McLaren is looking to make the wanting and the owning of a 12C even more enticing as part of its ongoing 50th Anniversary celebrations. Featuring a tidy list of anniversary upgrades, the McLaren 50 12C and 12C Spider are available as part of a special one hundred car run.
Under the guidance of McLaren Design Director, Frank Stephenson, and McLaren’s Special Operations (MSO), the division responsible for bespoke projects, the design team went about implementing a number of technical and aesthetic upgrades to the limited edition 12C and 12 Spider
A newly reworked, lippy front bumper borrowed from limited HS Edition model is in place to help with downforce and a more assertive demeanor. The part of the bumper that frames the intake section is made from carbon fiber, while the flat flooring area gets even more serious with a race-inspired carbon Kevlar treatment. While the rest of the 12C remains stock, a McLaren F1 heritage badge affixed to the hood ensures no one gets confused.
A monogrammed black and silver car cover is on hand so one can cover up their special edition 12C during those rainy London evenings and the limited edition experience is further reinforced by a limited edition key, and a carbon fiber presentation key box and a specially commissioned print signed by Stephenson.
In so far as exterior colors go, owners have a choice of Carbon Black, Supernova Silver or my personal orange favorite – McLaren Orange. Inside the bespoke 12C, open air or enclosed, is an upgraded leather interior with 50th Anniversary reminders located on the carbon fiber door sills, floor mats and driver’s door. The remainder of the interior with its 7 speed gearbox and racing amenities is still standard 12C fare.
But it’s not all show and shine here at the house of McLaren, no sir. As the likelihood of 12C owners driving quicker than the average person remains high, so does the need for quality, performance stopping devices. Fitted out with a carbon ceramic brake upgrade, the McLaren 50 12C comes equipped with 394 x 36mm discs up front while the aft section receives discs in a 380 x 34mm configuration. Surrounding the carbon ceramic brakes and holding the rubber in place is another upgrade in the form of satin black ultra-lightweight wheels. These high performance rims, set at 19 inches forward and 20 inches rearward, not only save 2 kg (4.4 lbs) of unsprung weight but also assist in managing the 12C’s 625 horsepower.
Retail price for the limited edition McLaren 50 12C is pegged at £196,000 for the coupe and £215,500 for the open aired 12C Spider.
McLaren celebrates its 50th Anniversary this September. Stay tuned for Gizmag’s McLaren anniversary tribute.
Source: McLaren
