McLaren MP4 12C: All this and emotion too

McLaren's MP4-12C. Photo / Supplied

Prospective buyers and test drivers all agree - the supercar McLaren MP4 12C is undoubtedly brilliant but it lacks an X factor, in this case emotion.

The British carmaker has reacted to the criticism by making a raft of changes to the two-door flyer before deliveries begin next month.

Top of the list is a new induction kit for the exhaust, designed to channel more sound into the cabin - directly addressing criticism of the McLaren's muted note next to the more vocal Ferrari 458 Italia, one of its main rivals. The change to the exhaust will be a standard addition to all future production cars.

Also added is a lighter feel to the wheel-mounted paddles. The up and down shifters had taken flak for their unnecessarily heavy mechanical feel.

Finally, some carefully chosen modifications to the steering system are said to result in additional feel.

McLaren's Australian and New Zealand dealer - Sydney dealer group Trivett Classic - has already sold the 15 examples earmarked for this part of the world this year and at least half of the 30 to 40 allocated for 2012.

More than 30 Australians put down deposits for the McLaren MP4 12C after the opening of the carmaker's roadshow Down Under in February.

The first cars will arrive across the ditch after October, priced at about A$500,000 ($665,000) after import duty and luxury taxes. The car retails for £168,500 ($324,000) in Britain.

There has been no word on sales to New Zealand but demand in Australia for McLaren's first self-designed road car has surprised the carmaker itself.

"It's unusual," said Ian Gorsuch, McLaren Automotive's regional director for the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. "In Australia it seems people are keen to get in early ... which is wonderful."

The MP4 12C weighs 1301kg, is powered by a twin-turbo-charged 3.8-litre V8 engine delivering 441k/600Nm and a zero to 100km/h sprint time of 3.3s - or 3.1s on optional Pirelli Corsa tyres.

British test driver Matt Davis said: "On the move, the MP4-12C is incredible. With no assistance from any heavy, stiffening cross braces fore or aft, the adaptive dampers, with electro-hydraulic roll control, provide the cornering ability of an Ariel Atom.

"You can feel every part of the tyres' tread pattern squirming and gripping the road. There's no nosedive or rear squat, either.

"The new 3.8-litre bi-turbo V8 is breathtaking. Where the McLaren blows its rivals away, though, is in acceleration to 200km/h.

"The 458 takes 10.4 seconds, but in its hottest trim, the MP4-12C does it in 8.9 seconds - only the far more expensive Bugatti Veyron is faster."