Just thought I would pop in and give a 1200 mile update...

The car has been pretty spectacular up to now. I spent a lot of time driving it over the past month... to work, to Home Depot, to the grocery store... where ever I want, really. As long as parking is decent, the car is flexible enough for any occasion. The trunk is slightly smaller than the F430, but not by much. It certainly beats the Gallardo briefcase sized trunk!

Speaking of the F430, mine was getting a little jealous so I took it out last weekend for a little drive. I was instantly struck by how the Ferrari feels 20 years older than the McLaren in so many ways! Granted it is entirely unfair to compare an F430 to a MP4-12C since the cars really are in vastly different classes, but I haven't had enough seat time in a 458 to really compare them ...and there are others presenting that perspective on the site. But I was really expecting to find more to enjoy in the Ferrari than I did. I still love the smell of the leather when you get in (though it isn't that durable) and the engine does have quite an enjoyable and different note. I'm also not sure whether or not I prefer the throttle feel of the McLaren over the F430. I think it is something I am getting a little used to right now. Otherwise, the steering, suspension, brakes, comfort, visibility, and definitely the handling are quite superior in the McLaren. It leaves me wondering when I'll drive the Ferrari... maybe I should pick up a 458 when the secondary market has finally become more realistic.

Some have asked about the attention that I've received in the two cars. The MP4-12C has certainly drawn more active interest than the Ferrari ever did, and more people have stopped to chat about it when I'm at a gas station or a parking lot. (Ferraris are a bit more common, so perhaps people just look but don't really care to come by to chat.) I get the "sexy" and "elegant" comment a lot (concerning the McLaren, not me, unfortunately). I've also had a few friends over who have checked it out. Two said they were impressed but still preferred the mystique of Ferrari, which is an understandable opinion. But most have preferred the McLaren. A couple of friends agreed that they both thought they would never walk into a garage where they found a Ferrari overshadowed by another make, but that's how highly they thought of the design of the MP4-12C. As always, though, its a matter of personal preference. One thing that is universal, though, is that everyone that has taken a ride in the car has been blown away by the performance... and almost all have been a bit terrified by the acceleration!

I'm guessing I won't be putting 1000 miles on every month, but I certainly intend to drive it; garage queens aren't for me. The car and my body have thus far held up well to frequent trips, many long. The quality and comfort sure seem to be up for the usage. We still don't have updates for the Iris media system, but once that goes in it should be ready for long road trips! Perhaps that will be the next big test...

jlMP4

 

John,
If your ever down in SD, please let me know. We can meet up for a drive. Or if you are going to do a drive up in OC on a weekend, I might be able to drive up and join. Always enjoy doing a fun drive with other car enthusiasts.
Congrats on your car and thanks for the great write up.
I bought my GT2 from the same guys at Newport Beach. I dealt with Sebastian and Pietro.

 

Nice write up John,i sort of guessed it would get that sort of reception in the States and i hope you will get at least 40% of production.Its ironic that as usual the British Automotive press do their best to diss a british product that is world class,it makes me laugh when the rest of the world realize what they have done and show up our press for what they are.
Thankfully the British public have a different opinion and i have the same reaction as you,provided you can take a little time to chat,i think they see you as more of an enthusiast, rather than the attitude of some owners of other exotica they come across.Im sure this car will become a classic

 

John thanks for the update!!

 

Thanks, Andy. It always strikes me that the British car media tend to focus more on hooning than what we might actually be able to do on the streets or want to do on the track. American media sometimes goes too far the other way: if I want to fall asleep, watching most American car shows will do the trick!

You could be right about perception. The people who walk up definitely are enthusiasts as well. I'm frankly surprised at how many people know McLaren over here, even with the relative lack of popularity of Formula 1. Some remember the Indy wins, but others the F1. Or maybe they just know them as the suppliers of the NASCAR ECU.

 

Thanks for this great write-up. I'm on the verge of pulling the trigger on a used MP4-12C and it's great to see the positive reviews from those who've been driving theirs for awhile!

 

Getting close to consideration as my next DD even over a 991TT. I have driven both coupe on convertible and I am impressed to say the least.

 

^^They are right around 200k now Marc with no miles, amazing car at that price point!!

 

When we drove the MP, 458 and Scud at the Exotics Racing event, it was clear to all of us that the MP was the best on the track. Since none of us drove one on the streets we are not sure which we would want to live with. The 458 might be funner to drive for normal driving scenarios, but might be less convenient (attention, parking spots). No one would be upset with either, was our final conclusion.

 

great write up and update John, glad you are enjoying the 12C, best wishes!