1,300kg Achieved with One-Piece Carbon Fiber Cell

The MP4-12C is a two-seater mid-engine supercar with dimensions of 4,507mm in length, 1,908mm in width, and 1,199mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,670mm. It was developed by feeding back the know-how McLaren has cultivated in F1.

The biggest feature of this new machine is its one-piece carbon fiber cell, a world-first for a production car. This carbon cell, named "Carbon MonoCell," is also made using technology applied from F1. Compared to an aluminum structure, it is about 25 percent lighter and weighs approximately 80kg on its own. This allows the MP4-12C to achieve a light vehicle weight of 1,300kg.

0-100km/h in Under 3 Seconds, Top Speed Over 322km/h

The engine is McLaren's independently developed M838T 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbo direct-injection unit. It produces a maximum output of 600ps and a maximum torque of 61.1kgm. Combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch "SSG" transmission with paddle shifters, it is reported to achieve 0-100km/h in under 3 seconds and a top speed exceeding 322km/h, though these figures are not yet final.

On video-sharing sites, footage has been released showing McLaren F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button testing the final prototype at the UK's Goodwood Circuit on March 2nd. Watching the car in action, one can truly appreciate its performance and high level of refinement.