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McLaren MP4-12C subtly upgraded

McLaren reveals updates for MP4-12C.


McLaren has officially confirmed that a raft of changes will be carried out to existing and future editions of the MP4-12C.

Exterior
The company claims to have listened to its customers and changed the way you access the 12C; gone is the much maligned touch sensor system to be replaced with a simpler button on each door. The ability to unlatch each door using the 12C key fob will be retained.

A rain activation function has also been added to the auto lights. Other than that the only exterior change is a subtle revision to the McLaren badge.

Interior
The 12C's Intake Sound Generator (ISG) system, which controls the amount of engine intake sound heard in the cabin, is now programmable, meaning the driver can adjust the amount of engine noise heard in the cabin across the three (Normal, Sport and Track) powertrain modes. The climate control system will also be reworked with a new 'Auto Lo' function added that quietens the fans - allowing the engine note to be enjoyed unadulterated.

Mechanicals
The big news in this raft of upgrades relates to the 12C's 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8. Reprogrammed engine mapping will boost power from 600- to 625hp. Combined with a modification to the seven-speed SSG transmission, this makes for a higher top speed and quicker acceleration to both 200- and 300km/h. The benchmark 0-100km/h time remains unchanged at 3.1 seconds, as too do the 12C's emissions and fuel economy.

Anything else?
A range of extras has also been announced that will allow customers to build their ideal McLaren. The extensive list includes new paint finishes, more alloy wheel options and new levels of interior trim.

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Published on June 8, 2012