NFS Hot Pursuit Car Profiles: McLaren MP4-12C

2011 McLaren MP4-12C Burnout

There are some manufacturers that add Formula One pedigree to their road cars, and this is one of them. New from McLaren, it's the MP4-12C, the car paving the way to success for the company. Its great ancestor, the F1, was one of the greatest cars in the world and is, to this day, the fastest naturally aspirated car in the world with a top speed of 240 MPH. This car, unfortunately, won't do that speed. The F1 had 627 horsepower fueled by a 6.0-liter BMW V12 engine. This has a 3.8-liter Twin-Turbocharged McLaren V8 engine producing only 592 horsepower. The F1 reached 0 to 60 in just 3.2 seconds. This one will do it in 3.6 seconds. The F1 had a 3 seats with one slap-bang in the middle for the ultimate racing experience. This one has the standard two-seater configuration that you get in a regular sports car. And, as for top speed, it will only do about 205 MPH. So, it isn't as great as an F1. But, what about its true competitors?

Watch Your Speed!

Well, McLaren built this car to take on Ferrari's 458 Italia, Lamborghini's Gallardo, and Lexus' LFA. So, comparing their power to the power in this car, this is definitely better. With the nitrous topped out, you should reach 224 MPH. The Gallardo won't even get that far. This car also features their patent-pended 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The 458 Italia has this as well, but since McLaren applied some F1 pedigree into this car, the gear changes are almost seamless, making it very quick in the acceleration. It's gonna take Ferrari a while to compete with that. In terms of exclusivity, the MP4-12C will be built for everyone with starting costs at $229,000. That's almost $150K less than the ridiculous LFA. And, to make things better, it's actually faster than it.

Night Drifting

Since this car weighs less than 1.5 tons, it should be good in the corners, and it is. Drifting is done with a simple flick of the wrist. It's that easy. Maneuvering through traffic is done in a breeze because of this car's perfect weight distribution. Since the engine is in the middle, the car remains well balanced, and therefore, you can take turns on a dime and still remain composed. This car is unbelievably good!

Helicopter Pad

So, there we are. It's taken then 5 years to make this, and the turnout is absolutely brilliant. You should have some fun evading police or thrashing friends all around Seacrest County with this thing.

Start it Up!

2011 McLaren MP4-12C (Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit)

It's official! McLaren has officially started the production of the its new supercar, the MP4-12C. This car was built to compete against the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 and the Ferrari 458 Italia. Well, for starters, it looks pretty good, and that should get you to believing that it's fast. You better believe that it's fast. Under the hood is McLaren's new 3.8-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 engine producing 592 horsepower. 0 to 60 is reached in less than 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 204 MPH. It's light as well, weighing just under 3,000 lb. Prices start at $229,000, which is in line with its competitors. But, what makes this car unique is that it signifies the comeback of one of the greatest car manufacturers in the world. Vodafone McLaren drivers and former F1 champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button had a go at the MP4-12C, and they loved it. Check out what they did below.

Fast-Action Cop

2011 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport Interceptor (Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit)

Who ever said that police officers don't like fast, expensive cars? I mean, of course they want you to watch the speed limit when you're driving, but it doesn't hurt giving your slick exotic car a whirl sometimes. Some police officers have confessed that they themselves would do that if they had a fast car. In fact, Tonight Show host, Jay Leno, was on Top Gear a few years back giving a good example of how some cops like fast cars. Let's just say it involved a few undercover officers, the streets of LA, and Jay's McLaren F1. Take a look at the whole interview with Jeremy Clarkson below.

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Serious Speed

Bugatti Veyron vs. McLaren F1

Two of the fastest cars in the world. A battle of power and sure speed. Only Top Gear had the ability to make this happen. If you have seen the battle between these two cars, then you know what the outcome is. However, if you haven't, I've posted it here so you can see just what happens between them. Top Gear host Richard Hammond wanted to find out if the old Fastest Car in the World, the McLaren F1, still had enough to take on the new Fastest Car in the World, the Bugatti Veyron, in a 1-mile straight drag race. Unfortunately, their airfield isn't as big and bad for these cars to duke it out. So, they sent them to the only place where speed is everything: Dubai. Hammond went behind the wheel of the Veyron, while his Stiggyness himself, The STIG, took the F1 for a whirl. Remember, the Veyron has more horsepower, torque, and traction than the F1. However, the F1 is much lighter, has no driving aids, and is somewhat more aerodynamic than the Veyron. I'm not gonna say anything more about this. Just Watch and see what happens!



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Real Racing 2 Shenanigans Part 2

2011 McLaren MP4-12C (Real Racing 2)

Honestly, I'm spending more time playing this game on my phone then playing Need For Speed; it's that good. Now, I've moved up in the Real Racing world and have bought this awesome british supercar from McLaren. Debuting this year, the MP4-12C was built to compete with the lightweight heavy-hitters from Lamborghini and Ferrari. Under the hood is a McLaren built 3.8-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 engine producing 592 horsepower. 0 to 60 is reached in 3.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 206 MPH. And, since its lightweight, expect it to be very good in the corners. In this game however, it out corners most Race Cars. Then again, this all is somewhat fictional. I've been having fun driving it. Check out the stuff below to see what I've done.

