[Chris2011]

I had a test drive earlier this week and many of things that people are saying about the car are true.

It doesn't look as dramatic as a Ferrari/Lambo - a bit Lotus

The interior design is more function than flare

The engine noise doesn't make the hairs on the back of the neck stand up

The car will lose value

So, everyone who is having second thoughts would be advised to ask for their deposits back, because

I absolutely bloody loved it and the more people that pull out will mean that I get my car sooner. As far as I'm concerned the car is perfect, combining the usability of a 911 turbo with the thrill of a very rare super car. It's a car that can be used, it's not the guilty secret lurking in the garage that delivers the occasional thrill. All those that are complaining aren't right for the brand and should look elsewhere.

What about the build quality? I've sat in a number of expensive cars and none have felt as well engineered, everything has the look and feel of bespoke integrity - it feels like it will last forever.

It would be interesting to see which demographic McLaren are aiming at, I don't think that it is the typical V8 Ferrari buyer.

 

[SSO]

When are you scheduled to take delivery?

 

[Chris2011]

Q3 next year....

 

[roundincircles]

It would be interesting to see which demographic McLaren are aiming at, I don't think that it is the typical V8 Ferrari buyer.

Surely that's an easy answer, anybody with means to purchase!

The market research they did indicated that the market ,since 2001 or thereabouts,had grown to 30,000 units pre-recession so there is room for a new entrant.

Presumably rarity is a pre-requisite to support a £200k price tag.

 

[Mycroft]

I had a test drive earlier this week and many of things that people are saying about the car are true.

It doesn't look as dramatic as a Ferrari/Lambo - a bit Lotus

The interior design is more function than flare

The engine noise doesn't make the hairs on the back of the neck stand up

The car will lose value

So, everyone who is having second thoughts would be advised to ask for their deposits back, because

I absolutely bloody loved it and the more people that pull out will mean that I get my car sooner. As far as I'm concerned the car is perfect, combining the usability of a 911 turbo with the thrill of a very rare super car. It's a car that can be used, it's not the guilty secret lurking in the garage that delivers the occasional thrill. All those that are complaining aren't right for the brand and should look elsewhere.

What about the build quality? I've sat in a number of expensive cars and none have felt as well engineered, everything has the look and feel of bespoke integrity - it feels like it will last forever.

It would be interesting to see which demographic McLaren are aiming at, I don't think that it is the typical V8 Ferrari buyer.

Great post. It's always baffled me how certain members of the press can hate the car so much. Does it have a spike on the driver's seat or similar?

Demographic-wise, it's an interesting question. It seems to be perhaps half-way between a Porsche and a Ferrari maybe. For people who want the practicality of a 911 Turbo but without the boredom and the excitement of a Ferrari but without the impracticalities.

Good luck!

 

[SSO]

Q3 next year....

UK delivery?

 

[bruce]

The 12c Definately does not sit between Porsche and Ferrari

This car is better for me on the track -much much better, there is greater feeling of driver involvement! Break steer is cool and makes you feel much better than you are - I did not spec Ceramics and that was a mistake even on the road!
At present it is the rarest of the 3 which as an owner gives it great appeal!
As a tourer it's fantastic but falls down BADLY on stowage space Not even a glove box
Mrs C loves the car but is more than a little concerned about European trips we do as her wardrobe will have to be very restricted compared to 458!

I believe that it is a Supercar and imop the Porsche is not- so I think the 12c
Is on the same level as the Fcar better in many ways but falling short in some!
Will come down to personal choice BUT if you can afford it ,and I can't ,have both

 

[360]

The 12c Definately does not sit between Porsche and Ferrari

This car is better for me on the track -much much better, there is greater feeling of driver involvement! Break steer is cool and makes you feel much better than you are - I did not spec Ceramics and that was a mistake even on the road!
At present it is the rarest of the 3 which as an owner gives it great appeal!
As a tourer it's fantastic but falls down BADLY on stowage space Not even a glove box
Mrs C loves the car but is more than a little concerned about European trips we do as her wardrobe will have to be very restricted compared to 458!

I believe that it is a Supercar and imop the Porsche is not- so I think the 12c
Is on the same level as the Fcar better in many ways but falling short in some!
Will come down to personal choice BUT if you can afford it ,and I can't ,have both

Interesting comment re the brakes, Mclaren say the steels are better both on road and track unless doing frequent track days, why do you wish you had specced CC's many press have said they are grabby and lack feed back

 

[zippycar]

I have found in the UK that owning and driving a Ferrari brings far too much resentment and bad feeling towards you.

This is why I bought an Aston Martin, which received nothing but appreciation (of the car) and no envy, resentment or lunatics cutting you up, etc.

I think that the 12C will get the same reception here and that those of us who can’t afford both (458 & 12C), are buying for this reason and are more likely to have come to the marque from Astons and Porches.

 

[bruce]

Interesting comment re the brakes, Mclaren say the steels are better both on road and track unless doing frequent track days, why do you wish you had specced CC's many press have said they are grabby and lack feed back

I think the car carries so much speed and is Soooo smooth that it is necessary to have the best braking as this speed can catch you out and imop that is ceramic. I feel that the brakes need to give me more confidence Interestingly the ceramics were dumbed down on the458 from the Scuderia and imop are not as effective as they could and should be either! I never found the Ferrari ceramics lacked feedback - they just stopped me

I still think most buyers will use the 12c as their special car and therefore is not in a Porsche slot in the Market .

