McLaren MP4-12C: Tight reins on explosive power

McLaren MP4-12C. Photo / Supplied

The new McLaren MP4-12C has rocketed from zero to 100km/h in 2.9sec, a hair's breadth quicker than the updated Nissan GT-R now on sale in New Zealand.

British motoring writer Dan Strong was behind the wheel of the McLaren. He writes: "Exploding off the line, it shifts gear and sends the turbocharged engine's huge reserves of power to the rear axles as the tyres take huge bites out of the tarmac below.

"Three seconds later, and only 6 seconds into our run, we pass [162km/h].

"At peak ... the car pulls 1.4g under full power - a figure most family cars can't match on the brakes.

"There's no let-up in the crushing force of acceleration as we touch [225km/h].

"The turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 howls as it nears its 8000rpm red line, the wind roaring over the screen. Then, with test-track space running out, it's time to grab the gearshift paddles, knock the car down a gear and come to a juddering halt.

"You can hear the huge rear wing pop as it swings vertically upwards - acting as an airbrake.

"Then silence ... my head swimming as I try to make a rational assessment of what's just happened.

"Wow! Going from [113km/h] to a dead stop in 43.4m, under half the 96m suggested in the road code, the whole episode has taken little more than 30 seconds."