Jay Leno Previews The McLaren MP4-12C: Video

Dec 23, 2009
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WHILE MCLAREN'S MP4-12C supercar was unveiled to the world in September, TV legend Jay Leno took a ride in the new McLaren during the car's testing phase.

Rocketed around the Top Gear test track by McLaren test driver Chris Goodwin, Leno describes the experience and outlines the virtues of the MP4-12C.

Leno was in the UK for his appearance as the Celebrity In A Reasonably Priced Car on Top Gear, with McLaren using the opportunity to transport a heavily camouflaged test car from its nearby Woking facility.

Writing for Britain's Times, Leno described the MP4-12C as a supercar on par with the sort of cars Lotus founder Colin Chapman was known for.

 

"Only when you go out in it do you sense how light it really is. Okay, it has a carbon-fibre tub and the lightest technology out there, but that lightness really translates to the track," Leno wrote.

"It felt extremely nimble, precise and accurate. All the things a Lotus is famous for but in a package that is uniquely McLaren."

 

Taking its name from McLaren’s Formula 1 heritage, the MP4-12C is powered by a new, McLaren-designed 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8 developing 447kW and 600Nm of torque. Nearly 80 percent of that torque is available from below 2000rpm.

[read Leno's full report at Times Online]

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Comments

  • My Cars Called T-Rex [reply]
    3 months ago 0 points
    Cool car,nice engine,this is the sort of engine the LF-A should have not a peaky le mans style motor.
  • Lino L [reply]
    3 months ago 0 points
    Ferrari and Corvette called.
    They want their styling back.
  • Martin [reply]
    3 months ago 0 points
    Looks nothing like a cheap *** Corvette and it looks much nicer then some Ferrari.
  • Lindsay [reply]
    3 months ago 0 points
    Lino L: It reminds me of the F458 as well, only it doesn't make me want to burn my eyes out.

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