Don't Mclaren plan a lower priced car to compete head on with the 911

 

[Senna]

Hey Bruce, if you fell that strong about the CCM's, contact your dealer (London i assume) and have them change them out. Of course it is going to cost you but its an easy swap, pads, discs,calipers, a bracket for the EPB caliper, bleed the system and a little reprogramming of some ECU's and your on the way.

Interested to hear why you feel the need. Is it a fade issue ? or just a general lack of power and sponginess you feel

 

[dennis]

It would be interesting to see which demographic McLaren are aiming at, I don't think that it is the typical V8 Ferrari buyer.

IMO, at least in the short term it will be the in-the-know enthusiast who is most likely to purchase the 12C. Without the established reputation/aura of Ferrari, I don't see the 12C as a "statement" purchase, whereas the 458 might well be. Much more likely for the 12C buyer to be in love with the state of the art technical aspects of the 12C and insider knowledge of the Mac as a practical supercar.

 

[SSO]

I have found in the UK that owning and driving a Ferrari brings far too much resentment and bad feeling towards you.

This is why I bought an Aston Martin, which received nothing but appreciation (of the car) and no envy, resentment or lunatics cutting you up, etc.

I think that the 12C will get the same reception here and that those of us who can’t afford both (458 & 12C), are buying for this reason and are more likely to have come to the marque from Astons and Porches.

I have never had any resentment etc with Ferraris in the UK. Porsches seem to be the ones that bring out the bad feelings at least in my case.

 

[F355GTS]

I have never had any resentment etc with Ferraris in the UK. Porsches seem to be the ones that bring out the bad feelings at least in my case.

Same for me Scott

 

[bruce]

Brakes - makes the car far too expensive to consider change but perhaps a little spongey! It's hard to say really it is only an issue when you push the car as said I would make similar critics of the 458 but not the Scuderia,BMW turbo or the Sl? Perhaps it's just feel issue as statistically speaking I can't back comments up!

Public Opinion - never received any adverse behaviour with the Ferraris . Only adverse reaction to Porsche was mine The Macca on the other hand gets amazing positive reaction wherever it is

 

[andy c]

Brakes - makes the car far too expensive to consider change but perhaps a little spongey! It's hard to say really it is only an issue when you push the car as said I would make similar critics of the 458 but not the Scuderia,BMW turbo or the Sl? Perhaps it's just feel issue as statistically speaking I can't back comments up!

Public Opinion - never received any adverse behaviour with the Ferraris . Only adverse reaction to Porsche was mine The Macca on the other hand gets amazing positive reaction wherever it is

I know what you mean about the brakes Bruce,its just the speed you carry,not the ability of the brakes.Im sure the carbons wont make any difference,its just getting used to the smoothness of the car,then you look and see how quick you are going,nothing like this has been seen before and im still ajusting to it.
But in the end do you really feel the ccb would be easier to modulate as the iron brakes still stop you in the same distance and wont be as on and off as carbons

 

[bruce]

I know what you mean about the brakes Bruce,its just the speed you carry,not the ability of the brakes.Im sure the carbons wont make any difference,its just getting used to the smoothness of the car,then you look and see how quick you are going,nothing like this has been seen before and im still ajusting to it.
But in the end do you really feel the ccb would be easier to modulate as the iron brakes still stop you in the same distance and wont be as on and off as carbons

Andy well put and you are on the money I think. Summed it upbetter than me

 

[6th element]

IMO, at least in the short term it will be the in-the-know enthusiast who is most likely to purchase the 12C. Without the established reputation/aura of Ferrari, I don't see the 12C as a "statement" purchase, whereas the 458 might well be. Much more likely for the 12C buyer to be in love with the state of the art technical aspects of the 12C and insider knowledge of the Mac as a practical supercar.

I agree with this. Which is why it is important for McLaren to stay true to their vision. In the future, a McLaren will be more of a statement purchase and the definition of a statement is that it must say something about you (or the buyer must believe it does). That statement must be unique to McLaren (as Aston is, as Lambo is, etc.) for them to thrive.

I really get the feeling that some people wanted the McLaren to be exactly like a Ferrari, just with a McLaren badge so they have the same product but feel more exclusive. I think those people will end up disappointed. Or, if McLaren chooses to make their cars similar to Ferrari, I, and other enthusiasts, will end up disappointed. We'll see!

 

[Krzys]

I have found in the UK that owning and driving a Ferrari brings far too much resentment and bad feeling towards you.

This is why I bought an Aston Martin, which received nothing but appreciation (of the car) and no envy, resentment or lunatics cutting you up, etc.

I think that the 12C will get the same reception here and that those of us who can’t afford both (458 & 12C), are buying for this reason and are more likely to have come to the marque from Astons and Porches.

You, guys, live in the wrong country . In the US, there is absolutely no resentment anywhere over supercars. Just appreciation and friendly curiosity. I take my Ferrari's and other toys everywhere. Hell, my girlfriend once took my Ferrari to a wal mart. Never any problems.

 

[6th element]

You, guys, live in the wrong country . In the US, there is absolutely no resentment anywhere over supercars. Just appreciation and friendly curiosity. I take my Ferrari's and other toys everywhere. Hell, my girlfriend once took my Ferrari to a wal mart. Never any problems.

Well they are not going to say it to your face!!