(June 7, 2012) McLaren Automotive, rather than resting on its laurels, has instead announced a package of enhancements that will make its McLauren MP4-12C high performance sports car even more invigorating to drive yet even easier to live with.

Headlining the changes is a 25 horsepower increase.  It takes the maximum output of the mid mounted, twin turbocharged V8 engine to 616 horsepower to give yet more vivid acceleration at track speeds with no loss in efficiency.



Modifications have been made by McLaren’s engineers to the 12C’s engine and SSG transmission increasing responsiveness. Ease of use, a phrase not often associated with cars of this type, is further improved through a host of detail changes while a wider variety of paint, leather and wheel options give customers yet more scope for personalization. 

The enhanced supercar's performance numbers are competitive with the best in the world. While the horsepower infusion does not increase 0-to-62 time (3.1 seconds), it improves quarter mile time by a tenth of a second and a mile per hour (10.6 seconds @ 136 mph); 0-to124 by a tenth of a second (8.8 seconds) and top speed by two miles per hour (207 mph).

The 12C’s unique Intake Sound Generator (ISG) system, which controls the amount of engine intake sound heard in the cabin, is now programmable across three levels in all three Powertrain modes allowing the driver to select the amount of aural drama he or she wants to enjoy, whatever the road.  But one aspect that hasn’t changed is the 12C’s purposeful styling … apart from a subtle revision to the McLaren Speed Marque badge, that is.
 
This latest iteration of the 12C, which at launch set a new benchmark among its competitors for power, efficiency and pioneering technology, is available to order now at a price that starts from $239,400 in the U.S. Customers who have already taken delivery of a 12C are not being neglected, though.  Every 12C owner is being offered a package of upgrades, including the extra 25 horsepower, at no cost, underlining McLaren’s commitment to its customers ensuring they enjoy owning their 12C as much as they do driving it. 

Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director said: “Given our racing heritage, it is in our nature to continuously seek out improvements. The team at McLaren Automotive recognizes that our existing and future customers deserve the very best product and service we can offer, and the launch of the enhanced 12C reaffirms its position as the most powerful luxury sports car among its competitor set.

“We designed and engineered the 12C from a clean sheet of paper, and I am delighted with the innovative technology package created for our first sports car. Our customers love driving a car with technologies and systems that have proved successful in Formula 1 and which create an incredible driving experience in a unique new high performance sports car. New and existing customers will now enjoy an even better experience thanks to the upgrades.”