Finally, behind the wheel of MP4-12C... Wow

3350 Views 16 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Marin 12C, Dec 1, 2011

gripforce-mclaren

Discussion Starter · Nov 29, 2011 (Edited)

Thanks to McLaren of Beverly Hills, I had an opportunity to test drive the car this past Sunday.

I’ve seen the car in flash many times but this was the first time sitting behind the wheel.
Once I climb onto the cockpit, immediately I was impressed by the great visibility through huge windshield.
BTW, I’m 6’ tall med. built but I had no problem getting in and out of the car contrary to others with similar figures having issues on ingress and egress.

Once I found comfortable driving position, every control buttons and dials were within reach.
Simple yet modern design theme is what I most love about MP4-12C's interior. Great visibility from cockpit and there were no bad blind spots.

The seats, seating position, material, control layout, instrument cluster and buttons were all high quality with great finish.
The only minor detail I didn’t like about was the ‘feel’ of paddle shifter.
May be I'm too used to those paddle shifters that give more tactile feedback.

I’m glad I drove the car and got the first hand experience of what MP4-12C is all about.
At one time, I've considered picking up a 458 but oh boy, am I glad I didn’t take the Ferrari and kept the order.

Simply put, the car was everything you’ve read and heard x100 (obviously the positive reports).

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Peloton25

· #2 · Nov 29, 2011

Very cool to hear. I wondered how they were going to handle test drives as the roads immediately around the dealership don't present the best opportunity to explore the car. Sounds like you had a blast.

I'm trying to recall which section of road would have had the 120 mph speed limit though?

>8^)
ER

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Peloton25

· #3 · Nov 29, 2011

I think SpeedAndMotion captured a bit of your test drive - the slower part unfortunately. Still nice to see the Volcano Orange glimmering in the California sun.

>8^)
ER

andy c

· #4 · Nov 29, 2011

Told you it was GOOD!!!
This car is going to be a major hit in the states,im really pleased you were not dissapointed after your 1000hp GTR which must be a brute,but now you know the refined way a 12c can put down its power,thats why its going to be a must over there.

bruce

· #5 · Nov 29, 2011

Andy - they will sell loads in USA

Watch out Ferrari

AugustWest

· #6 · Nov 29, 2011

Gorgeous car.

And thanks for the very complete drive summary, GripForce!

But just watching the video; the guy on the motorcycle is totally frustrating (I can hardly imagine what was going through the McLaren driver's mind). Pulling to the side is so easy. And so good for your Karma, too!

SSO

· #7 · Nov 29, 2011

Great report. Seems you bonded well.

gripforce-mclaren

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 29, 2011 (Edited)

I'm not sure how things can be done but I must say extensive test drive is a must.

andy c

· #9 · Nov 29, 2011

gripforce-mclaren said:
I'm not sure how things can be done but I must say the extensive test drive is a must in this car.
McLaren, you WILL have hard time keeping up with orders from stateside once more people experience it. Congrats and thank you for building such a wonderful machine.[/QUOTE

A friend who lives in the states came over last week,and after going for a blast suggested the same thing,even though he isnt a petrolhead.The main reason being the ride? He was adamant that the roads over there are not to european standard,which i found hard to believe,and after rides in other friends exotics,he said they would be unbearable for frequent use.
Does he have a point ??
New York? and the freeways??

Krzys

· #10 · Nov 30, 2011

andy c said:
gripforce-mclaren said:

I'm not sure how things can be done but I must say the extensive test drive is a must in this car.
McLaren, you WILL have hard time keeping up with orders from stateside once more people experience it. Congrats and thank you for building such a wonderful machine.[/QUOTE

A friend who lives in the states came over last week,and after going for a blast suggested the same thing,even though he isnt a petrolhead.The main reason being the ride? He was adamant that the roads over there are not to european standard,which i found hard to believe,and after rides in other friends exotics,he said they would be unbearable for frequent use.
Does he have a point ??
New York? and the freeways??

Click to expand...

Oh, yes, New York and the environs really blow in terms of the quality of the blacktop. Certain places in Queens (and I mean highways) are just danger zones for anything even moderately expensive. However, in other parts of the country (say Atlanta or Florida) roads are actually very good.

SSO

· #11 · Nov 30, 2011 (Edited)

gripforce-mclaren said:
A friend who lives in the states came over last week,and after going for a blast suggested the same thing,even though he isnt a petrolhead.The main reason being the ride? He was adamant that the roads over there are not to european standard,which i found hard to believe,and after rides in other friends exotics,he said they would be unbearable for frequent use.
Does he have a point ??
New York? and the freeways??

Not really, there are some great roads 45 minutes outside of NY City. Backroads of Stamford, Greenwich, and up route 8 towards MA are all good driving routes. On the other coast, the roads around Santa Barbara are excellent.

Senna

· #12 · Nov 30, 2011 (Edited by Moderator)

Boxer said:
Not really, there are some great roads 45 minutes outside of NY City. Backroads of Stamford, Greenwich, and up route 8 towards MA are all good driving routes. On the other coast, the roads around Santa Barbara are excellent.

You got that right ! drive 45 min in any direction from the center of LA and you can find some of the best driving roads anywhere , same goes for San Diego, Monterey, Vegas and Phoenix.

As for orders i spoke to someone at the Beverly Hills dealer a few days ago and he said since they opened the doors orders and interest has nearly doubled. Might just be hyperbole but i hope hes right...

andy c

· #13 · Nov 30, 2011 (Edited by Moderator)

Boxer said:
Not really, there are some great roads 45 minutes outside of NY City. Backroads of Stamford, Greenwich, and up route 8 towards MA are all good driving routes. On the other coast, the roads around Santa Barbara are excellent.

Thanks for that info,he said he sold his Msport bmw because it was too hard for the roads,now i can tell him he is just too old and fat and stop making excuses

Peloton25

· #14 · Nov 30, 2011

Senna said:
As for orders i spoke to someone at the Beverly Hills dealer a few days ago and he said since they opened the doors orders and interest has nearly doubled. Might just be hyperbole but i hope hes right...

I am hoping to stop by tomorrow and will try to get an accurate count of the number of noses that have been pressed to the glass outside.

>8^)
ER

cyberkryten

· #15 · Nov 30, 2011 (Edited by Moderator)

Boxer said:
You got that right ! drive 45 min in any direction from the center of LA and you can find some of the best driving roads anywhere

Ah, the differences of scale! If we drive 45 min from any city, we're usually in......

another city!!

HyperMac954

· #16 · Nov 30, 2011

Problem with a lot of the nice fast roads in California is that the cops also know where the nice fast roads are... but if any of you guys are in the Bay Area, I'll be happy to point you to the hidden gems.

Marin 12C

· #17 · Dec 1, 2011

HyperMac954 said:
Problem with a lot of the nice fast roads in California is that the cops also know where the nice fast roads are... but if any of you guys are in the Bay Area, I'll be happy to point you to the hidden gems.

West Marin.

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

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