McLaren 12C

The Start of Modern-Day McLaren. Cutting-edge carbon-fiber composite structure, trick suspension that is part luxury part race car. You could drive the 12C supercar every day. Launched with 592bhp and later upgraded to 616bhp. The 12C wasn't perfect but it showed that McLaren could build a very good supercar out of the gate. McLaren worked on a replacement and improvement very quickly which is why we saw the 650S by 2014 to replace the 12C.

More Exciting Than 12C Coupe. The inevitable convertible version of the MP4-12C supercar. With the same lightweight engine developing 616 bhp and unique folding roof system and carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis identical to that of the 12C. It was the first time we ever remember a convertible being as stiff as a coupe (you really couldn't tell the difference when driving). As a result, it was more fun and exciting. Open top also helped with the sound from that twin turbo V8.

50 Cars. The McLaren 50 12C and 12C Spider were built to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2013, with 50 examples of each body style produced. The special edition featured a new part-carbon front bumper that boosted downforce, carbon ceramic brakes and lightweight wheels finished in satin black. The cabin was upholstered in full leather and carried a special anniversary plate to celebrate the anniversary.

In 2012 McLaren Special Vehicle Operations built five special edition cars called the High Speed or MP4-12C HS. These were built for and named by The Collection in Miami for sale to the US market. The main feature of these bespoke cars is a revised body and more power over the standard model. Only five examples of the High Speed were produced and sold to The Collection in Miami with no press or official release.

The McLaren X-1 is a bespoke automotive enigma, a one-of-a-kind supercar commissioned by a mysterious enthusiast. Built upon the 12C, the X-1 boasts a completely unique body inspired by classic automotive designs. Think sweeping curves, flowing lines, and a healthy dose of retro-futurism. The X-1 is a testament to McLaren Special Operations' capabilities, especially when they take some drugs and get a little crazy.

The 2011 McLaren MP4-12C GT3 was McLaren's foray into the GT racing scene, adapted from the road-going 12C to meet the rigorous demands of competitive racing. Built in collaboration with CRS Racing, the GT3 variant was designed for high performance and durability on the track. It featured a tuned version of the standard 3.8-liter V8 engine, although slightly detuned to fit GT3 class regulations, producing around 500 horsepower. It quickly made its mark in various international GT championships.

The 2012 McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am Edition was a track-only variant that paid homage to McLaren's historic success in the Can-Am series during the 1960s and 1970s. This edition was the most powerful version of the 12C lineup, boasting an uprated engine that produced 630 horsepower, making it the ultimate non-competitive, track-focused version of the 12C. Unlike the GT3, the Can-Am Edition was not bound by racing regulations, which allowed for a more aggressive aerodynamic setup and use of carbon fiber.

Introduced in 2013, the McLaren MP4-12C GT Sprint was designed as a bridge between the road-going 12C and its more track-focused counterparts. The GT Sprint retained the standard 12C’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, but it featured enhanced cooling systems and a recalibrated transmission for better performance on track days. The car was fitted with a race-prepared suspension system that featured a lowered ride height and Pirelli racing tires to provide exceptional grip and handling.