A one-off that outperforms race cars.
McLaren is expecting to turn a few heads and drop a few jaws at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours with its new MP4-12C Can Am Edition. The one-off design concept is not your average MP4-12C by any means. It’s a hardcore concept that begs to be unleashed at any race track where it can outperform even GT3 race cars due to its unrestricted build.
The McLaren MP4-12C Can Am is the most powerful variant ever shown to the public, which makes us wonder what the team of British engineers has developed behind closed doors. The twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter, high-revving V-8 engine gets a healthy dose of unregulated power, with an output that can reach 630 horses. This comes as a result of an engine calibration and special cooling system that allows for reliable power to be produced. Add in an overall dry weight of 2,645.5 lbs. (1,200 kg) and you have acceleration that will pop your eyeballs out.
To handle this incredible performance provided from the 3.8-liter V-8, the MP4-12C Can Am was fitted with a custom-tailored braking system developed by Akebono. The system peeks out from behind a set of ten-spoke lightweight forged wheels in satin black fitted with Pirelli racing slicks and a center-locking mechanism for quick tire changes.
The new MP4-12C Can Am is based on the GT3 race car variant and uses the same carbon fiber monocell as the road-going model, but is not restricted by the same rules and regulations put forth by the FIA. The one-off model wears a vibrant McLaren Orange paint that pays homage to the legendary race cars driven by Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme that saw a great deal of checkered flags during the 1960s and 1970s. The iconic orange is contrasted by slick satin black paint on the roof, doors, and bumpers.
Carbon fiber, the special super-light material that is a must-have if you are to showcase a car with any kind of sport, is used throughout the MP4-12C Can Am to emphasize its low overall weight and super car performance. The side radiator vanes, wing mirrors, and engine cover all wear the woven material. Even the front and rear badges are made from carbon fiber. But, it’s the carbon fiber aerodynamic components that are the most exciting, and create a 30-percent increase in overall downforce thanks to some good ol’ fashioned ingenuity and Formula 1 technology. A new splitter and dive planes are worn at the front, a large rear wing mounted with polished aluminum mounts forces the rear axle down to the asphalt, and a diffuser beneath the two-tone rear bumper helps create a suction effect on the rear axle.
Even the interior is decked out with motorsport goodies. Two black bucket seats with generous side support replace the standard leather and alcantara seats of the road-going model, and feature full six-point harnesses. A specially-designed steering wheel modeled after the one used by Lewis Hamilton in his MP4-24 Formula 1 car offers spectacular grip along with all sorts of race car buttons. Of course, carbon fiber is featured throughout the interior along with a full roll cage and an air conditioning system similar to that used in GT3 racers.
Unfortunately, the McLaren MP4-12C Can Am Edition is just a one-off design concept made specifically for the North American market. No production plans have been announced, but you can bet that there will be quite a bit of interest generated at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours. We’ll have our fingers crossed for future production.
McLaren MP4-12C Can Am Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.8 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: Up to 630 hp
-Engine calibration
-Upgraded cooling systems
Wheels, Tires, and Brakes:
Wheels: Ten-spoke, satin black, forged alloy wheels with center-locking system
Tires: Pirelli racing slicks
Brakes: Custom-tailored Akebono system
Exterior:
-Vintage McLaren Orange Paint
-Contrasting satin black accents
-Carbon fiber badges, radiator vanes, engine cover, and side mirrors
-Carbon fiber front splitter
-Carbon fiber dive planes
-Carbon fiber rear diffuser
-Carbon fiber rear wing with polished aluminum mounts
Interior:
-Lewis Hamilton Formula 1-style steering wheel
-Racing seats in black
-Six-point harnesses
-Carbon fiber trim pieces
-Air conditioning
McLaren MP4-12C Can Am Gallery
[Source: McLaren]
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