McLaren reviews begin
02-19-2011, 10:31 PM
#77
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Mojo - I think you are discounting the value of 'noise and looks' quite a lot. A very simple fact about cars in this class is that they are not race cars where a lap time is the only measure of success. They are street cars. I think when you spend this kind of money you want to feel GIDDY about a car and it should bring you incredible emotions to see, hear, and drive it. It appears like McLaren has underestimated the importance of creating a complete package that includes less objective measures beyond the 0-124mph times.
No question the 458 is inferior on performance measures, but if performance measure was the only criteria then people would not be paying 500k for cars like the F40 to this day, a car that by all measures has been killed on outright performance by modern cars costing 1/5th, yet one that repeatedly is on lists of the 'best' supercars of all time. Same is true for the Carrera GT for that matter.
Personally, I am not skilled enough to extract and use any more performance than the 458 provides which in my opinion is already outlandish for street and track use. I think that applies to 97% of buyers. There is an appeal to something even faster, but it is well beyond the point of diminishing return in the decision making process.
By the way, I am 70% on ordering a 12C so its not like I don't see the appeal, I am a fan on many levels.
No question the 458 is inferior on performance measures, but if performance measure was the only criteria then people would not be paying 500k for cars like the F40 to this day, a car that by all measures has been killed on outright performance by modern cars costing 1/5th, yet one that repeatedly is on lists of the 'best' supercars of all time. Same is true for the Carrera GT for that matter.
Personally, I am not skilled enough to extract and use any more performance than the 458 provides which in my opinion is already outlandish for street and track use. I think that applies to 97% of buyers. There is an appeal to something even faster, but it is well beyond the point of diminishing return in the decision making process.
By the way, I am 70% on ordering a 12C so its not like I don't see the appeal, I am a fan on many levels.
Although I'm a huge Ferrari fan, I believe that the brand has become tainted in recent years and is more true to its marketing values than it is to sports car values. McLaren is clearly out to bloody Ferrari's nose and the last time that happened Ford gave birth to the GT40 and boy did it teach Ferrari a lesson. I can't abide arrogance and Ferrari has it in spades; it's time to be humbled and hopefully Ferrari will learn a lesson in not just car dynamics but also customer service. The game has moved on and it's for the better of all of us.
02-26-2011, 03:01 AM
#79
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good review. looks like being a good all-rounder.
nice detailing inside and out; the rear lights look fantastic!
i still maintain my 7:20 ring time prediction.
i'm sure the production cars will have rear hatches that shut nicely too...
nice detailing inside and out; the rear lights look fantastic!
i still maintain my 7:20 ring time prediction.
i'm sure the production cars will have rear hatches that shut nicely too...
02-26-2011, 11:00 AM
#81
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This probably qualifies as the most over-engineered wiper system ever created..
Single blade, two arms, two motors.?
Probably due to a Euro regulation.
btw CH has done better reviews than this. Much better.
Single blade, two arms, two motors.?
Probably due to a Euro regulation.
btw CH has done better reviews than this. Much better.
02-26-2011, 01:07 PM
#83
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03-04-2011, 03:23 PM
#84
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The new issue of Evo (available immediately if you have iPad and Evo Digital app) does a comprehensive review by Chris Harris. Real interesting.
Here is one new performance tidbit: 0-300km/h in 24.5s - a GT2RS does it in 28s. And he says the 12C rides better than a BMW 5 series.
Here is one new performance tidbit: 0-300km/h in 24.5s - a GT2RS does it in 28s. And he says the 12C rides better than a BMW 5 series.
06-20-2011, 09:10 PM
#85
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So the full on head to head comparisons have started to roll in and the 12C has disappointed four times out of four so far. Every review has the 458 coming out on top both in terms of lap times and overall driving pleasure. Dissappointing for the Macca is an understatement.
Evo, Autocar, Car, and Top Gear all out in news stands (and zinio) now.
Here is the video review from Car (which also features the GT2RS as a contender)
http://vimeo.com/25352861
Evo, Autocar, Car, and Top Gear all out in news stands (and zinio) now.
Here is the video review from Car (which also features the GT2RS as a contender)
http://vimeo.com/25352861
06-20-2011, 10:43 PM
#87
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I attended the Northeast unveiling of the MP4 12C in Philadelphia last month and I have to say the car looks way better in person. The interior was impressive, the lines look much more proportionate in person, and the brakes were ridiculously big.
I am sure the performance will be incredible.
I am sure the performance will be incredible.
06-20-2011, 10:46 PM
#88
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Strikes me as the opposite of the McLaren F1 road car.
Not a good thing and all the nanny's don't even translate to laptime for bullying!
Concidering how comfy and heavy they are the SLS is still impressive as is the R10. I wonder if the brakes would hold up lap after lap and I wonder what these 2 would do on better tires.
Not a good thing and all the nanny's don't even translate to laptime for bullying!
Concidering how comfy and heavy they are the SLS is still impressive as is the R10. I wonder if the brakes would hold up lap after lap and I wonder what these 2 would do on better tires.
Last edited by TRAKCAR; 06-20-2011 at 11:03 PM.
06-20-2011, 10:50 PM
#89
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every time i think mclaren f1, i think, gordon murray and paul roche. nobody in today's corporate environment has any chance of ever matching that duo's insane effort. it was a one-off for sure.
06-21-2011, 07:05 AM
#90
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why would the 2RS be slower than the 458 around a track though? that surprised me as much as the Mclaren's time.
don't forget too the disclaimer at the end (which raises even more questions than it answers i suppose)
of course, great comments on the Porsche from the driver... something we all already knew (its the only car in the group in which you could do hard laps all day long)
don't forget too the disclaimer at the end (which raises even more questions than it answers i suppose)
of course, great comments on the Porsche from the driver... something we all already knew (its the only car in the group in which you could do hard laps all day long)