Category Archives: McLaren
2012 Belgian Grand Prix preview
Formula 1 2012 Belgian Grand Prix preview | Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
VIDEO | The World’s Greatest Drag Race
This Race features a few new contenders, including Luxury cars like the Lamborghini Aventador and McLaren MP4-12C. Other contestants include the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series, Chevy Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Subaru BRZ, Jaguar XKR-S and Porsche 911 Carrera S, which – spoiler alert – actually won the Best Driver’s Car award this year. Oh, and the updated version of Nissan’s GT-R makes a repeat appearance, but no Ferraris are in the field this Race.( .motortrend.com )
2012 Hungarian Grand Prix preview
2012 Hungarian Grand Prix preview |
Incredibly, only seven of the 20 racetracks on this year’s Formula 1 calendar are older than the Hungaroring. It was built in just eight months ahead of staging its first grand prix in August 1986. And it’s been a regular fixture on the calendar ever since.
The 2.722-mile/4.381km track is the slowest permanent circuit of the season. It’s narrow and bumpy, and its five 180-degree hairpins place a great deal of emphasis on low-speed mechanical grip. Braking and traction are also crucial in order to set a competitive lap time.
The track isn’t used much during the year, so the asphalt is normally very dusty and slippery at the start of the race weekend. It takes most of FP1 on Friday for the cars to create a clean line, after which set-up work can begin in earnest. As was the case in Germany, the teams will be working with Pirelli’s medium and soft compounds.
More often than not, the race has been run in hot conditions over the last 25 years, with ambient temperatures in excess of 30 degrees. This places huge stress on the drivers, who have to cope with cockpit temperatures in excess of 50 degrees and very little respite behind the wheel, due to the tortuous nature of the circuit.
However, the weather forecast for this weekend looks mixed – as it was last year, when Jenson won the race for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Jenson and Lewis have each won twice at the Hungaroring and they’re looking to add to that tally on Sunday.
2012 Hungarian Grand Prix preview |
Race distance 70 laps (190.531 miles/306.630km)
Start time 14:00 (local)/13:00 BST
Circuit length 2.722 miles/4.381km
2011 winner Jenson Button (Vodafone McLaren Mercedes) 70 laps in 1hr46m42.337s (172.416km/h)
2011 pole Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing) 1m19.815s (197.601km/h)
Lap record Michael Schumacher (Ferrari F2004) 1m19.071s (199.461km/h)
McLaren at the Hungarian Grand Prix
Wins 10 (1988, 1991, 1992, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
Poles 7 (1988, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2006, 2007, 2008)
Fastest Laps 5 (1988, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005)
Car 3: Jenson Button
Age 32 (January 19 1980)
GPs 218
Wins 13
Poles 7
FLs 7
2012 points 65 (7th)
Hungary record 2011 Q3 R1; 2010 Q11 R8; 2009 Q8 R7; 2008 Q12 R12; 2007 Q17 R-; 2006 Q14 R1; 2005 Q8 R5;
2004 Q4 R5; 2003 Q14 R10; 2002 Q9 R-; 2001 Q17 R-; 2000 Q8 R9
“The result in Germany puts us right back in the hunt. In that situation, there’s nothing better than a back-to-back weekender: you return to the cockpit almost before you’ve unpacked your bags from the previous race, so it’s great to carry forward that momentum.
“Of course, Hungary’s a very special place for me: I won my first grand prix there back in 2006, I celebrated my 200th grand prix there on the Saturday evening with some of my oldest friends and colleagues in the paddock and I went on to win the grand prix on Sunday. It was the perfect weekend.
“And there’s every reason to believe we can get another good result this year. Our pace at Hockenheim gives us cause for encouragement – it’s just that, as always, we’ll need to run flawlessly through qualifying and the race if we’re to be in the hunt at the end.
“That high level of performance shows just how close things currently are at the top in Formula 1. I’m satisfied that we’re pushing hard enough to be up at the sharp end, so it would be fantastic to take home a winning result to reward all our recent hard work.”
