Mac on the attack

Built with clinical precision using the latest carbon fibre technology, the McLaren’s MP4-12C is engineering at its very best. A stellar example of what automotive engineering is all about in a car that I has placed upon a pedestal for being an engineering marvel. Meticulously researched and developed, The 12C can count itself as an ideal supercar—in both form and function.

For one thing, it’s definitely a real looker with bold sleek lines designed with wind tunnel testing for aerodynamic efficiency. Contrary to expectations, the first time experience behind the wheel of the 3.8-litre twin turbo 12C wasn’t as intimidating as one would expect from a supercar. All 600bhp and 600Nm of torque felt properly reined in, only coming to life when called upon by a right foot on the throttle.

What took getting used to though, were the controls, dials and functions laid out before the driver. It takes a while to get familiar with the interior layout but cockpit orientation was all part of the fun. After all, the McLaren drive experience was designed specially to let guests experience the best of what the 12C had to offer, in the safety of a controlled ‘track’ environment.

Putting the car through the laps was truly a cinch. There were none of the idiosyncrasies one might expect from such a high powered car as you floor it through wide sweeping corners, slalom and high speed directional changes. Reacting precisely to each and every steering input with a degree of grip, balance and control brought to the fore by technologies like brake steer, it felt like one couldn’t put a foot wrong in the car.

At the end of the brief session which comprised a handful of laps round the course, I for one, stepped out like a winner. In part due to my experience with the MP4-12C, but mainly because of how the car let me feel—like a skilled driver in control of a fantastic vehicle.

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai and Jonathan Tan Photos by Jonathan Tan and Wearnes Automotive