Texas MP4-12C demo / test-drives...

I got a call from my salesman that their cars were in past Thursday. I told them I am in Dallas on Sat. and wanted to drop by. Park Place McLaren has a black one in the showroom and a White/Red combo with Ceramics for drives. I drove the white one on a short drive. I literally wanted to write notes so I remember the test drive. Test drives are limited to people with deposits only. They have mapped out a 45 min test drive to get a feel for the car. I didn't have time for a full testdrive so I did a quick 15 min run from Parkplace up Inwood and down the Tollway.

The first word out of my mouth after the short test drive was AWESOME. It was a religious moment. I was shaking the sales man's hand and told him that I am sold. The car delivers in all accounts(well I didn't get to drift it like Tiff). The car literally has 3 distinct personalities. The Nl. suspension mode is very comfortable and ideal for driving around town. It is quiet, relaxed with smooth shift and minimal exhaust note intrusion. The car shifted to 7th gear at 37 MPH. It is ideal for date night. The next step up is sport which is equivalent to Race mode on the F458. Shift are firmer, ride stiffer, sound more present. The Track mode is a different league.. the car was race car stiff, shifts were extremely fast and firm. My brain was on an adrenaline high but the car felt as stiff as my NSX with Type R suspension. The traction/stability control was minimally intrusive. The sales man told me that Track mode retards VSC by ~ 75-80%. In other words you better know what you are doing.

The acceleration of the car is Mind Bending. I literally mean that. It is very difficult to truly appreciate the endless thrust of TQ, and HP combined with the high RPM redline. I did a couple of runs from 60 to 135 and the Digital speed meter was literally jumping by increments of 10. It continued to pull hard above 100 MPH. The ceramics were disappointing. Non linear feel with very little modulation. I suspect they would do much better at the track.

The white car has the lightweight exhaust which sounded quite nice. It sound more like a muscle car or a Gallardo. It rumbles with spades of deep bass. I liked the sound but it way different than a F458(which some people may or may not like).

The DCT is amazing. I felt some hesitation off the line in Track mode. Otherwise I felt that it was great. It was bit off to press buttons for N and R but I am guessing an owner would get used to that in 2 days. The DCT might not be in the league of the F458 but you would be hard pressed to tell the difference.

Overall - the car was very very impressive. The Fit and finish was excellent. No loose panels, no rattles, excellent interior. The car has enough trunk space and space behind the seats for a weekend getaway. The seats and legroom should be able to accommodate guys up to 6'4''. Something the Gallardo and F458 can't promise.

I will post pics later.