Well gang, I have done it --- I have "defected"

I've owned several Ferrari's over the years (enjoyed them all) --- and, I do intend to keep the ones I have now --- but, I'm afraid that I've lost interest in having any more. In particular, the newer cars (since '99 or so) from Maranello do not impress me enough to want to own one. They just simply don't do it for me --- especially when weighted against their relatively high acquisition and running costs .

The only exception is the 458, which I was strongly considering.... But, then along came the type of sports / exotic car I've always dreamed of. A car, that in my view, really nails it --- the best balance of engineering, performance, ride quality, and styling. And, for the money, I believe it cannot be beaten by anything else out there.

So, for now, I waive 'bye-bye' to the prancing horse....

I placed my order this week for a McLaren MP4

Anyone else considering doing the same???

 

Congratulations, I hope you enjoy driving it when it arrives.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

A great choice, I saw Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button driving one recently on fifth gear and was very impressed

 

Congratulations! What color MP4 did you order?

Also, where do you live and how close is the nearest authorized dealer/repair facility?

 

Stunning automobile. Congrats David.

 

Loads of other folk have posted about their orders etc in the "Official MP4-12C Thread"


http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=314652

 

Cool --- thanks! I didn't catch that one

 

Azure Blue paint with a 2-tone mix of (Carbon) Black / (Natural) Tan full leather. Other than the 2-color, full leather interior, the only other option I requested is the brake calipers painted in "McLaren Orange".

I have (2) primary residences --- one in Canada and one in the US. Either way, I'll be pretty far away from an authorized service center (so, I'm hoping for few problems ).

In Canada, I'm about 370 miles from Miller Motorcars in Connecticut, and about 320 miles from McLaren Toronto (but, it's unclear whether Toronto will be able to offer full service capabilities yet??). In the US, I'm about 350 miles from Lake Forest Sports Cars in Chicago.

 

when do you take delivery? can you buy them in a real stick?

 

I really know nothing about the car - but it looks hot! Still will never have the allure of a Ferrari. But is an exciting adventure into the super car universe. Have a blast & post pix!

 

I put my deposit down in February for my MP4 after thinking the next car would certainly be the 458 Spider (whenever that would've come out). It was pretty uncharacteristic of me to buy something sight unseen, but everything about the car seemed to say buy me. FWIW, I do plan on keeping my 360 Spider as I simply love that car.

While I never expected FChatters to universally like the Macca, it appeals to me and that's all that really mattered, so I went for it. Congrats!. I'm looking at November build. How about you?

 

A "defection" would have been a 76 Cadillac while wearing golf shoes and white pants up past your navel.

I think we all like high speed sports cars. Congratulations on the 12C. I think you'll really like it... but it's not for me. I just have a problem with turbo cars for street use.

I'm waiting for the 458 spider but I'm sure the 12 C is truly a wonderful machine. If it we're for the price and lack of a spider, Lambo is making the first car that really excites me with the Aventador.

 

I'm envious!!! Good for you

Unfortunately, I got my order in so late (just this week), that although I have been told, "It is possible you may get a November/December '11 car....it is unlikely" ---- basically, McLaren would have to either increase their target build number (of US export cars), or a few folks already ahead in line would have to drop out. Care to step aside for me? LOL

So, I have been assured a slot for a second run (2012) car next Spring. That's okay by me as it is the only way to get exactly the configuration I want. If folks drop out on some of the 2011 cars, their cars become available to others further down on the list, or go to Dealer floors. But, if those cars' builds have already begun, I could only choose from what configs have been preset --- possibly with a few changes able to be made while the car is still in process.

 

If going Lambo is the dark side ...

then how the Big Mc thing is gonna be called ?

 

I echo that sentiment

I've got a V8 TT Esprit now, and it is, at times and for various reasons, a PITA to drive around town. However, the MP4 engine / turbo set up is supposed to address (and resolve) all the "standard driveability issues" (e.g., 80+% of full torque available down at very low RPM) of that layout. I hope so ---- because this is the first car I've ever bought without driving one first!

Who knows....maybe after a year or so, I'll be trading it across for a 458 ?

 

TIM ---

What configuration did you specify for yours???

 

Don't worry ---- lot's of clever smart-asses on this board.....someone will come up with something !

 

Ugggg

Years ago I bought a '75 Eldorado Convertible--one of the worst cars I have ever owned--gas hog, sluggish acceleration, and my sailboat can out turn it. And 4 years old it made a 29 year old Mondial look reliable.

 

I still have a couple months before I have to spec it but I'm looking at either a British Racing Green with 2 tone leather and carbon interior, sport exhaust, ultralightwheels, CCB, Iris and a fair amount of carbon, or...
Volcano Red ( my wife - who is prety conservation wants me to go this direction - go big or go home).

 

I like the BRG idea. I've seen a lot of Lotus Elises in this and they look really great.

I cannot get used to McLaren orange. Orange and black to me mean Halloween no matter how I look at it. I don't like Scuderia Red either for the same reason -- it looks orange to me.

 

Wasn't McLaren Orange originally called Papaya?

 

Yup

 

Thanks.

 

+1....I had a Cuda orange and blk and hated it. It is about the ONLY color combination that I absolutely can't deal with. Now red and blk, is another story.....anyays, if your are keeping your 360 you are not a true "defector".......and that is a good thing. Congratulations - looking forward to your report....

 

Azure Blue would be my choice as well though I'll admit to being tempted by the British Racing Green too.

Around here it will probably be referred to as "cheating".

However, given the accolades the 12C has been receiving so far as a game-changer, it doesn't seem like they've done anything but rewrite the book with this car.

>8^)
ER