[Calitalia]

Called the dealer, showroom will open in Oct/Nov before delivery in Dec first batch. Only low 10s cars. Demo available for customers only in Oct/Nov. No one in has driven the prod demo in town.

Contact flying to Surrey Woking for pure work for 2 weeks this thursday on many issues, country specific spec, pricing, delivery schedule (allocation is fixed maybe 100 orders).

Nothing is set. The showroom I was told will be the best in town. As London NYC across the world follows one standard that of RON’s and all furniture flown in exact standard. Setting and all very clean.

Strict standard was told continent specific warranty as opposed to worldwide.

Now I was very upfront to say, listen, I bought a few Fs and even for the 458 replacement and it’s proven and 458 is your direct competitor and I worry about no proven resale. He said this is a crucial crucial point of Ron Dennis n team in selecting dealers. One important point is that it was mutually understood that it would be beneficial to all parties only if market stays strong so while no black and white, he said dealer will single handedly handle all resale and be market maker and prefer to buy back at a good price if customer is not happy. McLaren doesn’t want the second hand market to be disrupted. This I sort of can believe as this is Ron’s baby and it’s important how this first model and only model will be handled. Dearler paid heavily for this dealership and Ron invested heavily and they are losing money for the first 3 years at least so huge investments and intuitively, they said they had all the history and technology and name to be as big as Ferrari and they are growing. He said while no promise can be made, he said I should see to the situation. It is new and bravery is needed but he said probably not too worrisome and more upside surprises as company grows. There will only be one car in the showroom that’s it one model for sale so it will be the best of what dealer offers in supercar front. It is more focused for sure. Service level should be impeccable. Orderly market is something that is going to be maintained otherwise future growth and sales will be gone and dearler will NOT WANT UNHAPPY CUSTOMERS. Not sure about other super car companies.

So I feel a bit better.

So this is legend and history... to the one of the best iconic supercars of this era, maybe as much as a 458 which is the best evolution but this is just ground breaking. Lightning versus soils. Can’t compare. Excited but on off on off always edgy to be early adopters.

Briefly mentioned media reviews. Dealer said many customers already called I was late and the whole team is aware of it. It will be fixed pre production whatever that means.

 

[Rich]

Yep - I had to promise my dealer that I'd give him first option to buy when it came time to sell, and they'd give me market price.

Mc really want to keep control of the market.

 

[HyperMac954]

I got an email from my dealer last night that put me at much greater ease, however there was direct mention of the 458 from the tests, and I was asked not to post it online.

I'll say this, McLaren HQ is well aware of what's being said on this site and others, and I feel confident that they will address any issues they've encountered during these tests.

 

[widowmaker911]

I got an email from my dealer last night that put me at much greater ease, however there was direct mention of the 458 from the tests, and I was asked not to post it online.

I'll say this, McLaren HQ is well aware of what's being said on this site and others, and I feel confident that they will address any issues they've encountered during these tests.

Got the same email from McLaren dealer.......extremely detailed response........answered just about every concern posted here (they MUST follow this forum)...........they HAD to fight back or fear losing customer confidence.......job WELL done..........now that's CUSTOMER SERVICE

 

[Calitalia]

Yep - I had to promise my dealer that I'd give him first option to buy when it came time to sell, and they'd give me market price.

Mc really want to keep control of the market.

In HK, I heard a similar story but no black and white and certainly no confirmation. Team off to UK for a uniform world wide answers. Heard 1st year dealer will buy back but at what px not sure. Hard to judge the value of the car if there's no market maker and history. Actually, I think this is a must and a very good gesture for McLaren to reward early buyers. After, it's a brand new brilliant company pricing its product same as 458 which is much more proven with more proven market value. Hence, a dealer buyback is something I can imagine. It would also motivate more people and give reassurance. What market price is, then I don't know. Early adopters should be rewarded with some perks I guess and this is more like money back guarantee less a little depreciation I hope.

 

[Calitalia]

I got an email from my dealer last night that put me at much greater ease, however there was direct mention of the 458 from the tests, and I was asked not to post it online.

I'll say this, McLaren HQ is well aware of what's being said on this site and others, and I feel confident that they will address any issues they've encountered during these tests.

Thank you for your update. I have not written directly about the 5th gear and TG or autocar tests to dealer lest being thought of as a whiner. Maybe I should?

What's exciting is that this car, being so well engineered, is the most important automotive piece of history in the autocar world that it is important for a new venture with only one model currently to listen to customers. I am glad if they truly read this forum. So McLaren HQ does keep track of our voices, wants, needs and inputs? So I presume they also have a uniform answer for customer buyers' queries?

 

[widowmaker911]

Thank you for your update. I have not written directly about the 5th gear and TG or autocar tests to dealer lest being thought of as a whiner. Maybe I should?

What's exciting is that this car, being so well engineered, is the most important automotive piece of history in the autocar world that it is important for a new venture with only one model currently to listen to customers. I am glad if they truly read this forum. So McLaren HQ does keep track of our voices, wants, needs and inputs? So I presume they also have a uniform answer for customer buyers' queries?

