McLaren upgrades £176k MP4-12C 08 | 06 | 2012

JUST A YEAR after it went on sale, the McLaren MP4-12C has been comprehensively upgraded. Thankfully, styling changes are almost non-existent, apart from a revised badge.

In addition to a 25bhp increase from its twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 to 616bhp, the car also gets a recalibrated seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox, and a retuned ‘Intake Sound Generator’ (ISG) system.

So, what difference does a retuned ISG system make? Well, according to McLaren, it creates greater “aural drama” in the cabin. I guess that means it sounds batter when you're in the car.

McLaren has reacted to feedback it has received from its customers — already just under 1000 people have bought the McLaren.

And while most of the upgrades can be fitted retrospectively to existing cars at McLaren dealerships for no cost, they will be standard on all new MP4-12Cs delivered from October.

The power increase means the car's 0-124mph and 0-186mph times have been cut by 0.1sec to 8.8sec and by 1.0sec to 26.5sec respectively: exactly what you need when you're nipping down to Tesco.

See more official photos of the McLaren MP4-12C

And while the official 0-62mph time of 3.1sec remains unchanged, its top speed has been increased by 2mph, to 207mph.

CO2 emissions and fuel economy remain the same at 279g/km and 24.2mpg respectively.

The range of improvements is actually quite eye-opening. Not only does the ‘SSG’ transmission now deliver “crisper throttle responses” and “improved clutch control for gear changes that are both faster and smoother”: but the car's cabin now cools even faster.

Now while that may sound a strange development, it's a reaction to buyers in the Middle East, Asia and North America who felt the climate control was taking too long too cool the car's interior.

A new electronic package also automatically turns the car’s headlights on when it starts raining.

But there are a couple of improvements which can't be retrofitted to the MP4-12C. The revised cars will be able to raise its ground clearance by 40mm at the front and 25mm at the rear at speeds of up to 37mph.

Current owners will also not be able to take advantage of the new door entry system. After customers asked for a simpler entry system, the October cars will have a small button mounted on each of the MP4-12C’s doors in place of the touch sensor system. However, it is still possible to unlatch the doors using the remote key fob.

The revised MP4-12C — which is available to order now, starting at £176,000, an £7500 increase over the current car — also gets a new range of colour and alloy wheel designs, plus a new top-spec semi-aniline leather interior and upgraded interior sound system.

Mercedes eyes Scot Paul di Resta for 2013 F1 season

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars

Jim McGill