A couple of years ago, the British manufacturer McLaren made its comeback into the supercar scene by introducing the superb MP4-12C. Although some might complain that it does not possess the looks, it does pack the punch that puts its rivalling Ferrari 458 Italia behind. And after paving way for the mind-blowing P1 and the newly-introduced 650S, it is with a heavy heart for us to announce that McLaren is discontinuing the 12C.
In a letter sent to the existing 12C owners, McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt shared the reason behind this surprising decision.
“The final piece of news I wanted to share with you is regarding 12C production which we have decided to cease in light of the success of 650S. The new car has been so well received since its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show (we already have a six month order bank) we will focus all our capacity at the McLaren Production Centre on 650S. After three years of 12C production, this represents a natural evolution of our model line-up.”
But it is not all bad news in the letter as Flewitt had also offered some good news to the existing 12C owners as McLaren will be providing a Technology Upgrade that covers some of the innovations developed for the 650S from this June, at no cost at all.
The Technology Upgrade include a new Active Aero software that allows the 12C’s airbrake to “sense different driving scenarios, deploying to improve stability when lifting off the throttle or cresting a hill” and a Drag Reduction System (DRS) mode that lowers the wing when driving at a straight line in speed for better high-speed aerodynamics.