Oh yea.......can't post response.......but they did reply in DETAIL what happened @ UK comparo tests........ask your dealership I am sure they are more than willing to provide you with the info

 

[Calitalia]

Got the same email from McLaren dealer.......extremely detailed response........answered just about every concern posted here (they MUST follow this forum)...........they HAD to fight back or fear losing customer confidence.......job WELL done..........now that's CUSTOMER SERVICE

If McLaren pays any attention to this forum (I doubt it but must give it benefit of the doubt), they will also pay attention to other car forums including but not limited to Fchat.

I await but this has stirred up quite a lot of controversy mostly negative on Mc. Will see how they response and so far media is helping to sell more Ferrari 458 for sure. Let's wait and see I m neutral.

 

[widowmaker911]

If McLaren pays any attention to this forum (I doubt it but must give it benefit of the doubt), they will also pay attention to other car forums including but not limited to Fchat.

I await but this has stirred up quite a lot of controversy mostly negative on Mc. Will see how they response and so far media is helping to sell more Ferrari 458 for sure. Let's wait and see I m neutral.

The email from the dealership some what explained their way out of the embarrassment in the UK.........I'm gonna wait and see what happens in NA/US test........if the acceleration times don't pan out with the hype and they get embarrassed again by ferrari......I'm DONE!

 

[Calitalia]

The email from the dealership some what explained their way out of the embarrassment in the UK.........I'm gonna wait and see what happens in NA/US test........if the acceleration times don't pan out with the hype and they get embarrassed again by ferrari......I'm DONE!

I am sided with you. Agree. I will send an email out to my dealer and the boss maybe next week after TG show... this is exceptional circumstances enough for me to pull out.

 

[HyperMac954]

Just to quantify the McLaren email - it was 5 pages long. And it specifically mentions reading forums and video/article comments.

 

[Calitalia]

Just to quantify the McLaren email - it was 5 pages long. And it specifically mentions reading forums and video/article comments.

My dealer (which is I believe only a one man band now) is away in UK on business trip to Woking and I have not sent him an email. However, your response certainly serves as a relief. I believe unless actively asked upon, they will remain silent (hence, no public statement will be released or issued, silence is golden now). However, if the client response was 5 pages specific, communication materials must have been read and re read and proof read many many times by McLaren Automotive's corporate communication before it is allowed to be communicated through. They must specifically address all issues given how negative such coverages are from 5th gear as well as disappointing track times compared to what was publicly annouced by Ron Dennis and Anthony Shreiff. Such inconsistencies are exceptional circumstances that would warrant deposits refunds and it is wise for them to reconcile the differences and then try a last chance before giving buyers a chance to cancel with a full refund. Furthermore, I would be of the thinking that these 5 pages specific emails/responses in black and white are uniform answer to be sent out by every single dealer around the world to any recent media queries on all the negative press.

Hence, I will await TG's show and next week mid week to send out my queries. If I do get 5 pages back, I will give it another week to digest and then decide. It is highly likely though that I will back out if not given a satisfactory answer that is consistent to what product spec was given in the press. It is only natural. We all should have choices now given how inconsistents matters have unfolded to become. To each his own for owners to decide and time for Woking to stand firm and issue a statement to queries.

 

[PhilMc]

If dealers are sending out detailed responses to queries, why would they want it to be kept a secret???
I would think that they would want people, everyone, to read their responses to quell all this negative publicity that these tests are generating.

 

[GT-TT]

My dealer is not sending it to me as he said factory said not to forward to final customers..

 

[Calitalia]

If dealers are sending out detailed responses to queries, why would they want it to be kept a secret???
I would think that they would want people, everyone, to read their responses to quell all this negative publicity that these tests are generating.

Agree, but it is hard for me to imagine any drafted response to be posted as press release on the media centre from McLaren. Afterall, what can it say without implicating others. They cannot have any definitive answer and neither do I. The facts present thmselves as they are but the testing methodologies and subjects behind the test are so intricated that it is impossible to make out without dismantling competitors' ride which we all know are impossible. Furthermore, the car magazine Ben Collins Supercar VS the World's test had the MP4 went against not just one rival, the 458, but also the SLS, R8, Gallardo and GT2RS so it was tested against 5 companies and it would be hard to imagine how every other brand was set up. Overall, every tested subject certainly puts up the best fight and the facts present themselves clearly. That is why I am very very curious as to what 5 page response they can give to me who had already paid my deposit. What, really, can they say to me? While it is easy to pre-judge now as all fingers and facts point to one direction, I will take the more neutral approach for now. It is hard to not remain media biased now but I try not to give my definitive answer/judgement until I hear black and white official explanation from my dealer. I still cannot fathom a 5-page response. If they managed to send me one, I would be extremely interested in what the PR department did and how they can save this media negativity. It's time to contain any further damage if any. Damage has been done. Admittedly (while I could be wrong) I couldn't recall one new supercar (GTR, R8, SLS) that had been so negatively critiqued upon that even the most fervent and loyal prospective buyer will be waivered. Let's give it one more chance but I make no excuse.

