As a part of their marketing plan for the new MP4-12C compact sportscar, McLaren launched an advanced online customizer so potential customers could try all the colors and options before they place their orders, and kids could have some fun with those fancy menus! You see unlike the McLaren F1 supercar, the MP4 is going to be produced in large numbers and they’re going to sell it in 19 countries. It’s a supercar for the people!
McLaren Mp4-12C Online Configurator
Press Release:
From 31 March 2010, future customers and sports carenthusiasts alike are able to put themselves in the driving seat ofthis truly innovative new high-performance sports car and specify theirideal 12C using an interactive online car configurator at www.mclarenautomotive.com/uk/p11/Configurator/default.aspx#/configurator
Having driven 12C Experimental Prototype (XP) vehicles, and made anappearance at the recent launch of McLaren Automotive to the world’smedia, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button and 2008 WorldChampion Lewis Hamilton were keen to be the first to specify theirideal 12Cs. Visitors to www.jensonandlewis.mclarenautomotive.com will see the team-mates interacting with the online configurator for the first time in a new short film.
The configurator was developed using data obtained from theMcLarenAutomotive design and engineering teams at the McLaren TechnologyCentre in Woking, England. The 12C configurator will link to McLarenAutomotive’s 35 retail outlets in 19 countries across the globe whenretailers are appointed from May 2010 and brings McLaren’s innovativeautomotive technology closer to its first customers. It allows them toenjoy specifying their preferred 12C options from a range thatliterally offers millions of combinations.
A choice of 17 different high-grade exterior paint finishes beginwith Blue, Silver and White available as standard on the 12C. Afurther eight may be selected from the Special range of finishes, whichincludes McLaren Orange, a solid hue which was the signature colour ofMcLaren race cars in the 1960s and 1970s. A choice of six Eliteexterior colours is available for buyers seeking the very highestquality paint finish on their 12C.
Unique to the 12C is a ‘Driver Zone’ interior option. In addition tocombining Alcantara, leather and carbon inside the cabin for bothdriver and passenger, owners are able to further personalise the areaimmediately around the driver. A choice of five leather trims can bespecified solely for the driver’s seat, door trim and dash insert andthe resulting asymmetrical appearance enhances the driver-focusedambience of the cockpit.
Performance upgrades include a lightweight sports exhaust system,carbon ceramic brake discs, polished-finish calipers and two differentlightweight forged wheel options. Mirror casings, engine bay panels andengine covers are all available in carbon fibre.
In the centre of the cabin, the 12C’s portrait touch-screen givesdriver and passenger access to a bespoke on-board entertainment, mediaand communication system. The 12C features a Meridian two-channel,four-speaker sound system, 40GB hard drive with media player, AM/FMradio, electronic user manual and Bluetooth telephony. USB, PDMI andaudio jack ports allow media player connection, with support for AppleiPod and Microsoft Zune.
The McLaren-developed IRIS option is available as an upgrade to thetelematics system and allows use of voice control to access anavigation system while driving. Hard drive capacity increases to 80GB,while users can access a picture and media viewer and email. WLANconnectivity allows owners to remotely transfer music and other datafiles from a laptop or PC when parked within range. The IRIS optionincludes a seven-speaker Meridian surround sound system.
