In one of the most anticipated launches of 2010, the McLaren MP4-12C is already a legend. Being a direct descendant of the McLaren F1 helps, of course.
Now after some time, we've actually gotten an idea of its price. Starting at $229,000 smackers, it definitely won't be cheap. Especially when you consider you've got to tack on some options, taxes and transportation fees. However, you have to keep in mind this is approximately the same price of the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo.
So, let's talk turkey.
NEW YORK (JAN 20, 2011) McLaren Automotive today announced the US manufacturer suggested retail pricing (MSRP) for the McLaren MP4-12C starting at $229,000*. With an anticipated on-sale date of late summer 2011, the 12C will arrive on the North American sports car scene as the only carbon-fiber based vehicle in its market-price segment. The 12C will launch as a 2012 model year vehicle.
“The 12C pricing announcement today is another milestone achieved for McLaren,” explained Antony Sheriff, Managing Director, McLaren Automotive Limited. “When we embarked on the challenge of creating a new sports car company, we knew that coming to market with a vehicle that was ‘as good’ as the competition was not good enough. It was clear we needed a unique concept that offered clear advantages.
“With the 12C’s technologically advanced MonoCell carbon-fiber chassis, highly efficient yet powerful 3.8 liter 592 hp powerplant, a dry weight of less than 2,900 lbs., and every detail down to the switchgear bespoke to McLaren, we have achieved our performance and design objectives. We are extremely proud to be able to offer the 12C at a price that has not been realized by a carbon fiber-based vehicle before.”
The 12C will be the first in a range of high-performance sports cars by McLaren which will be sold and serviced through a network of 35 retailers worldwide; 10 of those are based in key North American markets. In addition, McLaren announced today the final two launch retailers in North America with McLaren Newport Beach and McLaren Philadelphia. They round out the list of launch retailers previously announced:
- McLaren Beverly Hills – The Auto Gallery
- McLaren Chicago – Lake Forest Sports Cars
- McLaren Dallas – Park Place Texas
- McLaren Greenwich – Miller Motorcars
- McLaren San Francisco – Price Family Vehicles
- McLaren Tampa Bay – Dew Luxury Motor Cars
- McLaren Toronto – Pfaff Automotive Partners
- The Collection McLaren (Miami, Florida)
“We are proud to include McLaren Newport Beach and McLaren Philadelphia in what we believe is a very strong dealer group to represent McLaren at the launch,” explained Tony Joseph, Director for North America.“We are very excited to be partnering with a group of dealers that exemplify McLaren’s brand values.”
McLaren Newport Beach will be based on the famed Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach, Calif. with an anticipated opening in summer 2011. The dealership will be operated by the same dealer group that owns Lamborghini Newport Beach and Washington, in addition toother premium sports car dealerships in the Southern California market.
“We are very excited and honored to be selected as one of only 10 dealers to represent McLaren in North America,” explained Pietro Frigerio, Operating Partner for McLaren Newport Beach. “Known for its prestige and as one of the wealthiest cities in the US, we believe our future dealership location on PCH in Newport Beach will be a natural home and a perfect location to launch an incredible line of high performance sports cars.”
Also scheduled for a summer 2011 opening, McLaren Philadelphia will be located in West Chester, Penn. The dealer also owns and operates Porsche of the Main Line.
“As a high-line automotive retailer for 27 years, our approach focuses on striving toward exceeding our customers’ expectations by providing an unrivalled ownership experience,”explained Robert DiStanislao, dealer principal for McLaren Philadelphia. “Relationships are paramount in today’s automotive environment, and we take our commitment to our customers very seriously.”
The 12C can be specified with a wide range of personalization options, pricing for which will be confirmed at launch. There are 17 exterior paint finishes, including ‘McLaren Orange’ - a solid hue that was made famous by the McLaren racing cars of the 1960s and 1970s.
A choice of 14 interior trims can be specified inside the cabin. Performance upgrades include a sports exhaust system, carbon ceramic brake discs, polished-finish calipers and two lightweight forged wheel options. The ‘standard’ 12C features a one-piece carbon fiber chassis – the MonoCell – but carbon fiber options will include mirror casings, engine bay panels and engine cover.
Anyone that is interested in acquiring a 12C is encouraged to contact their local retailer. For more information on McLaren Automotive, the McLaren MP4-12C and dealership locations, please visit www.mclarenautomotive.com