 

[Calitalia]

My dealer is not sending it to me as he said factory said not to forward to final customers..

Very interesting. That means communication materials are distributed not in a uniform manner. It is curious as to how they selectively send out communications. Some got 5 pages. Some dealers refrain from providing communication. This is interesting. I will wait till next week to ask probably wed/thur. Anyone else sent queries and got responses?

 

[HyperMac954]

The email is from Mac HQ for dealers, not so much a press release (even had a couple typo's). I suspect the dealers are not authorized to release it to the general public as Mac prepares a proper release.

Here's the long and short of it (and the negative press to date). The MP4-12C is a new manner of supercar. It can't be driven like any previous car. The testers who flung it around against the 458 didn't know how to contend with the various systems, particularly after just having stepped out of the Ferrari. McLaren acknowledges that it was a mistake to simply hand over the keys without explaining the intricacies of the systems.

The obvious concern is that the driver must be named Vettel or Hamilton or Button to actually use it. That's my great concern as well, that I won't be able to drive the car because I just don't know how to do it - I no longer have ANY concerns that once mastered, the MP4-12C is capable of wiping the floor with a tweaked 458.

One of my good friends in the automotive industry, who's built and driven any manner of car (street and track), said it best. If this is the route McLaren has chosen, that you have to be taught how to drive their car, then they should offer/include a weekend driving clinic of sorts to explain all the widgets and novel techniques - particularly with regards to the ESP and brake steer.

 

[F355GTS]

Agree, but it is hard for me to imagine any drafted response to be posted as press release on the media centre from McLaren. Afterall, what can it say without implicating others. They cannot have any definitive answer and neither do I. The facts present thmselves as they are but the testing methodologies and subjects behind the test are so intricated that it is impossible to make out without dismantling competitors' ride which we all know are impossible. Furthermore, the car magazine Ben Collins Supercar VS the World's test had the MP4 went against not just one rival, the 458, but also the SLS, R8, Gallardo and GT2RS so it was tested against 5 companies and it would be hard to imagine how every other brand was set up. Overall, every tested subject certainly puts up the best fight and the facts present themselves clearly. That is why I am very very curious as to what 5 page response they can give to me who had already paid my deposit. What, really, can they say to me? While it is easy to pre-judge now as all fingers and facts point to one direction, I will take the more neutral approach for now. It is hard to not remain media biased now but I try not to give my definitive answer/judgement until I hear black and white official explanation from my dealer. I still cannot fathom a 5-page response. If they managed to send me one, I would be extremely interested in what the PR department did and how they can save this media negativity. It's time to contain any further damage if any. Damage has been done. Admittedly (while I could be wrong) I couldn't recall one new supercar (GTR, R8, SLS) that had been so negatively critiqued upon that even the most fervent and loyal prospective buyer will be waivered. Let's give it one more chance but I make no excuse.

I think you are over analysing things and as others have suggested you need to stand back and decide if you want to be a Mclaren owner or not. I must admit I have had some doubts just recently and to a large extent these doubts disappeared yesterday as soon as I drove the car It's a fantastic car, as is the 458, whether one is better than the other is purely subjective and personal preference.

As regards the comparison with the 458 remember Mclaren have had one pretty much since launch and their statements of performance would have been based on that car. Sure Ferrari have raised their game and improved the 458, although I'd argue with IainS that this has not been their normal policy infact they're known for not doing it even when there are known faults!. Certainly developing and fitting stickier tyres is something they've never done before.

There's been alsorts of rumours about whether the test Ferraris had titanium drive shafts, Challenge ECUs, +80BHP, Challenge aero etc etc I doubt any of us will ever know if it's true or not but to me it's irrelevant ,I've owned 10 Ferraris, 1 of which I still have and will keep alongside the Mclaren, I want something different and recently Mclaren have shown themselves to be leaps and bounds ahead of the competition in terms of how to deal with their customers.

Ultimately I'd advise you not to base your buying decisions on what the likes of Jeremy Clarkson say's, he's an entertainer interested in TV ratings, equally for that matter don;t base it on if a car is 1/10th or 1 sec slower or faster round a circuit. Drive the car when you can and make your decision then. If it helps my car's due 1st/2nd week of August and I will post here some real world driving experience from a real owner

 

[GT-TT]

Maybe I can help a bit on this since I drove the car, and pretty hard at dunsfold.
Its not difficult to drive it, but different. You need to let understeer unfold at entry and then allow the brake steer to put nose in. You have to keep power on while this happens. Bottomline I am sure it will be fast and all but you definately can't play too much with it on entry (observe what plato etc were trying to do with the 458) but if a remember correctly you can probably provoke power oversteer on exit up to point. If you try to do the former then what we seen suggests that the car is getting out of shape.
The question is if this ultimately will be fun for the adventurous drivers or not. But at 90% this car is super fast and super safe to drive fast

 

[HyperMac954]

...as soon as I drove the car

You lucky bugger. I've been tempted to fly out to England just to test the car...