Car 4: Lewis Hamilton
Age 27 (January 7 1985)
GPs 100
Wins 18
Poles 21
FLs 11
2012 points 92 (5th)
Hungary record 2011 Q2 R4; 2010 Q5 R8; 2009 Q4 R1; 2008 Q1 R5; 2007 Q1 R1
“I rolled the dice in Germany and got two ones. That’s life, sometimes, but at least I get the chance to give them another roll this weekend – and I’ll be hoping for two sixes! I think there’s good reason to feel confident, too; our Hockenheim upgrade package seems to have delivered the pace we anticipated and a good result just before the summer break would be the perfect way to end the first half of the season.
“Things haven’t always gone our way in the first half, but I certainly feel like we’re experiencing something of a turning point for the whole team. We’ve really stepped up and delivered the pace we needed, our strategy has been spot-on and our pitstops, despite a troubled start at the beginning of the year, are now consistently the fastest in the pitlane.
“Of course, we still have work to do to in order to fully understand the heating characteristics of the Pirelli tyres in wet weather. The current forecast is for mixed weather in Budapest, but we’re gathering more and more data on the tyres, and those conditions may give us further opportunity to overcome the issues we’ve recently encountered.
“I’m really looking forward to the whole weekend.”
Martin Whitmarsh
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
“With the halfway point in the 2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship now behind us, it’s important that we head into the second half of the season with a concerted view to picking up as many points as possible in a bid to return us to the top.
“I firmly believe that we have the drivers, car and team to win both titles – and I think the difficulties we encountered during the first 10 races of 2012 have strengthened our resilience and hardened our resolve to fight back to the front.
“At Hockenheim last weekend, we had a car capable of taking on and beating our main rivals – the aim now is to ensure both Jenson and Lewis both score points in every race and to take as many points away from our rivals as possible.
“On paper, it may look a difficult task, but we are singularly determined to close down the gaps between ourselves and the championship leaders.”
“Our record at the Hungaroring is considerable: we have won there 10 times, more than any other team, and we go there with the clear aim to add an 11th victory to our tally. It certainly won’t be straightforward, but every single individual within Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is relishing that challenge.”
McLaren has the best record of any Formula 1 constructor at the Hungaroring. Here’s how the team defined 10 days in the history of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
1. August 7 1988
Ayrton Senna enjoys a lights-to-flag victory, but he has it far from easy. His McLaren team-mate Alain Prost battles through from seventh on the grid and passes the Brazilian for the lead late in the race, only to run wide and slot back into second place. Prost crosses the line 0.6s behind Senna.
2. August 11 1991
A momentous lap by Ayrton sees him qualify 1.2s faster than anyone else. He’s never headed in the race, but has to see off a determined challenge from the Williams cars of Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese. Ayrton’s McLaren team-mate Gerhard Berger finishes fourth in the second MP4/6.
3. August 16 1992
Williams lock out the front row of the grid, but their squabbling on the dash to Turn One allows Ayrton to pass Mansell for second place. Race leader Patrese makes a mistake at half distance, handing the lead to Ayrton, who’s never headed. Mansell finishes second to win the world championship, with Gerhard third for McLaren.
4. August 15 1999
Mika Hakkinen dominates the entire weekend, taking pole position and winning the race. David Coulthard makes it a McLaren-Mercedes one-two, but the Scotsman has to earn his place on the second step of the podium. He drops to fifth on the opening lap and battles through the order to pass Eddie Irvine for second place in the closing laps.
5. August 13 2000
Mika leapfrogs from third to first at the start of the race. One of the cars he passes is team-mate David, who ends lap one in third place. Mika goes on to win his second consecutive Hungarian GP, while David has the pace to jump ahead of Michael Schumacher at the pitstops, but loses time behind the Minardis and finishes just 0.5s behind the Ferrari in third.
6. July 31 2005
A brilliant performance by Kimi Raikkonen. He starts fourth, but is up to second midway through the opening lap, and sets off after Michael Schumacher in the lead. He drops to fifth after pitting on lap 11, but a brilliant second stint allows him to jump ahead of Schumacher at the second pitstops and he disappears into the distance, pulling out a lead of 25s in just 11 laps.
7. August 5 2007
Lewis Hamilton wins from pole position, but it’s far from an easy victory. After opening an early lead, he’s hunted down by Raikkonen and the pair spend the second half of the race running nose-to-tail. For 20 laps they’re rarely separated by more than one second, but Lewis is inch-perfect and crosses the line 0.7s ahead. Fernando Alonso is fourth in the other MP4-22.
8. August 3 2008
Heikki Kovalainen wins his first grand prix and, in so doing, becomes the 100th different winner in Formula 1 history. He takes the lead two laps from the chequered flag, when Felipe Massa’s engine blows up. But a win’s a win. “I know I was a bit lucky,” says Heikki, “but it still feels great to win a race.” Lewis runs second early on, but a slow puncture drops him to fifth.
9. July 26 2009
Early-season problems with the MP4-24 are overcome by a series of updates at the Hungaroring. Lewis qualifies fourth and jumps to third on lap one when he picks off Sebastian Vettel. He then passes Mark Webber on lap four with a brilliant move around the outside of Turn 2 and then takes the lead when Fernando Alonso pits. It’s the first victory in Formula 1 for a KERS-Hybrid car.
10. July 31 2011
Jenson Button takes an emphatic win in his 200th grand prix. A pre-race shower forces everyone to start on intermediate tyres, but slicks are the order of the day once the track dries. Another shower at half distance splits the field: race leader Lewis opts for intermediates, while Jenson stays out on slicks. It stops raining and Jenson wins, with Lewis coming home fourth.
F1 : McLaren’s Upgrades Influenced By Ferrari
F1 : McLaren’s Upgrades Influenced By Ferrari |
McLaren’s car updates have pushed the car back up in between the front runners, and unsurprisingly, the improvement came once again from exhaust modifications. McLaren redesigned the sidepod to have the exhaust exit lower above the ground and further back, creating a more consistent flow onto the outer extremities of the diffuser.
In essence, McLaren’s update appears to be influenced by Ferrari’s famous acer ducts, something which the MP4-27 now features as well. The ducts are sloping down and feature an undercut of the sidepod, allowing air to flow underneath the tail of the duct and towards the centre of the car. The resemblance is striking, and particularly interesting because it was Ferrari that initially copied McLaren’s downwash exhaust exit.
In addition to the sidepod, the fins at the bottom of the rear wing endplate have been modified as well. Again, these work in combination with the diffuser to generate downforce at the rear end of the car.
McLaren Aerodynamic Cycling Helmet
McLaren Applied Technologies and Specilaized have continued the success of their initial joint venture – the world championship winning Venge road bike – to create the ultimate in cycle helmet aerodynamics performance: the S-Works + McLaren TT Helmet.
Applying McLaren’s F1-winning aerodynamic knowledge and expertise to the unique needs of professional cycling, with the goal of making racers faster by reducing air as an obstacle to performance, the resulting S-Works + McLaren TT Helmet can lay claim to being the fastest aerodynamic cycling helmet in the world.
Debuting in the 2012 Tour de France (worn by Omega-Pharma QuickStep riders Levi Leipheimer and TT World Champion Tony Martin) the S-Works + McLaren TT Helmet marks an unprecedented level of investment in cycle helmet wind tunnel hours, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling, and rider testing, and takes the ability to measure and tune aerodynamics to a new level. It also marks a significant breakthrough in how Specialized will approach aerodynamics in the future.
Tests have shown that the S-Works + McLaren TT helmet offers a 0.2-0.5 second advantage per kilometre (2-5W) at a speed of 48.3kph (30mph) compared to the Specialized TT3, and up to 0.8 sec/km advantage versus not wearing a helmet at all. Compared against alternative helmets, it can provide as much as a 3.5 second gain over the prologue, and more than 20 seconds in the later 53km time trial.
The helmet will be available in extremely limited quantities in early 2013 through select Specialized dealers.
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2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT ~ OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
McLAREN FORMULA 1 DNA MEETS THE THRILL OF OPEN TOP DRIVING IN THE NEW 12C SPIDER
PHOTOS AT THE BOTTOM
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
REVIEW 2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT ~ Going Topless
03/07/12
Unique Retractable Hard Top (RHT) of new 12C Spider may be operated at speeds up to 30kph (19mph)
Shared Formula 1 technology DNA in 12C and 12C Spider means performance is similarly impressive for both derivatives
McLaren 12C Spider configurator launched online at: www.configure.mclaren.com
12C Spider now available to order through 38 McLaren retailers in 22 countries worldwide
McLaren Automotive today announces the launch of its second model in the MP4-12C family: the stunning new 12C Spider. With a lightweight, high powered engine developing an incredible 625 PS (616 bhp), unique RHT folding roof system that may be operated while on the move, and carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis identical to that of the groundbreaking 12C, the 12C Spider is a luxury convertible sports car that offers prospective owners a unique combination of spectacular performance with remarkable usability.
The new 12C Spider will be priced from £195,500 in the UK and is now available to order from bespoke new McLaren retailers across the globe. First deliveries to customers are planned for November this year.
Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director said: “I am really excited to announce that the new 12C Spider is now available to order at new McLaren retailers worldwide. The launch of our second model is an exciting milestone in the growth of our company.
“While the 12C is the technological essence of a race car, the 12C Spider incorporates an additional dimension. 12C Spider owners will love the opportunity to lower the roof and hear the unhindered howl of a V8 twin turbo engine at full throttle. It undoubtedly enhances an already euphoric 12C driving experience.
“The 12C Spider delivers all the thrills characteristic of a high performance roadster, and yet transforms into a raucous track beast at the flick of a switch. I can’t wait to see it on road and track with customers later this year.”
Best-in-class performance
The 12C Spider’s impressive 625 PS output from its bespoke 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine is transmitted to the car’s rear driven wheels through a 7 Speed SSG dual-clutch transmission, which itself provides lightning-fast gear changes through rocker-mounted shift paddles affixed to the rear of the steering wheel. A clear view of the 12C Spider’s lightweight M838T power plant is available through a glass screen positioned behind the tonneau cover.
Vehicle dynamics technology including Brake Steer, ProActive Chassis Control and the unique McLaren Airbrake combine to offer sublime comfort in all driving conditions; and yet deliver race car performance and handling on track.
Technical specification highlights
McLaren is a carbon pioneer. In 1981 McLaren gave a debut to a carbon fibre monocoque chassis in Formula 1 with the launch of the MP4/1 race car, and in 1992 the legendary McLaren F1 introduced the advanced composite technology to the world of road cars. It was natural then for McLaren Automotive engineers to apply its carbon expertise when developing the groundbreaking one-piece moulded chassis of the 12C. With the 12C designed originally as a convertible, its 75kg ‘MonoCell’ requires no additional strengthening for it to feature in the 12C Spider. The result is a sports car almost identical to its fixed roof equivalent in performance terms, and weighing only 40kg more with the addition of a convertible roof system.
The Retractable Hard Top of the 12C Spider is operated using a switch in the lower section of the centre console inside the cabin, taking less than 17 seconds to raise or lower. Unlike many other convertible models, the roof can be operated whilst the 12C Spider is moving at speeds of up to 30 kph (19mph).
Behind driver and passenger sits a rear windscreen which may also be electronically lowered and raised. With the roof lowered this acts as wind deflector to minimise disturbance to the 12C Spider’s occupants. With the roof raised the rear window can be lowered, allowing the exhilarating noise of the 12C Spider’s V8 twin turbo engine to flood the cabin on demand at any time.
With the roof raised the area under the tonneau can be used as an additional luggage area which provides 52 litres of useful storage space. Bespoke luggage has been designed specifically to fit this space and is supplied as standard with every 12C Spider.
The 12C Spider also features a passive Roll Over Protection System to maximise occupant safety. Each buttress contains a steel structure designed to absorb impact energy and protect both driver and passenger.
Creating one in a million: 12C Spider personalisation highlights
Launched in Volcano Red – one of 17 exterior paint finishes currently available for the 12C and 12C Spider- both 12C derivatives will also be available in optional Volcano Yellow, a striking new high quality paint which features in the ‘Elite’ range of exterior finishes.
Inside, an exclusive new interior trim has been developed for the 2013 model year 12C and new 12C Spider. High quality semi-aniline perforated leather and Alcantara may be selected in a variety of combinations to suit an owner’s personal taste.
A new wheel design, and ‘Diamond Cut’ finishes for existing lightweight and super lightweight forged wheel designs may be selected for the 12C Spider. Standard Silver or Stealth finishes are offered for all wheel designs.
Vehicle Lift will be available as an option on 2013 model year vehicles. The system allows the 12C Spider to be raised front and rear for improved ground clearance. This technology permits the vehicle to be raised by up to 40mm at the front and 25mm at the rear of the 12C Spider, and may remain in position at up to 60kph (37mph).
