low down as 2000 rpm. The V8 is also incredibly efficient as it emits less CO2 per bhp produced than any other internal combustion engines available today, including the ones used in 'green' hybrids. The engine is mated to a dual-clutch, seven-speed gearbox. Although it may disappoint purists, there will be no optional manual gearbox; the footwell is optimised to house just two pedals. The paddles that operate the gearbox are mounted behind the steering wheel and move with it. Much like the shutter button on a camera can be partly pressed to enable autofocus, they can be partly squeezed to 'pre-cog' a gear and speed up shifts.

The lightweight, rigid chassis and the compact, powerful engine are backed up by a highly advanced suspension system. Double wishbones and coil springs are used all around but that's where the convention stops. The dampers fitted on each corner are active and completely adaptable to the road surface and conditions. They give the driver the best of both worlds; on the straights they will soften up for comfort and in corners stiffen up for superb road holding and control. The driver can also pick three suspension modes on the 'Active Dynamics Panel'. The biggest trick up the MP4-12C's sleeve is 'brake steer', which was first seen on the 1997 MP4/12 Formula 1 car. This system helps cornering by squeezing the brakes slightly on the inside rear wheel. The same trick also works on acceleration out of a corner when the inside rear wheel can start to spin.

Performance, functionality and comfort were also key for the exterior design. Aerodynamics played a vital role in the very pure design. As with all of today's sports car designs, a balance between low drag and high downforce had to be found. The MP4-12C's very smooth lines ensure the former while an active rear wing provides plenty of the latter. With no radiators to clear, the nose is very low, which lowers the frontal area and also gives the driver a very good view of the road. The air-intakes behind the doors for the radiators feature turning vanes that resemble the McLaren logo. Needless to say they are also very functional as they direct the cooling air to the longitudinally mounted radiators. The rear-end has the most character with prominent exhausts surrounded by a big grille and black horizontal bars that also house the LED lights. The engine compartment is visible through a large window in the rear deck. Large glass surfaces all around provide the driver with unparalleled levels of visibility.

Access to the comfortable interior is through large 'dihedral' doors that are opened by swiping a hand underneath the broad shoulder running across the top of the door. The dihedral design uses just one hinge and allows for full access even in the tightest of spaces. Functionality is also prevalent throughout the interior. All switches and buttons are mounted within reach of the driver and are grouped according to application. The most important information is presented to the driver in the binnacle behind the steering wheel, which features a very prominent, tachometer. Additional info is presented in a screen mounted on the floating centre console. The grip of the steering wheel is modelled after grips of the wheels used by McLaren's World Championship winning Formula 1 drivers.

Functionality even played a role in the deciding the name of the new McLaren. Except for the F1, MP4 has been used for all McLaren built since the company was acquired by Ron Dennis' Project 4 in 1980. It originally referred to 'Marlboro Project 4' but more recently it is short for 'McLaren Project 4'. The '12' represents a level of performance as determined on McLaren's internal 'Vehicle Performance Index'. Future models with different performance characteristics will receive a number according their their position on the Index. Easiest to explain is the 'C', which indicates that that MP4-12C uses a carbon fibre chassis.

McLaren revealed the first details of the MP4-12C in the fall of 2009 even though production is not expected to commence in earnest [until] in 2011. This gives McLaren ample of time to test the car in all conditions and set up a dealer network. A fleet of 20 test cars has already been constructed, which has already taught invaluable lessons that will be used for the full scale production. They have been dispatched around the world for round the clock testing duties. In the first year McLaren plans to build around 1,000 examples in a new, purpose-built factory. Over the following years McLaren plans to add one new model to the line-up every year. The example pictured above is one of the pre-production prototypes; the final version may differ in details.

The McLaren MP4-12C looks set to seriously shake up the segment dominated by Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche. Unlike any of its rivals, the MP4-12C sports a carbon fibre chassis and the level of quality boasted by the new McLaren should also be class leading. Whether it will work as well on the road as it looks on paper remains to be seen but there is no reason to doubt that. While the Italians may still have it cornered for pure passion, the MP4-12C will above all represent the most logical choice. It is a McLaren after all.  


Article by Wouter Melissen, last updated on December 08, 2009"
Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: John S on April 21, 2010, 11:14:34 PM

All I can say Sennaman is WOW!  :yahoo: :yahoo:  Oh and thanks for the great info. :good:

Ron certainly is planning to shake up the competition. The only pity is, even with it's low cost manufacture Monocell, I'm still a bit short of the readies required to own one. :(

Title: Re: Jenson & Lewis Drive the New McLaren MP4
Post by: SennaMan on April 22, 2010, 12:12:44 AM

All I can say Sennaman is WOW!  :yahoo: :yahoo:  Oh and thanks for the great info. :good:

Ron certainly is planning to shake up the competition. The only pity is, even with it's low cost manufacture Monocell, I'm still a bit short of the readies required to own one.

thanks John and yeah, I can only drool but if I had the dosh my order would have been sent already.

Now what colour would I get?...perhaps the McLAREN orange, or the Titanium - or the Red just to confuse the FERRARI guys as I easily outbrake/overtake them into a tight racetrack corner and leave them gasping in my wake.........

oh well, I guess we can always dream and appreciate this sensational car without actually owning one......but if only......

 
SimplePortal 2.3.6 © 2008-2014, SimplePortal
Menu Editor Pro 1.0 | Copyright 2013, Matthew Kerle