OT- my new MP4-12C
06-09-2012, 03:01 AM
#64
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the sad truth is that the freeway network in and around Los Angeles is a bit of a mess- so before I leave I have to log onto sigalert.com on my iphone and find out where the green zones are. I've got so many different routes to choose from between where I live and where I "work" (lol) but in either the CGT or the MP4 it allows the car to warm up a bit.
I'm really putting the MP4 through it's paces, and one thing it has over my trio of long gone GT3/RS cars is the ground clearance.
they really have made this car very usable- groceries fit in the trunk, etc.
only complaint is that the IRIS doesn't work yet- but hell for 25 free horsepower in october I can wait.
the acceleration in gear is really impressive- and because of the SSG gearbox, the freeway onramp is really my favorite place. the active aero is pretty cool so far as well- but when I'm bedding in the brakes next week I'll try to maintain focus on the road ahead and not the flappy wing in the rear view.
I don't think the car compares to the GT3RS, it's so much faster and less work to drive. On the track I'm sure I'd yearn for my old stick shift 2010 3.8RS, but in real life the MP4 is just more complete. who knows, maybe this winter at speedventures I'll get on track with the mp4 (buttonwillow) but in general my track days are open wheelers or with my mx5 team.
price wise it's obviously expensive, but as Rad points out they're cutting into F-car, bentley and aston not the 100k-150k 911 range so much.
most of us have multiple cars, and after having spent several thousand miles in the bentley, I'd say the only advantage a conti-GT has over the MP4 is luxury appointments for passengers. and the stereo system in the 2012 GT is amazing...I really enjoyed the car Bentley lent me to drive for 2 months.
vs an aston, the MP4 wins in every category except overall "classic" styling. astons look good (but that's about it.) they're not that fast and the cars are quite adept at staying in service bays
ferrari is ferrari, and if you are already in the loop and getting cars from them at MSRP, I can see how you'd keep that up- but for me the depreciation curve is ludicrous because of how frequently most buyers pay over sticker. I'd like to drive an 430Scud or 360CS on the track but the practicality of the MP4 vs the 458 or any other v8 ferrari is staggering. 22mpg combined means I don't have to stop as often for fuel so I can actually take it on road trips. the v8 cars I've driven or ridden in beat the **** out of you on anything less than brand new roads or in traffic. (but they look good right??)
my 599 was really fun but doesn't handle anywhere near as well as the mp4- it just sounds better at WOT and high RPM. it had a real trunk, which was very usable on my TX-CA roadtrip this past fall, but I'd take a bentley GT over the 599 any day (more surefooted, comfortable, just as fast on the freeway, better interior, etc)
every car has a different purpose and it will be interesting to see what the 960 does to get the game going while the 458 and mp4 have raised the bar so far.
if anyone is considering buying an mp4 you can also order a custom alcantara steering wheel (I really loved it in my gt3s!) for old time's sake.
I'm really putting the MP4 through it's paces, and one thing it has over my trio of long gone GT3/RS cars is the ground clearance.
they really have made this car very usable- groceries fit in the trunk, etc.
only complaint is that the IRIS doesn't work yet- but hell for 25 free horsepower in october I can wait.
the acceleration in gear is really impressive- and because of the SSG gearbox, the freeway onramp is really my favorite place. the active aero is pretty cool so far as well- but when I'm bedding in the brakes next week I'll try to maintain focus on the road ahead and not the flappy wing in the rear view.
I don't think the car compares to the GT3RS, it's so much faster and less work to drive. On the track I'm sure I'd yearn for my old stick shift 2010 3.8RS, but in real life the MP4 is just more complete. who knows, maybe this winter at speedventures I'll get on track with the mp4 (buttonwillow) but in general my track days are open wheelers or with my mx5 team.
price wise it's obviously expensive, but as Rad points out they're cutting into F-car, bentley and aston not the 100k-150k 911 range so much.
most of us have multiple cars, and after having spent several thousand miles in the bentley, I'd say the only advantage a conti-GT has over the MP4 is luxury appointments for passengers. and the stereo system in the 2012 GT is amazing...I really enjoyed the car Bentley lent me to drive for 2 months.
vs an aston, the MP4 wins in every category except overall "classic" styling. astons look good (but that's about it.) they're not that fast and the cars are quite adept at staying in service bays
ferrari is ferrari, and if you are already in the loop and getting cars from them at MSRP, I can see how you'd keep that up- but for me the depreciation curve is ludicrous because of how frequently most buyers pay over sticker. I'd like to drive an 430Scud or 360CS on the track but the practicality of the MP4 vs the 458 or any other v8 ferrari is staggering. 22mpg combined means I don't have to stop as often for fuel so I can actually take it on road trips. the v8 cars I've driven or ridden in beat the **** out of you on anything less than brand new roads or in traffic. (but they look good right??)
my 599 was really fun but doesn't handle anywhere near as well as the mp4- it just sounds better at WOT and high RPM. it had a real trunk, which was very usable on my TX-CA roadtrip this past fall, but I'd take a bentley GT over the 599 any day (more surefooted, comfortable, just as fast on the freeway, better interior, etc)
every car has a different purpose and it will be interesting to see what the 960 does to get the game going while the 458 and mp4 have raised the bar so far.
if anyone is considering buying an mp4 you can also order a custom alcantara steering wheel (I really loved it in my gt3s!) for old time's sake.
06-09-2012, 08:59 AM
#65
Three Wheelin'
nice write-up. hope to see you at BW some day.
joe
joe
06-09-2012, 04:09 PM
#71
Rennlist Member
OT- my daughter who is 17 thinks you are one handsome fellow. Can u send her a photo of you with an autograph with her name on it? She wanted you to pitch for the Sf giants- me included. Back on topic- can a LSD be out on your car? Mike
06-10-2012, 02:29 AM
#74
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it's my understanding that the model releases follow this pattern:
12C coupe (now)
12C cab (coming)
smaller hp coupe (14?)
12C "GT3" (14/15?)
at least that's what the honchos from Mc- UK who just happened to be in town last summer alluded to...I was sorting through the options on my car in august or september at the Dallas showroom and they were in for some meetings. one of the guys is ex-porsche and said the development would somewhat follow the 911 in terms of various models being released.
there is also the P12 superduper mega car (918spyder rival) that will be coming out at some point. I requested to be placed on the list the second I heard rumors.
06-10-2012, 02:35 AM
#75
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carbon engine bay panels
carbon side vane
carbon interior
iron brakes
alcantara steering wheel (non-standard option)
lightweight wheels
lightweight exhaust
passed on the carbon mirrors, chin spoiler, rear diffuser, and CC rotors. didn't think they were necessary and as I drove the iron rotors on my test drive I was plenty impressed with how it stops.