Prospective customers and sports car fans alike are encouraged to visit the new 12C Spider online configurator, and discover a range of exciting options that may be specified in literally millions of unique combinations. The 12C Spider configurator is now live at: www.configure.mclaren.com
The McLaren 12C Spider is now available to order at all of McLaren’s 38 retailers in 22 countries worldwide, with deliveries to first customers planned for November 2012.
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT ~ Going Topless
Going topless was never this liberating. New to the McLaren Automotive‘s growing MP4-12C super car fleet is the new Spider model with a retractable hard-top. Identical to its roofed counterpart, the McLaren MP4-12C Spider kept the 616 horsepower, 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, capable of 0 to 62 mph in 3.1 seconds. McLaren engineers did, however, tuned the maximum speed down to 204 mph instead of 207 mph. But its more than likely that you won’t notice the difference. The real fun begins when you flick a switch on the center console. In 17 seconds, the metal hard top automatically retracts (or raises). Unlike other convertibles,
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
The addition of the convertible roof system adds an extra 40 kg (88 lb) to the weight of the 12C, but the performance of the 12C Spider is close to that of the 12C. Both models boast a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.1 seconds, but the 12C Spider goes from 0-100 mph (161 km/h) in 6.1 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds slower than the 12C, while its 0-124 mph (200 km/h) time of 9 seconds is 0.2 seconds slower than the 12C’s 8.8 second time.
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
Launching in Volcanic Red, McLaren will offer the same the 12C in the same 17 exterior paint finishes currently available for the 12C. A new Volcanic Yellow and new interior trim will also be offered for the 2013 models of both cars, as will a new Vehicle Lift option that improves the ground clearance by raising the 12C Spider up to 40 mm (1.5 in) at the front and 25 mm (0.9 in) at the rear at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph).
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider RHT |
Source : Mclaren ~ Official
2012 McLaren MP4-12C World Debut
The GREAT campaign is designed to re-affirm Britain’s international reputation and deliver long-term economic benefits through additional tourism, trade and education.
2013 McLaren MP4-12C and GREAT Briton GT3 |
2013 McLaren MP4-12C and GREAT Briton GT3 |
2013 McLaren MP4-12C and GREAT Briton GT3 |
The GREAT 12C GT3 will be running in the Hill programme on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Goodwood Festival of Speed. Two high profile British guests from the world of entertainment will each experience 12C road car performance as they join McLaren’s professional racing drivers as passengers in the Michelin Supercar Run at 12.35pm on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Regular updates featuring the new 12C sports car and GREAT 12C GT3 at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed will be published here throughout the weekend.
2013 McLaren MP4-12C and GREAT Briton GT3 |
2013 McLaren MP4-12C and GREAT Briton GT3 |
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes -MP4-27 -2012
- Monocoque: McLaren-moulded carbon fiber composite incorporating front and side impact structures
- Front suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
- Rear suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
- Electronics: McLaren Electronic Systems. Including chassis control, engine control, data acquisition, dashboard, alternator, sensors, data analysis and telemetry
- Bodywork: Carbon-fiber composite. Separate engine cover, sidepods and floor. Structural nose with integral front wing. Driver-operated drag reduction system
- Tyres: Pirelli P Zero
- Radio: Kenwood
- Race wheels: Enkei
- Brakes: Akebono
- Batteries: GS Yuasa Corporation
- Steering: McLaren power-assisted
- Instruments: McLaren Electronic Systems
- Paint: AkzoNobel Car Refinishes using Sikkens products
- Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z
- Capacity: 2.4 liters
- Cylinders: 90 degree V-8
- Maximum rpm: 18,000
- Piston bore: 98mm
- Number of valves: 32
- Fuel: Exxon Mobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)
- Spark plugs: NGK racing spark plugs specially designed for Formula 1
- Lubricants: Mobil 1
- Weight: 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)
- Gearbox: McLaren-moulded carbon-fibre composite, integral rear impact structure
- Gears: Seven forward and one reverse
- Gear selection: McLaren seamless shift, hand-operated
- Clutch:Carbon/carbon, hand-operated
KERS Hybrid
- Type: Mercedes-Benz e-Motor, Engine-mounted electrical motor/generator, integrated energy storage cells and power electronics
- Power: 60 kW