Automotive

Driving Experience

First of all, I need to state that driving this car is unlike any other car that I have owned so far.  My SLS and the MP4-12C couldn't any more apart when it comes to design philosophy and driving experience.  The space between the seats in my SLS are so far apart, whereas in the Mclaren, I have about 4 inches between the two seats.  My feet are almost on the front axle in the Mclaren, whereas in the SLS, my butt is almost on the rear axle.  In the Mclaren, I have great forward vision and the steering/dash position is perfect.  In the SLS, the hood goes for miles!

The car's performance is brutal but very controllable.  With all of the new technology in this car, you really need to rethink about how your approach performance driving because it is that different.  I have read a lot of articles that reviewed the MP4-12C and most of them reaches the conclusion that while the car's performance is extraordinary, it is not as fun as a 458.  I have reached a similar conclusion except I find it very exciting to drive, but it is different than the 458.  Most auto journalists talks about the Mclaren being less emotional and have too much driving aids.  I fall into the school of thought where technology improves the breed and hence, the performance.  If you think technology is interfering with the driving experience, then how can you enjoy drifting your 911 without a locking differential?  

Performance

Oh, did I mention the performance of this car? The acceleration.........wow....0-60 2.9sec, 0-100 5.9sec and quarter mile 10.5 @ 136mph. The gearbox is quite interesting here. During everyday driving, I prefer my SLS gearbox because it's actually "quicker." However, when I get on it, the 12C's gearbox is superior in every aspect. Upshift is super quick and the downshift is amazing with a huge throttle blip. My car has the version 10.6 upgrade with the improved software and increased power (616bhp from 592bhp). 

Here is what I like: 
- Ride comfort. Yes, this car is as comfortable as a regular E-class in Normal mode

- Performance (acceleration, braking and cornering). This car really performs like it is on another planet, freakish fast!

- Gearbox (though I prefer the SLS's auto modes and partial throttle gear changes, more crisp)

- Driving position is spot on

Here is what I don't like:

- IRIS (Mclaren's Command system). This thing sucks ass! I guess I wasn't surprised because this is a system where Mclaren tried to do it themselves instead of going out there and just buy an existing system. Navigation is useless, freezes up multiple times. Bluetooth is useless. Thank God the stereo works.

- Car is a little bit boring when you are trying around town.  I guess this is one area where the Lamborghini/Ferrari cars gets it right better than anybody else in this industry.