McLaren officially announced all MP4-12C owners will now benefit from an enhancement package that will add more power and more drama thanks to a new sound system they’ve developed for it. They obviously wanted to do something about the car’s lack of ‘soul’, so in addition to an extra 25 hp, they’ve fitted it with Innovative Intake Sound Generator (ISG), which pumps more of the engine noise inside the cabin through the speakers.
Well, the MP4 is so technical it’s like a gadget, so it doesn’t really matter if it’s got fake noise. It’s not like it’s a Ferrari! The system is programmable across three levels in all three powertrain modes allowing the driver to select the amount of aural drama. A bit geeky, but as long you enjoy it, who cares really.
The fake sound and the 625 horsepower at the disposal of your right foot should make the 12C a more interesting super car to drive. The changes have also made it even faster and even more technically brilliant than it already is. Modification of the 7-Speed SSG transmission to which the 12C’s high-powered engine is mated has resulted in crisper throttle response and improved clutch control for gear changes that are both faster and smoother.
Changes have also been made to make the car more comfortable and easier to live with. Changes such as modified air con, auto lights, vehicle lift, easy exit, one-touch seat return, so on and so forth. Visually, the car remains unchanged in terms of design, but you get new wheels, new colors and new leather packages for the interior. These are of course for the new cars. You can’t go in with your old MP4 and ask them to change the color!
The absolute best thing about this package, however, is the fact that it’s free. Talk about awesome customer care.
Changes in a nutshell:
- M838T engine power increased to 625PS*
- Revised calibration for 7-Speed SSG transmission
- Programmable Intake Sound Generator
- Headlights linked to rain sensor when in automatic mode
- Easy-Exit electric seat function incorporating Seat Return (if specified)
- New Meridian audio equaliser settings (if specified)
2013 model year MP4-12Cperformance data highlights
| 2012 MP4-12C * (600 PS) | 2013 MP4-12C *(625 PS) | |
| 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) | 3.1 sec | 3.1 sec |
| 0-124 mph (0-200 kph) | 8.9 sec | 8.8 sec |
| 0-186 mph (0-300 kph) | 27.5 sec | 26.5 sec |
| ¼ mile (400m) | 10.7 sec @ 135 mph (218 kph) | 10.6 sec @ 136 mph (219 kph) |
| V Max | 205 mph (330 kph) | 207 mph (333 kph) |
* Vehicle specified with optional Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres
