Any 458 owners driven the Mac 12C

The MP4 is a great car. It's quick, has a great engine, a well-working gearbox and brakes.

To me and my friend, who sold the MP4 3 months after he got his one delivered and moved over to ordering a 458, it has quite a few obstacles (some like electronic problems still not being resolved) and -most of all- problems with the customer-attention of the local dealership.

We both agree, that McLaren will have to do better if they want to be recognized as the player they want to be. Especially over here, where people are said to be VERY perfection-oriented.

The most important point: The 458 grabs your soul which the MP4 just does NOT - It's a very clinical, technically (maybe) perfect car but it lacks emotional involvement. Still, good to see such a strong rival entering the arena. Things can only get better that way.

See attached photo (my 458 with his MP4) for the difference in shapes of both cars in direct comparison. In my eyes, the 458 is much sleeker and more elegant. Just my 2 ct.

Best,
Ulli
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I hate to say this but many of us buy these cars to satisfy our ego's and dreams.

To some, the Mac is just that. There's no question their involvement in racing and building a magnificent car like the F1 gives them a great pedigree. To others though, it will never be.

There was a poll on Fchat before the 458 was introduced. The question was: Would you rather the 458 be better looking or faster than previous models?

The almost overwhelming response was better looking. Many said that's why they own other cars such as the 355 or Testarossa because, even though it's not technically superior or faster, they like the way it looks and the way they feel when they drive it.

Yes, we are vain. But we still like our pretty toys. There's a 'little boy" still in us that needs more than numbers on a sheet of paper to excite us.

When we decide on a super car, we are not buying a tool. We are dating a super model.

 

The one I drove had a great deal of turbo lag and the paddles were balky. And of course a bear to get into and out of. Styling is OK but too generic mid-engine for my taste. It could have been graphic copy for a tire ad.

Aside from that, a very nice car and a good first try. Come back when you have an engine and transmission.

 

Good one!

 

Horsepower on the 2013 MP4-12C is bumped up to 616 and previous owners get the power upgrade for free. (According to Motor Trend)

 

Correct. Official from Macca (not just MT)

 

Spot on. If we "just" wanted a fast and exceptional driving car, theres a LOT cheaper options - GTR / 911 Turbo (or even modified 911T) to name the most obvious ones.

Buying a Ferrari/Mac is about emotion.

 

I own a 458 and drove a MP4-12C at Exotics Racing in Las Vegas. I have tracked my 458 five days in the last year. I took a few laps to see if I had bought the best car. I had. Other than the fact that I thought the interior was cheap looking, the door wouldn't open with the finger reader, the car was mildly overheating and you have to wait about 45 seconds from start until you can actually engage first gear, it was fine. Not great, just fine. The little issues could come from a very hot day, 3 day old car, minor quirks. I will admit that it would feel sort of foolish starting a car and then sitting there for 45 seconds waiting for it to go through diagnositics to engage the gear, but all in all a good car. I would just rather have a 458.

 

One of my very good friends has a new Mac nd he allowed me to drive it. First impressions, the car is not as comfortable to get into or out of, you sit rather low or so it appears, the doors are awkward to open and close. From an appearance perspective the shape is very nice, the front very appealing except for the logo on the hood, it looked cheap, the back end was chunky looking. The car handled very well, acceleration was strong and the turbo boost about snapped your neck, the car is fast no doubt. For me however the 458 beats the Mac in nearly every category. The 458 looks like its moving even when it's stopped. I'm 100% for the 458, I'm hooked but the Mac is an up and commer!

 

I have owned both.
I still own the 458 (in fact upgraded to a Spider).
The McLaren was gone after 2 months.

Good car, fast, smooth etc. but not worth keeping if you alredy own a 458.

I think if you come up through the Porsche Turbo route, you will love the McLaren. If you came up through the Lamborghini or Ferrari route, it is a bit dull by comparison.

 

This makes sense to me. The way I look at it is one is either a fan of naturally aspirated or turbo/forced induction cars. I have never owned a turbo but have driven many. To me no turbo satisfies me like a powerful naturally aspirated car, not to mention the superior exhaust note of normal aspiration. I find it annoying to deal with the non-linear power delivery of a turbo, no matter how good it is.

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/mclaren-dismisses-v12-engines-as-a-thing-of-the-past-w-poll/

McLaren dismisses V12 engines as "a thing of the past" [w/poll]


Posted Aug 7th 2012 4:01PM on Autoblog


11

Comments38


The V12 engine is synonymous with supercars, from classics like the Lamborghini Miura and Countach to modern-day screamers like the Ferrari FF and Pagani Huayra. The McLaren F1 – a car universally considered one of the most lust-worthy machines of all time – made use of a 6.1-liter V12 provided by BMW that pushed out 618 naturally aspirated horsepower.

Though not a true successor to the iconic F1, McLaren's more recent MP4-12C makes 617 horsepower from just eight cylinders displacing 3.8 liters, albeit with the help of twin turbochargers. Such power capabilities have prompted McLaren managing director Antony Sheriff to proclaim, "The V12 engine is a thing of the past. The engine belongs in a museum."

We're not quite ready to archive away all thoughts of V12-powered supercars, but Sheriff has a point. V8 engines, even with turbochargers in tow, are easier to package than V12s and have significantly fewer moving parts, which is good for both power and efficiency. Sheriff suggests that even a V6 would be a possibility for future high-performance applications from McLaren.

And so, we leave this question to you, dear readers: Is the V12 engine a thing of the past? Take part in our informal poll below to voice your opinion.



Is the V12 engine "a thing of the past"?
Yes. Who needs cylinders when you can turbocharge?
878 (23.5%)


No. A proper supercar deserve at least 12 cylinders.
1433 (38.4%)



I don't care, as long as it's fast.
1422 (38.1%)

 

Most Mac buyers are former 911 buyers looking for an upgrade but don't want an F or L car for whatever reason.

 

Well, as much as I am a diehard Ferrari Fan, and think the 458 is one of the greatest cars on the planet, after having a McLaren over the weekend, I purchased a new Black one. I cannot tell you about how great the Dealer Service has been. Here it is next to my buddies brand new and absolutely beautiful 458 Spider.
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Wow! They look great together and your black 12C looks awesome!

 

Thank you, it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make as I love the 458 so much.

 

Good for you Tony! I heard about this and I'm really happy for ya! You didn't order it? It was new for sale at the dealer?

Drive the pants off it!

 

Thank you Bob, I wish you the best on the arrival of your 458 Spider, enjoy it in the best of health, always.

 

Well, don't ask me to race with ya... you know who will win and it won't be the red car!

 

I must admit the 458 looks a bit pedestrian next to the mac

 

I think black is definitely the colour to go for with the Mac.