Thanks - I try to keep an even keel even though I look like I'd be the biggest fan boy. Up till now I haven't even seen the 12C in person, however I'm expect to change that story this Saturday.

I have read almost all the 12C reviews so far and watched as many of the videos I can get my eyes on and so far I've not seen anything that surprised me. I fully expected that McLaren would have an impressive offering in their first go at it and that the word "clinical" would get used a lot. They can not afford to fail and had almost a totally clean sheet to work from and they certainly ended up with a car very much like I expected. It exudes McLaren DNA.

I like Chris Harris' take that the 12C is really 3 cars in one given the three modes offered for powertrain and chassis controls. It was nice to read in a few other reviews that the 12C immediately inspires driver confidence and that at least on track you can really explore the limits pretty rapidly.

My feeling based on what I have read and seen is that the 12C has definitely moved the bar for cars in its class with all of its technology. The way in which they've created a car that is highly usable at the limit, and has impeccable manners at nowhere near the limit is very different. Some here will obviously state that these innovations go against their beliefs and that they don't want computers controlling or perhaps spoiling their experience - that's understandable and I don't argue that for them.

McLaren had to build a car that would appeal to as many customers as possible. I think you'll find the market for a car with all the reported capabilities and the composure of the 12C is much larger than the one they'd have with a car that is more raw, has more basic manual controls, or that has more polarizing styling. It is easy to say that they've taken the safe approach, but undertaking this venture at all was pretty daring. They are doing it in a big way compared to most supercar startups we've seen with a brand new production facility, the establishment of a dedicated worldwide dealer network and have also committed themselves to new levels of customer service and support. They're not just here to take a few sales away from the established players, they want to be revolutionary in every aspect.

I suspect some of McLaren's future offerings will probably come closer to a car that all these CGT fans here will appreciate. There is a replacement for the F1 being developed now that should offer a better direct comparison to the Carrera GT than the 12C does. For now, I think those in a position to purchase the 12C will have to decide if it all feels right to them when they get the chance. I believe a lot of them will find that it does.

>8^)
ER

 

Peloton, I don't think anyone thinks the 12C is a bad car, in any way, in fact, technically it's quite likely to be a better car than the CGT. But the OP wanted a choice from those two cars, and like me even though I've not yet seen or driven a 12C, the overwhelming majority here would choose the CGT.

If the choice was a CGT or an Enzo, notwithstanding the price difference, that would be quite a poll. I've been in both, and I don't know which one I'd choose. Probably the Porsche gets the nod as it comes with a stick. But I just don't know, that's a tough one. And when the F1 replacement comes along, no doubt it will be in the poll of this listing of choices, and will likely (Fanboy here now) be the one to choose.....

If the choice was a Macca or a F458, again, given the variety of fans here, again, that would be quite a poll. I've not yet driven either, but I have sat in the 458. Anyway, for what it's worth, based primarily on what I've read (so based on my opinion of others' opinions - LOL), I'd choose the 12C.

 

I think they are both great cars and would love to have either one, but if I had to make the choice with the current collection you have now I would go with the CGT. Reason is, I and most everyone on this forum have lusted after this car from day one and to own one would be awesome. Also, if you get the CGT it probably won't depreciate as much as the MP4, so you could get it drive it for a year or a couple of years then get the MP4 (slightly used or new) and I don't think you'll be losing much (as opposed to doing it the other way around MP4 first, then get the CGT). Either way I would would love to be in your situation picking between two awesome cars Good luck and post a ton of pics when you finally decide.

 

Great explanations about the 2. Awesome, thanks for the answer Peloton! appreciate it.

 

What exactly is the point of a supercar you can drive every day ? Its never going to be as comfortable as a true daily driver and never as exciting or interactive as a dedicated special event supercar like a carrera gt . If its just for showing off ( and not the thrill of driving ) buy a Bentley or Phantom surely ?

I want the hairs on the back of my head to stand up , I want to get out of the car at journeys end rushing with adrenaline . Adrenaline caused by interaction between man and machine , tactility and ME being in total control of MY supercar , not just sheer speed . I want to work like the Devil , balancing the car on a knife edge to get anywhere on a track , just man and machine . For sheer speed because of ground clearance and visibility issues and its 4wd a Nissan gtr would be faster from a to b on normal roads than any of them anyway .

Thats why I cancelled my Mclaren order .

Two very well known European journalists I have spoken to in the last week have told me the Macca is undoubtedly a fantastic , almost perfect car BUT its not a car either would buy with their own money .

In fact even though you can turn driver aids off , its never really off as the diff action is replicated via the rear wheel braking from the tc system .

Thats not a supercar for me , I can see its appeal but its not something that interests me . Its horses for courses at the end of the day and to be fair they are very , very different cars.

 

But your a poof hermaphrodite tentacle fecker!

 

You wish I was wopps !!!!! You staking me or am I stalking you ?
You coming to Spa 26th and 27th btw ?

 

I like to think the feeling is mutual
Is that this month, f so I doubt it sadly, think I'm in turkey... Gobble gobble

 

this is a very good post, and I know both cars are impressive, but there is something inside me that wants an '06 CGT more

the comparison is apples and oranges for sure, but if you can only afford one, you will have to take your pick

the MP4 just doesn't surpass the CGT level in my mind, I'm pretty sure it's faster, but the CGT isn't slow either

Since I have not had the pleasure of driving either, I won't cast my vote, but you already know my opinion!

-AJ

 

pity ,would have been fun !