New McLaren's 0-60mph time blog on Evo Community by Nick Trott

NEW MCLAREN'S 0-60MPH TIME

March 18, 2010 3:17 PM | Posted By: Nick Trott
15 Comments | 6195 Views
Related Categories: Supercars

Just got a call from our News Editor, who'd just had lunch with McLaren Automotive MD Antony Sheriff at the media launch of the MP4-12C. Couple of snippets to share: the 0-124mph time is quoted at sub-10seconds, but we're told it could well drop into the low 9s. That's something very special for a rwd supercar.

More tellingly, Sheriff stated that McLaren won't release a 0-60mph time. I can see why; the 0-124mph figure is arguably more telling, and for casual observers if the time is beaten by a £60K cheaper 911 turbo, McLaren could lose some of the sparkle they are achieving from today's event. Let's not forget, the 911 turbo has 4WD, rear-engine traction and, like the McLaren, a double clutch gearbox. Not a lot can beat a 911 turbo off the line, as Chris Harris demonstrates here.

The refusal to release a 0-60 time will undoubtedly result in some wild predictions. We're guessing 3.5secs based on power, weight, double-clutch gearbox and the likelihood of some super advanced traction/launch systems.

What do you think? Guesstimates below...

Nick Trott

Editor

Evo

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COMMENTS

chirokatz at 7:22 PM March 26, 2010

Zo6, thats a funny comment (About the GT3). Especially from...a zo6. There is so much I could write but whats the point.

Z06 at 7:58 AM March 26, 2010

McLaren quoted a 1/4 mile time of 11 seconds in their press release for the MP4-12C. 1/4 mile times are way more relevant than 0-60. 0-124 (roughly 200kph) is cared about by no-one, I don't know why anyone bothers to record this figure. The McLaren F1 was tested by Autocar and managed an 11.1 second 1/4 mile. It did 0-60 in 3.2 seconds. I'd imagine the MP4-12C will be a tenth or two away from the F1's 0-60 time, give or take. If the MP4-12C is raced then it will need to launch well off the start grid. S'funny that Chirokatz has a GT3 yet is into twisty drives and not launching his car hard. Why did he buy a rear engined dragster instead of something with good handling then?

Orpheus at 9:33 PM March 25, 2010

Numbers, number, numbers... We all get carried away. It will be fast, we should not worry. It will drive brilliantly, it will be addictive for those chosen ones. It will be a legend. We will all love it, just because it is there - another masterpiece creation of the human mind.

scilly barry at 8:16 PM March 25, 2010

Oh dear. The Macca looks as boring as Ron Dennis' personality! Typical Maclaren, they are extending the same arrogance as they do in F1. Not a memorable car, and certainly not at the top of my list. Bring on the 458. I wonder about their business plan in producing these cars......we will see.

Matt at 3:35 PM March 22, 2010

The new Mclaren is a a supercar, not an hypercar, what I'm waiting is lap times, something like 1m08s at hockenheim Kleiner Kurs, and 7m25s at Nordschleife. Yes it must be fast enough in straight line, a sub 10 0-124mph is ok, but a tuned Ford GT could do this, and anyway the 7.3 seconds of the Veyron are out of reach.

Adam Davis at 2:15 AM March 22, 2010

Love your enthusiasm there Dickie, but spare a thought for the sods (ie the rest of us!) that will never even get close to one ;). Looking forward to immersing myself in your review (hopefully that gets you the first road test!)

Yendig at 4:16 PM March 20, 2010

Oi! Meaden!! Get in the queue behind the rest of us!!! Of course, it's highly likely that you WILL get to drive it. Jammy sod!

Dickie Meaden at 9:13 AM March 20, 2010

I thought I remembered seeing sub-3 being quoted in the conference, but nothing more specific. Guess McLaren is still honing the engine/car/clutch control systems, so feel it may ultimately go quicker than it is at the moment. Like @chirokatz said, it's the 0-124mph time that's astonishing. I WANT TO DRIVE IT!!!

ajzahn at 7:36 AM March 19, 2010

0-60 is ridiculous, rather want to see it posting a sub 7:30 at the Ring

egg1000 at 9:26 PM March 18, 2010

Agreed, I hope other manufacturers follow McLarens lead. (not 0-124mph) but 0-60 times are mostly irrelevant to buyers looking to make an informed choice (they always have been) 30-70 through gears is far more telling of any car. IMHO.

Marv at 9:21 PM March 18, 2010

3 seconds dead.

Mark34bn at 9:02 PM March 18, 2010

Even if it isn't the quickest to 60 it won't mean it's 2nd best as a drivers car. The F1 took 3.2s because you couldn't get the power down but from 60-100 it is only a tenth behind a Veyron. I hope the MP4-12C moves the game on like the F1 did 17 years ago!

chirokatz at 5:49 PM March 18, 2010

I agree with Mclaren, who cares! I have a GT3 and I rarely launch it form a dead stop. I am more interested about the speeds to 100 and the acceleration, throttle response, and feel when I am already moving. These cars are for windy, twisty drives. Not 1/4 mile launches. Besides, just look at that 0-124mph. This car is crazy fast!

johnrgt at 5:42 PM March 18, 2010

Yendig makes the point that 15 years have past since the F1, and so it may be reasonable to expect better 0-60mph times from the MP4-12C. The problem is that in those 15 years, unfounded fears regarding the environment and energy sourcing have triggered regulations that make it almost impossible to take full advantage of the wealth of knowledge that has been earned since the F1. It may be time for car fans to do civilization a favor: fight the unfounded/the irrational.

Yendig at 4:34 PM March 18, 2010

Well, the F1 did 3.2s in 1994. Yes, the MP4's heavier but it is also produces more torque and has the added benefit of nearly 20 years' worth of improvements in drivetrain, electronic and tyre technology. Could it be a Veyron-matching 2.8s?

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