VIDEO: Top Gear Tests The McLaren MP4-12C -- Can It Trump The Ferrari 458 Italia?

This is probably the biggest battle of 2011. That's because we have not one but TWO immense supercars coming from the paddocks of two highly respected automakers. Quite possibly the two biggest names in the business that have some serious racing history.

But like all things, only one can claim the throne.

Although one may argue that Top Gear is more of a circus than a factual program, and they'd be right, to some extent they do provide a benchmark for the industry. Plus, it is pretty funny you've got to admit.

Long story short, let's get to the video.

At Top Gear's famous power lap, the MP4 12C recorded an amazing time of just 1:16.2 minutes, which puts it in second place right behind the insane Ariel Atom V8 (1:15.1) and in front of some of the world’s fastest supercars such as the Bugatti Veyron S (1:16.8”), the Gumpert Apollo (1:17.1”) and most importantly, Ferrari’s rivaling 458 Italia (1:19.1”).

[Source: Carscoop VIA AutoBlog VIA Top Gear]

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veyron1001 - 7/11/2011 11:04:51 PM

+4 Boost

finalgear dot com if you want to watch the full episode.

Steve - 7/11/2011 11:09:39 PM

+1 Boost

I'd take the McLaren over the Italia. "Better in every measurable way", even though the show host decides that should all be ignored. I know I could never take either car anywhere close to their limits, so that doesn't matter. I much prefer the McLaren's classic styling to Ferrari's current trendy yet soon to be very dated styling. But that's just me.

Hit the deboost button to express how my opinion has personally offended you ;-)

Joe_Limon - 7/12/2011 2:02:53 AM

-3 Boost

I think the mclaren would be the better daily driver... the Ferrari can stay a garage queen.

Steve - 7/12/2011 7:34:22 AM

+4 Boost

A better daily driver *AND* on the track. But it is lacking in the way that condemns is: It's not a Ferrari.

OBSERVER1984 - 7/12/2011 7:01:28 AM

+2 Boost

2 weeks ago 5thGear made a review and Tiff Needel said - The McLaren is a great car, but it hasn't the spirit of Ferrari.

This week TopGear made a review and Jeremy Clarckson said - Mathematically the McLaren is better, it's faster, but it's not Ferrari.

So, when the two best car tv shows in Britain and in the world say that, who the hell is gonna spend money on McLaren instead of 458 Italia?

Agent00R - 7/12/2011 8:57:17 AM

+3 Boost

Me!

internationalmanofmystery - 7/12/2011 9:24:34 AM

+1 Boost

Great car!!!

recca7 - 7/12/2011 7:44:19 PM

+1 Boost

They weren't the first ones to come to this conclusion, frankly I'm surprised they agreed with all the other reviews I've seen thus far i.e. evo.uk, fifth gear..top gear, especially Jezza, is well known for his bias towards British cars so he should've crowned the mp4 winner hands down. No doubt the mclaren is faster, just as the GTR can lap the ring much faster than a 911 turbo but at the end of the day which car would you rather have for sheer driving pleasure..I'd take the turbo over GTR. It use to be the other way around until I had the chance to drive both. GTR is a fantastic car but it is missing that fun factor for myself.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 7/13/2011 10:04:29 AM

+1 Boost

They Did:

Apparently it lapped the Top Gear Track FASTER than a Bugatti Veyron SS.

3 Seconds faster than the 458 Italia .

Top Gear reviews are no longer to be taken seriously.

recca7 - 7/13/2011 1:04:35 PM

+1 Boost

hahah they were never meant to be taken seriously

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 7/13/2011 3:04:08 PM

+1 Boost

Touche