458 vs McLaren MP4-12C--- Your thoughts?

I agree with the first part of your post in that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' is the fall back position, comfort zone perhaps, of the untrained eye. The untrained eye often does not understand the difference between right and wrong and personal preference. Not sure I agree with your analysis of the McLaren, though. For instance, you praise the back, yet there you'll find a dead give-away to the dearth of inspiration in this car's design. Note all the 'nested' shapes. Nested shapes are the kind of design device you should have grown out of before you left design collage. It's a cheap shot, but I'm tempted to suspect that much of the look of the McLaren has been dictated by Ron himself (hence the immaturity of many of the design elements). Indeed, many years ago I used to know someone who provided graphic design services to McLaren and, as often as not, many years of hard won design experience would be overruled on a whim simply because Ron wanted it done 'his way'.

 

Oh dear another person incapable of debate....its my understanding proper use of the english language would negate the use of stars, perhaps I am wrong on this point. I respect your opinion even though I dont agree, what I dont respect is the manner in which your opinion has been voiced.

Perhaps go back to a game of Top Trumps where numbers matter above all.

Regards

 

They recommend their average customer steel discs, and the CCB's to those who want to track theirs (maybe 10-15% of the customers?)
At least they're honest about it and don't want to push expensive options down on you.

What impresses me is the dry weight of 1300 kg.! From what I've read, it's almost 100 kg. less than the 458 with similar options!

I think McLaren made a new NSX - a sloppy slap to Ferrari's face to point out that others can too.

Excited!

 

I like the lines more and more.
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I think that's another way to look at it. The NSX was supposed to be a Ferrari killer. And, against the 348 it was definately a look forward. Ferrari responded with the 355 as in interim car and when the 360 came out, it was game over for Honda.

I'm not suggesting it will be game over for McLaren. They have more at stake here so it's more likely that whatever problems they face, they will try to handle it rather than give up and quit. However, Ferrari enthusiasts can thank Honda for showing how far behind they were and how much they needed to catch up. That part may happen again and it will be good for all sports cars lovers.

So, thank you McLaren (but I still won't buy one).

 

That is one of the best shots I've seen of it.

 

Ooooh - we're starting to break him...

= = = = = =

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daZRA17FAOE[/ame]

>8^)
ER

 

Well, it's something you say to your best friend when his ugly sister dresses up for the prom.

 

Yup, my point. Even though a Ferrari purist/fan won't consider one, it's (most likely) a game changer and we shall all benefit from it! I can't wait to hear one live, I'm confident that it will be the best sounding turbocharged production car ever made.

 

Maybe the "purists" on Fchat will finally shut up (turbos, 6 speed manual, aerodynamics, etc).

Nah.

 

Nice video but here's your problem... All in fun boys, all in fun!
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That's not my problem.

I happen to like PURE McLAREN.

It doesn't appear to be, but even if the car is miserable to drive, I'd be glad to suffer.

>8^)
ER

 

They will when the Enzo successor turns up...

 

Don't worry, they always find something to complain about. If a perfect Ferrari is made, the complaint will be that it's too perfect and a Ferrari should be with minor faults because that's part of the Ferrari personality thing...

This one does the quarter mile in 10.9 seconds, that is pretty amazing...! Dry weight of 1300 kg., you can not complain about the weight on this car... Will be interesting to see if Lotus buys a car themselves to study, for the development of next generation Espirit. Competition is good!

 

No switch to turn off Traction control or stability.
You can do it but you have to go through a complicated procedure using onboard computer.
I'm European,I rallyied in my youth,I like to take corners in nice long drifts when I feel like it (and opportunity arises) and it seems that this overall superior car that I was so excited about would deny to me that simple pleasure.
That's major fail in my book.....

 

At least this time, they're copying other Brits (or Germans depending on your point of view).

http://purebentley.com/

 

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/263737/new_mclaren_mp412c_review.html

 

Love that video! Thanks for posting. Holy crap that speedo is heading for 300km/h so fast it looks like a stopwatch.

Catching up on some of the reviews this morning, even I am surprised by the praise being heaped on the car. You have to admit, it appears McLaren has delivered on all of the pre-launch hype, and then some. And not just outright speed, but handling and ride quality, too?

I think the most impressive comment so far is Chris Harris saying better ride than an E-Class but sharper that a GT3?? That's just really impressive.

 

He's driving it and thinks its a bit cold. Guess they did really did figure out a way to bottle up Ron Dennis's personality and sell it...

 

It leaves me cold just looking at it. I appreciate it for the technology and different way of approaching performance and all but I still don't want one.

 

Wow, the Autocar review is even better. I love how Sutcliffe summarizes:

"If you’re in the fortunate position of being in the market for this kind of car then the choice has just become a whole lot broader, and the decision process has become harder to make at the same time. Yet there can be no doubt that what McLaren has produced in the 12C has taken the game so far forwards – dynamically if not aesthetically – that you’d be either foolish or very stubborn in your ways indeed not to at least give it a try.

And if you are seriously in the market, and you do then go for a proper drive in the 12C, you will be hooked. Instantly. And you’ll never look at the Ferrari 458 or Lamborghini Gallardo in the same light ever again. So don’t say you haven’t been warned…"

Well, I guess we now have a sense of what people are feeling from behind the wheel. I can't wait to drive one. Hopefully, I'll be able to do so and form my own impressions. If and when that happens, I'll definitely report back.

Till then, take it easy gents (and gals). I have a feeling this thread is on the verge of deteriorating into the realm of the "GT-R vs. 911" fiasco of threads past. Stay positive!

Later.

 

Very well said your on the money.I feel the same way

 

http://photo.netcarshow.com/McLaren-MP4-12C_2011_photo_2f.jpg

Compare this to a 458 and you will find the perfect diference between them.

 

you saying the interior is blah

 

It really is very small, I wonder how well 6+ footers will be able to fit