Mclaren 'supercar' Gets Horsepower Boost

(Image Source: TotallyMotor.co.uk) BY CLARE MURPHY ANCHOR NEVILLE MILLER British car manufacturer McLaren recently updated the 2013 MP4-12C. The enhancements give the vehicle more power, make it more user-friendly, and puts it on par with similar “supercars” on the market. Slashgear has details on the upgrades. “Top on the list of enhancements is a 25 hp boost that takes the maximum output of the mid-mounted, 3.8-liter twin turbocharged V8 engine to 616 hp. This increased power, however, doesn’t affect engine efficiency. Fuel economy is rated at 24.2 mpg.” The updated model reaches a top speed of 207 mph — 2 mph faster than the previous model, shown here — and a new vehicle lift option provides greater ground clearance to make the car easier to drive at lower speeds. One of the most interesting interior changes is the new Intake Sound Generator. Totally Motor says it gives the driver... "'...programmable aural drama’ in the cockpit. This controls the amount of engine intake sound you hear inside - a roar for when you're letting rip on the open road, a quieter experience if you and your significant other are driving along.” But a writer for Gizmag says — don’t expect any big visual changes to go along with the updated specs. "...there have been no major changes to exterior styling (look closely and you might notice that the badge has been redesigned) while an additional paint finish - ‘Volcano Yellow’ - has been thrown into the mix, along with a new 5-spoke wheel design.” McLaren announced Friday that the MP4-12C will be priced at $241,800, a $10,400 price increase over the 2012 model. But Automobile Magazine says the price jump isn't likely to hurt the car's rating as one of the top supercars on the market. “When we compared the McLaren MP4-12C against the Ferrari 458 Italia as well as the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Audi R8 5.2, Porsche 911 GT2 RS, and Lamborghini Gallardo, it placed second — behind the Ferrari but ahead of all the other supercars.” A writer for USA Today says the Intake Sound Generator, the new ground clearance options and other improvements are really just details compared to the main course. “As for us, all we care about is that extra horsepower.”