[constanelli3]

Any comments regarding current owner's experiences living with the Sports Exhaust option? I'm getting ready to spec my car and I drove a demo with this option and the sound was simply perfect. I just don't know if you can tone the volume down or if it's simply enjoyable 24/7.
As a side note, I really enjoy the "company" of all you contributors.
All the best,
Constanelli

 

[20C4S]

i'm glad i got it. although u're pretty much paying the mullfer-delete exhaust. i love the sound. i found myself always drive it with the power train set to sport or track just for the additional sound. i don't have any seat time with a car that doesn't have the system so i don't know how it would sound normally. i say go for it.

 

[ergoproxy]

With programmable options hopefully coming in 2013 and retrofitted for free, I would think usability is less an issue. Experienced ears on this forum say the two options sound similar....and it's overpriced...but I'm still going to get it! I just don't trust the aftermarket route. And it's inconel, made from asteroids and such.

 

[Moncho]

I was a standard exhaust kind of guy, but after driving both extensively... Sports exhaust all the way! The standard exhaust is a bit tame. It's hard to tell the difference at idle, but the sports exhaust really shines at higher RPM. It's not obnoxious loud, like others I've heard. I love those "gurgles" upon foot raising!
There may be a better aftermarket option down the line but, for now, it's the best option.

 

[gripforce-mclaren]

+1 for sports exhaust. Some people here think it's a bit intrusive but I love the sound with right amount of volume.

 

[robbie]

Ive got it its GREAT get it ! !

 

[falb]

One word - inconel

 

[andy c]

Didnt get it,wish i had !!! But it doesnt spoil it if you dont

 

[Ritesh]

I love it. I have a close friend who previously owned a California and briefly a F458 and is so disappointed with the lack of exhaust note on his stock exhaust that he is thinking of trading it in! That should tell u something. If you need it to be quiet then switch to Auto mode or Nl. Power setting. That's what I do before I get into my subdivision.

 

[Gazza]

i'm glad i got it. although u're pretty much paying the mullfer-delete exhaust. i love the sound. i found myself always drive it with the power train set to sport or track just for the additional sound. i don't have any seat time with a car that doesn't have the system so i don't know how it would sound normally. i say go for it.

FYI, When you set it to Sport or Track, no part of the exhaust changes. Its just the induction sound into the cabin that changes. This induction sound is controlled by a butterfly value and the actual sound comes from the intake Plenum assembly via a diaphram, which is in effect a mechanical speaker. So its artifically heard in the cabin and is not even a real engine sound! Porsche does exactly the same thing in the new model 911 -991.

What I would REALLY like to to see is the addition of control values in the exhaust. That way you can select form standard to almost bypass. I have this now in my Porsche and its REALLY GOOD.
User control of the of the induction sound is what coming in Oct. That would be so you can shut it up in Sport or track mode no doubt.

 

[6th element]

Any comments regarding current owner's experiences living with the Sports Exhaust option? I'm getting ready to spec my car and I drove a demo with this option and the sound was simply perfect. I just don't know if you can tone the volume down or if it's simply enjoyable 24/7.
As a side note, I really enjoy the "company" of all you contributors.
All the best,
Constanelli

As mentioned, at light throttle openings, you can make your way around without p'ing anybody off. One thing that bothers me about recent V8 Ferraris is the loud flatulent sound they make when pulling away from a stop sign or intersection. The 12C sounds more like a typical V8 (not too dissimilar to slightly quieter LS7 Corvette motor, actually) at light throttle openings. Then when you get out of the residential area and open the tap, the sound is pure racecar. You'll be looking for tunnels.

 

[AdmiralMubutu]

Love the sport exhaust, glad I have it. I get nothing but compliments about the sound. In fact, I was told by several people that I had the best-sounding car on the track a couple of weeks ago. (To be fair, most of the other cars that day were Lotuses, so comparing it to a bunch of four-bangers isn't much of a contest, but it sounds great just the same.)

 

[ergoproxy]

BMW uses the audio system to pipe in sound (M5). The 12C induction system is a similar idea. While anything artificial is a bit bothersome, at least one could hear what the engine is doing without straight pipes getting you a citation or shattering glass in the shops on the street.

 

[6th element]

BMW uses the audio system to pipe in sound (M5). The 12C induction system is a similar idea. While anything artificial is a bit bothersome, at least one could hear what the engine is doing without straight pipes getting you a citation or shattering glass in the shops on the street.

I find that a moderate level of induction sound is a nice layer mixed in with the exhaust noise and the other engine noise that you can hear inside the cockpit. Pure bliss, for me, is windows open, Powertrain in Sport. Then, I can hear all three sound elements evenly and its a great effect. Powertrain in Track, with the windows closed, is a little over the top for me, as the induction sound dominates. I think if the update makes it so you can pick your induction setting independent of the Powertrain setting, I'll be very happy.

BMW's system is taking the idea a little bit too far, in my opinion. Then again, I haven't heard it, so I'll wait to judge.

 

[ergoproxy]

If you can hear some induction, some turbine whoosh, and some exhaust/overrun without the window turbulence drowning it all out, you are blessed!

Ideal: throaty Corvette rumble at low rpm and F1 metallic rasp at redline, without an "on/off" switch in between.

 

[Joe fab]

The sport exhaust is an H pipe and works well. Fabspeed will be developing an X pipe and H pipe for retrofitting customers.

The BIGGEST and best performance improvement for all MP4-12C cars will be removing and replacing the factory restrictive catalytic converters . All McLaren Mp4-12C cars have 4 catalytic converters. There are 2 catalytic converters on each exhaust left and right banks. McLaren utilizes restrictive catalytic converters for LEV Euro and CARM worldwide emissions compliance and quiter sound.

Fabspeed Motorsport USA will utilize HJS Germany Tri-metallic 200 cell sports racing catalytic converters mounted at the twin turbochargers and replace the 2ndary redundant catalytic converters with straight through resonators. The Fabspeed sports racing catalytic converters are a direct replacement for the stock catalytic converters and will BOLT-up direct to the stock OEM McLaren street exhaust or optional race exhaust system.

You will definetely gain more power all across the powerband, Turbo whistling spool-up noise and dramatic sports car sound. I can gurantee Flames on over-run. We will also offer catalytic converter straight pipes to replace all catalytic converters. At that point you will be able to roll a tennis ball from the turbo outlets out the tail-pipe.

Fabspeed will make an improved X pipe to replace the rear section of the Mclaren exhaust and optional chrome QUAD tips to spice up the rear end!

We should have the car running later this week or early next week.

 

[Wtdoom]

you forgot to mention “ fabspeed will invalidate your warranty “ or is that not the case ?
do you tune the ecu to match the new exhaust ?

 

[Gazza]

you forgot to mention “ fabspeed will invalidate your warranty “ or is that not the case ?
do you tune the ecu to match the new exhaust ?

The factory is going to release a free ECU tune update so likely there is no point for them to do that now. A better result I think.

 

[Wtdoom]

The factory is going to release a free ECU tune update so likely there is no point for them to do that now. A better result I think.

Yes but surely that isn't for this exhaust and the different cats etc