After a long absence from the supercar scene, McLaren finally makes a comeback with the MP4-12C which redefines a number of concepts for the supercar. Housing a twin turbo V8 engine with an output of almost 600-horsepower, this new supercar was designed from the start in being an efficient track-winner machine through the new direction that McLaren is taking.
And set to impress the sea of automotive enthusiasts making their way to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California this week is their new racing concept variant designed specifically for the North American market. The one-off McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am Edition is based on the GT3 racecar, sporting a wide body which includes the whole aero kit package like the carbon fiber front splitter, dive planes, rear wing and rear diffusers, giving a 30% increase of downforce from the basic model.
With yet any regular racing regulations for the Can-Am to abide, McLaren engineers were able to revise the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 to produce a massive output of 630-horsepower just by a unique ECU calibration and optimized cooling system. With a total weight of only 1,200kg, such power will surely wreck havoc in the hands of a talented racing driver.
To help contain such power, race-spec braking system resides behind the black satin-finished forged alloy wheels running on slick Pirelli racing tires. The 12C Can-Am interior is also stripped out and received race-spec touches from two body hugging seats with six-point harnesses, a complete roll cage all the way to a removable steering wheel. It also has an integrated air conditioning system which has made mandatory in a surprisingly growing number of race series.
