The big car launch last year had to of been the Ferrari 458 Italia. I mean, that was easily last year's IT car.
Lovingly considered one of the prettiest Ferraris of all time, with a large bump in power, what was there not to like? Then came along the Challenge series edition, which is a hardcore track-going version.
Now this year's IT car, in my humble opinion, is the McLaren MP4-12C. And boy has it stolen the Ferrari's thunder. Although some critics of the McLaren say it lacks the emotion of the 458, I just don't see that happening.
In addition, McLaren has just released video and the FULL details surrounding its GT3 variant, which is setting up to be a 458 Challenge competitor.
McLaren's press release follows:
McLaren Automotive, McLaren Racing, McLaren Electronic Systems and McLaren Applied Technologies join forces with CRS Racing in development and support of new MP4-12C GT3
New MP4-12C GT3 specification features technology from Formula 1 team suppliers
McLaren GT plans to offer MP4-12C GT3 owners access to advanced McLaren Simulator programs from 2012
20 MP4-12C GT3 race cars homologated for GT3 racing in 2012
McLaren GT announces 2011 race schedule for new MP4-12C GT3 with special appearance planned for Goodwood Festival of Speed
Andrew Kirkaldy, Oliver Turvey and ÁlvaroParente to race the 12C GT3 in 2011 as McLaren GT prepares to deliver a race car of unrivalled quality to privateer teams in 2012
Chassis/body
McLaren carbon fiber MonoCell with aluminum front and rear frames and bespoke carbon body panels
Aerodynamics
Front and rear diffuser, front splitter, dive planes and adjustable rear wing.
Transmission
6 speed sequential using actuation via steering wheel mounted paddlesLimited slip differential with a range of ramps and adjustable pre-load.Wet sumpSintered clutch hydraulically operated
Driveshafts with tripod joints
Engine type
V8 twin turbo McLaren M838T
Engine capacity3.8L
Bore x Stroke93 x 69.9
Max. Engine speed Limited to 7500rpm
Cylinder block Cast aluminum , 90 deg V angle, dry sump scavenge, Nikasil coated liners
Crankshaft Forged steel flat plane
Pistons Forged aluminum
Conrods Forged steel
Cylinder head Cast aluminum with plastic composite cam covers, inlet & exhaust variable cam timing
Valvetrain 32V with 40 deg variable cam timing on intake & exhaust. Low mass with sliding contact end pivoted pinger followers, single variable rate springs and hollow cast chilled iron camshafts
Intake system
Two water/air charge air coolers.
Plastic composite plenum.
Exhaust system
Cast stainless steel exhaust manifold with compact MHI fixed geometry turbo chargers.
970 deg C turbine inlet temperature.
Fuel system
Returnless fuel rail with twin fuel tank mounted pumps and twin spray injectors
Engine management
MESL TAG400 ECU & CIU 100Interfacing with Bosch ABS and Shiftec control units
Wiring harness
Modular installation: Engine, chassis, fuel cell
Lubrication
MOBIL1: engine and transmission
Cooling
Air/water heat exchangers for engine water and charge air cooling combined with water/oil heat exchangers for engine, transmission & PAS.
Front axle
SKF integrated axles with handed single wheel retaining nut
Rear axle
SKF integrated axles with handed single wheel retaining nut
Front suspension
Double wishbone adjustable for ride height camber and toe
Rear suspension
Double wishbone adjustable for ride height camber and toe
Dampers
Coil over Multimatic dampers with DSSV technology with independent bump and rebound adjustment
Front brake system
Akebono 6 piston monoblock caliper378Ø x 36mm Iron ventilated disc
Rear brake system
Akebono 4 piston monoblock caliper355Ø x 32mm iron ventilated disc
Steering
Electro-hydraulic PAS
Wheels
Forged Aluminum
Front 12" x 18"
Rear 13" x 18"
MESL TPS system compatible
Cockpit electronics
Multifunction steering wheel with integrated driver display
Central switch panel with systems display screen
Steering wheel
Derived from MP4-24 Formula 1 wheel retaining integrated driver display, paddle shift and switches
2012 BMW 6-Series NA Launch Cabo Photo Gallery
Porsche GT3 RS 4.0 Photo Gallery
2011 New York Auto Show Photo Gallery
New York Auto Show Preview Photo Gallery
2012 Audi A7 USA Model Photo Gallery