McLaren planning to tweak the MP4-12C to boost its emotional appeal
By Andrew, 19 Jul, 2011. 0 Comments
McLaren MP4-12C
The new £168,500 supercar, the McLaren MP4-12C, will start delivery this week. It boasts of changes that are meant to boost its “emotional appeal.” When the car was launched before the press, McLaren received some criticism. Nearly all of the major automotive press groups like Autocar ranked the MP4-12C below the Ferrari 458 Italia after they made their tests. Most of the comments were that the MP4-12C didn’t have the aural drama and sense of occasion to go with its pace and dynamic ability.
The most significant changes fitted on the new model include a better throttle response and an exhaust note that’s “fruitier.” According to a McLaren spokesman, these changes were already part of the plans but what the press response had done was to quicken the development pace. Of course, McLaren’s “Formula 1 mentality” was also a factor in this move. The spokesman explained that the carmaker wants the drivers to “enjoy the car a bit more.”
While the performance isn’t improved due to these changes, they offer an “emotional increase” during driving. These changes only become evident when the MP4-12C is placed in Track mode. Several modifications were made to the Intake Sound Generator, which manages the noise level that originates from the engine bay into the cabin. From the engine’s plenum chamber is a tube with a butterfly valve that goes to the cabin. But now, this valve opens wider in Track mode. The spokesman explained that the model was “too sensible” and that with this new one, the changes will be obvious when the driver pushes the car and starts to have fun.
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