Jay Leno pulled into his Big Dog Garage in his new McLaren MP4-12C, grinning. He parked it next to his century-old stationary engines and explained what he likes about the new McLaren:

“It is a fantastic car. I like it because it is 911 sized and that’s the prefect size for a sports car. Plenty of legroom, thin A pillars so you can see, the best double-clutch transmission I’ve ever used…very light on its feet. But the most amazing part is that dramatic suspension change from normal to track. When you’re on normal it’s extremely smooth, a nice riding car. Most cars tighten up a little when you go to a track setting, but this becomes a totally different car.”

“Even though I own a McLaren F1, I think this is probably ‘real world’ faster because the shifts are so incredibly fast in the 7-speed double-clutch gearbox. Do I miss the clutch pedal? Yes, but this is at least the equal in speed.”

“I like the styling. Some people tell me it’s not exciting enough, but I’m not 15 years old. I don’t’ need a big wing or something that looks like a giant insect. McLaren styling is like 911 styling. My F1 is now almost 20 years old and people still ask, ‘Is that a brand new car?’ because it looks contemporary. I feel the same way about this, a very contemporary shape that will age very well. This is McLaren 20 years on. You’ve got all the safety features like the airbags.”

“Once you get into the McLaren and you use it, you like it more and more. You can see out of it, it’s fun and comfortable to drive. When you put it on the comfort setting your wife or girlfriend isn’t going, ‘I hate this, my hair, ouch…’ It isn’t bouncing all over the road. And it’s easy to park because it’s not a big, wide, giant car.”

“It’s intent is to be a supercar you can use every single day and I couldn’t be happier with it.”