Gautam Sharma•17 Jul 2013
NEWS
SPY PICS: 2014 McLaren MP4-12C
Updated version of McLaren's sportster gains cosmetic tweaks, plus even more grunt than the 2013 modelMcLaren’s MP14-12C has only been on the market for two years, yet the British manufacturer is already working on a facelifted version of the sportster.
These Automedia images reveal a lightly disguised 12C Spider, with the ‘bra’ concealing what’s believed to be new-look headlights and possibly a few tweaks to the front bumper/spoiler assembly.
According to reports, the 2014 MP4-12C will be more powerful than the existing car, which pushes out 460kW from its twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 – already a useful 40kW more than its chief rival, the Ferrari 458 Italia, can muster up.
The McLaren’s kilowatt quota could swell to 485kW in 2014 as the 12C’s engine is set to gain many of the mods that feature in the upcoming P1 halo car, which kicks out 543kW (plus an additional boost from its KERS electric motor).
We’ll likely have the answer at September’s Frankfurt motor show, where the new MP4-12C is expected to debut.
Meanwhile, McLaren used last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed to unleash the 12C GT Sprint, which gains a raft of upgrades to make it suitable for racetrack duties.
Prepared by McLaren's motorsport division, the 12C GT Sprint ekes out the same 460kW as its standard counterpart, but it gains a new oil and cooling system, including a central front radiator derived from the 12C GT3.
The GT Sprint also rides 40mm lower than the standard car and its firmer suspension tuning and Pirelli racing slicks are claimed to endow it with much higher limits than the stocker.
In addition, three different handling modes are on offer, enabling the driver to tailor damping, roll stiffness and ESP settings to suit different tracks.
There’s also a track-focused braking system with carbon ceramic (CCM) brake discs, while tyre changes are made easier through an on-board air jacking system and centre-locking 19-inch OZ wheels.
Externally, the 12C GT Sprint features optimised aerodynamic and cooling upgrades – comprising a more aggressive front bumper, GT3-inspired bonnet with radiator exit ducts and front wing louvres.
Inside, the 12C GT Sprint is fitted with an FIA-approved roll cage and integrated fire extinguisher system, along with a fully adjustable HANS-approved, lightweight composite racing seat fitted with full six-point harness. The air-conditioning system is retained, albeit a lightweight version.
A carbonfibre dash houses the race-developed digital display and key vehicle controls that interface with a McLaren GT developed steering wheel.
The first deliveries in the UK will start later this year, with pricing in its home market starting at just under £200,000 (a premium of roughly 10 per cent over the standard car).
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Written byGautam Sharma
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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