Don’t want to join the Lamborghini and Ferrari crowd, but still want something equivalent with a little bit more exclusivity? Tadaa…
Photos: Azfar Hashim
Think ‘s-u-p-e-r-c-a-r’ and the brands Lamborghini and Ferrari will surely pop up. We can’t blame you though, as both Italian brands have loooooong heritage backing them.
BUT if you were to take a closer look, there is quite a number of players vying for your attention now. Sure, Ferrari has the 458 and Lamborghini has the new Huracan. But Audi has the R8. Even Porsche has a 911 Turbo S. Then there are those for richer boys with deeperer pockets: Pagani’s Huayra and Koenigsegg’s Agera S.
Let’s not forget McLaren. Ok, you would have probably heard the news that McLaren has ceased production of the 12C to make way for the new 650S. Which should be good news for some, as that simply means prices for that 12C you’ve been eyeing will go down (ask Wearnes Automotive, they have some units for sale too). Still thinking and contemplating? On the fence? Cannot decide? Well, let us give you 10 reasons why you should buy one.
(1) The force-fed, not-so-big engine
So you think ‘there is no replacement for displacement’ because the Ferrari 458 has a 4.5-litre V8 and the Lamborghini Huracan has a 5.2-litre V10; also the Audi R8. But in the real world, the 12C feels equally fast and rightfully powerful without having to try so hard. You have a less-thirsty 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo’d powerplant sitting right behind you - it is vicious. Best of all, the 7-speed transmission is surprisingly smooth (by supercars’ standard) when left to run on it’s own in ‘Normal’ mode. Swap both drivetrain and chassis setting to ‘Track’ and get ready to be blown away; just beware of the boys in blue and their Volvos.
(Another big bonus: Cheaper road tax and insurance premium. Not that it matters when you're in this class, but #justsaying)
(2) That highly detailed exterior
Let’s be frank here: the first time you saw the 12C, you were surely thinking to yourself, “it must be from the future”. Right? The 12C has a radical exterior, that’s for sure. The body has all the right curves, the perfect cuttings even; obviously for groundbreaking aerodynamics. In the words of John Legend: “Love your curves and all your edges.”
(3) Oh that sexy rump
Even the Italians were not as daring; those strip of tail-lamps that are beautifully camouflaged when it is switched off, paired to that high mounted exhaust and let’s not forget that functional spoiler (aka airbrake)… Legendary stuff.
(4) Got boot (space)?
Got boot, can travel. All 144-litres, up ahead. Enough luggage space for a road trip; if you need to shop, perhaps you should consider travelling light.
(5) It actually fits into a HDB parking lot
We all know just how relatively tight an average parking lot in Singapore is; well, space is rather sparse here. Considering the fact that it’s wider than the 520i and Altis - both are the heartlander’s favourite you see — it is quite a surprise that you can actually park head in or in reverse safely within the lot. A small issue though is that you have to be really careful while opening the ‘scissors’ door so as not to leave dents or dings on the cars next to it…
(6) It’s so easy to manoeuvre
Once you are used to the driving position, you will realize how easy-peasy it is to manoeuvre the 12C; be it Funan the IT Mall’s carpark, Geylang Serai market, bumper to bumper Orchard Road traffic, mild traffic along the ECP, or even parallel parking at Kampung Glam (yes, we tried it all). A fine example of an everyday supercar.
(7) Everything is around me!
Controls and monitors are clearly laid out and easily within reach. Gotta love the signal/wiper stalks and paddle-shifters though; so fine, so solid, so precious…
(8) An interior that is well put together
We are sure the Germans did not put it together. Very sure. That said, the gaps are not so obvious, carbon fibre parts are not flimsy: beautifully adding that racer flavor. And yes, the seats really hug you tight; like a clingy girlfriend (know what I mean?).
(9) Grip, grip and lots of grip
592 bhp, 600 Nm and a 0-100 km/h timing of 3.3 seconds. Sounds scary to dads everywhere, and intimidating to the average driver. Add to the fact that it’s a RWD, and you surely think you need to have the courage of a lion just to really drive it. But here’s the thing: thanks to McLaren’s brilliant chassis developers, plus the geek behind the traction control system, the 12C still retains a high level of grip, even with the traction control semi-off in ‘Track’ mode. Enjoy the induction sound and exhaust note too.
(10) Drive like Hamilton and Button
The 12C is so well engineered it is, to be honest, an effortless supercar to drive. The sort where you can spend hours in Sepang lapping it up (in Track mode), drive back home - in Sport mode - for a quick shower and change of clothes, and then off you go to spend the Saturday night - in Normal mode - with your other half (the human one, not the one with four wheels).
