McLaren MP4-12C '50' special edition

McLaren is celebrating its 50th anniversary on September 2, 2013, and has created a limited run of 'presents' for customers in the form of the '50' 12C and '50' 12C Spider.

The bespoke models feature a slew of new bits, including a full leather interior and monogrammed floor mats -- plus exterior tweaks -- and naturally the British F1 and super car constructor is building just 50 versions of each of the cars available for global markets. And the Australian importer will be putting its hand up for the exclusive new models.

The rear-wheel drive exotics carryover the seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and screaming 8500rpm twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine from the regular McLaren MP4-12C models, which belt out 460kW of power and a pile-driving 600Nm of torque.

That means 3.3 seconds to 100km/h, and a 330km/h top speed.

The commemorative models are available in three colours: carbon black, supernova silver or heritage McLaren Orange, and are fitted with satin black 19-inch front/20-inch rear alloy wheels to signify its status. Notably, the wheels are also 2kg lighter than the regular rims, improving unsprung weight.

Other exterior differences include a new aero-optimised front fascia, created especially for the 50 12C models by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). The new nose is made from carbon-fibre and carbon-kevlar and allegedly improves front downforce. Above it sits a new F1-inspired heritage McLaren badge, which has only ever been used on the original McLaren F1 road car of the 1990s.

The F1-inspiration continues with carbon ceramic disc brakes measuring 394mm fore, 380mm aft to deliver punishing deceleration, while carbon-fibre turning vanes complete with McLaren 50 logos add "further visual appeal" says the British car maker.

The two-seater car gets an upgraded cabin too, with leather upholstery and special floor mats, along with carbon-fibre scuff plates with "subtle branding" and special 50th anniversary commemoration plaque on the driver's door.

McLaren made the decision to develop a special commemorative edition of its second fastest production car, the 12C, having previously committed to building just 375 versions of its $1.3 million P1 hyper car
to ensure a certain rarity.

Priced at £196,000 (A$308,000) for the McLaren 50 MP4-12C coupe and £215,500 (A$338,000) for the Spider in the UK, McLaren's Australian dealer partner Trivett said we will probably see one or two of them in Australia.

"At this stage we haven't had discussions with the factory in the UK, but we might get one or two models," said Matt Tunstall, Group General Manager for Trivett Bespoke.

"If we get a customer order for the car, we will get one," added Tunstall, who said deliveries would occur late 2013 or early 2014. He stated that it was too early to talk about the price premiums the 50th anniversary 12C would attract.

The regular MP4-12C models recently had their prices slashed by around $100,000, as McLaren's response to perceptions that luxury cars were overpriced in Australia.

The regular 12C is now priced at $398,000, while the 12C Spider drop-top is $441,780. McLaren has sold seven vehicles in Australia thus far in 2013.

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