McLaren MP4-12C: Return of the Mac

Ok, the name doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue, but there’s no denying that the new McLaren MP4-12C is every bit as desirable as its famous predecessors, the Mercedes McLaren SLR and the first real hypercar, the McLaren F1.

The MP4-12C is mid-engined, using a twin-turbo 3.8 litre V8 to unleash a mighty 600bhp, fed through a DSG-style twin clutch transmission.

The design is heavily influenced by aerodynamics and weight distribution, but McLaren styling touches can be seen all around the car.

The chassis is an interesting one-piece “Monocell” design, which can cut the production time of new cars so much that it may find its way into other car designs.

Like the McLaren F1, the MP4-12C shows a high degree of technical innovation, including electronic dampers working in conjunction with sensors rather than the traditional anti-roll bars.

McLaren’s Formula 1 heritage and experience also shows in some neat touches like “brake steer” where the inside rear brake is applied in cornering to keep the wheels planted to the road and tighten the turning capability.But unlike the F1, the MP4-12C doesn’t provide performance and function at any cost, with engineering favoured instead of expensive exotic materials.

The MP4-12C goes on sale in 2011. In the meantime, you can experience a range of supercars on lease deals such as the Ferrari 430, the Lamborghini Gallardo and Aston Martin DB9.