McLaren Automotive has oficially announced a list of enhancements for its McLaren MP4-12C. The official release follows the ‘Dear Phil’ letter that surfaced on an unofficial McLaren blog earlier this week, which was sent sent by the British car maker to all the MP4-12C owners.
McLaren has confirmed a bump in power for their twin-turbocharged V8 supercar of 18 kW, taking final power from 441 to, near as makes no difference, 460 kW. McLaren say, “A focus on drivetrain development has given McLaren Automotive’s engineers the opportunity to increase the 12C’s 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 output,” while the SSG transmission has been given an increase in its responsiveness.
The 12C’s unique Intake Sound Generator (ISG) system, which controls the amount of engine intake sound heard in the cabin, is now programmable across three levels in all three powertrain modes, which, “allows the driver to select the amount of aural drama he or she wants to enjoy, whatever the road”.
A new door entry system is a feature of the new 12C. A small button mounted on each door replaces the 12C’s touch sensor system. In line with customer feedback, this modification is intended to simplify the user experience. The ability to unlatch each door using the 12C key fob will be retained.
Other software upgrade changes to existing cars include auto-on headlights with wipers (in “Auto” headlight mode), Easy-Exit electric seat function (if equipped) and new settings for the Meridian audio system equalizer (also if equipped). The software upgrade is expected to be available in October.
Inside, 2013 models get a revised climate control system that now features an “Auto Lo” setting, which McLaren says will achieve the desired temperature with lower fan speeds, improving cabin noise. There are new interior trim and leather options as well, including both color and material changes.
The crucial 0 – 100 km/h figures remain unchanged at 3.1 seconds, although McLaren says the enhancements have shaved 0.1 and 1.0 seconds from the 0 – 200 km/h and 0 – 300 km/h times.
The claimed 0 – 400m (quarter-mile) time has also fallen by 0.1 seconds to 10.6 seconds, and top speed climbs by 3 km/h to 333 km/h.
This latest iteration of the 12C is available to order now at prices starting from R3.1 million. Existing MP4-12C owners will have the power and software updates applied to their cars free of charge.