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New Year = New Cars

2011

Well, Christmas is here and the new year is upon us, which means it's time to make changes with our lives and the world. Out with the old, in with the new, and in this case, new cars. 2011 is coming and it's bringing an array of fancy new wheels with it. Here are some of them.

2011 McLaren MP4-12C

1. 2011 McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren is back after it's hiatus with the F1. Now, they're releasing this swoopy, Twin-Turbocharged 600 horsepower V8 supercar aiming for Ferrari and Lamborghini. McLaren are already certain that this car will go over 200 MPH. It's already received praise from Jay Leno and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. I like it, too because it looks as good as it handles. Let's see how well it will do next year.

2011 Chevy Camaro SS Convertible

2. 2011 Chevy Camaro Convertible

After months of anticipation, the Camaro finally takes its top off. New for 2011, the Camaro Convertible comes with all the perks of the regular hardtop coupe, but with no top. You still get the same engines, including the new 312 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 base engine. Prices start at $29,150, but if I were you, I'd pay extra to hear a growling 426 horsepower V8 under the hood.

2012 Nissan GT-R

3. 2012 Nissan GT-R

Next summer, Godzilla returns with more power and more insanity. It's all new 523 horsepower Twin-Turbocharged 3.7-liter V6 engine gets the monster from 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds. With that much power and acceleration, who knows? The GT-R could just about pass the 200 MPH mark. This is one crazy Japanese import!

2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible

4. 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible

This luxurious and sporty convertible returns with sexier looks and bigger engine. It now uses the same Twin-Turbocharged 400 horsepower V8 that you get in the 750i sedan. You will feel this power as you accelerate from 0 to 60 in less than 5 seconds. Another fast thing about this car is its folding roof which opens in 19 seconds and closes in just 24 seconds. Look for this car next summer with a big price tag and its top down.

2012 VW Golf R

5. 2012 VW Golf R

Finally! This turbo-nutting Golf is making its way to our shores WITH its 270 horsepower 2.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-4. Accompanied with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual or DSG transmission, this Golf will accelerate from 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 155 MPH. It will be available in 3-door or 5-door variants. Any way or another, this is one cool Golf.

2012 Ford Mustang BOSS 302 Laguna Seca

6. 2012 Ford Mustang

Since 2010, the Mustang has gotten better, adding more power, better styling, and better performance. New 2012, the mighty Mustang GT gets a new lower price tag of just under $30,000 to make room for this massive muscle: the BOSS 302. Coming next Spring, it will be available in regular or Laguna Seca variants starting at $44,000. This is definitely ideal money because this car was able to beat a top Laguna Seca lap time held by the BMW M3 E92.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster (Courtesy of Road & Track)

7. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

We've seen the SLS reveal itself earlier this year. Now it's time for it to take the top down for next summer. The car will still feature its 6.2-liter 563 horsepower V8 engine from the regular coupe, but since most convertibles are heavier than the regular coupe models, it might reach 60 MPH from 0 in a slower time. No matter. Convertibles are always more sexier than coupes.

2012 Ferrari 458 Spider (Courtesy of teamspeed.com)

8. 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider

This might just be a rendering, but rest assured Ferrari does plan to release a top-down version of their sexiest Ferrari, the 458, next summer. It might be slightly heavier than the original, but it will still feature its 562 horsepower Ferrari V8 engine so you can hear the harmonious engine more clearly.

2012 Ford Focus ST

9. 2012 Ford Focus ST

Since its birth, the Focus ST has always been in Europe. Now, Ford has come to its senses and have planned to bring the Turbo-hatch over to our shores. The new Focus ST will feature a 2.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-4 engine connected to a 6-speed manual transmission. 247 horsepower will power the front wheels of this car. This is just a first move of the many changes Ford has planned for the company. What's next? A Focus RS?

2011 Dodge Durango

10. 2011 Dodge Durango

The Durango is back and better than ever. Based off the platform of the all new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the all new Durango features better styling and more sportier looks. It looks more like sporty wagon than an SUV if you ask me. Under the hood is the traditional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 producing 370 horsepower making it very powerful for a very heavy SUV. Look for this SUV in the showrooms in a couple months.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

11. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

In 2005, Mercedes-Benz invented the 4-door coupe by bringing in the CLS. Now, for 2011, it's back with more power, sexier looks, and more technology. Its all new 5.5-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 engine producing 402 horsepower projects the car from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds making it very fast. When it comes out, it will be the first car ever made to offer full LED lighting for all of its dynamic lighting functions. In fact, there's 71 LED lights all around the car making it very energy saving. Not mention, it looks much sexier now than it did before. Look for this coupe next summer.

So, there's your list of cars coming out next year. Let's start the waiting...NOW!

Aspiration is Key

1992 Porsche 968

We now live in a time where cars make power seem easy with Turbochargers and Superchargers. But, what about the cars that don't have these things? Where have they gone? Not to worry, some companies haven't been swayed by the ways of the turbo. So, here's a list of some cars that are powered by just power and pure engineering.

2009 Honda S2000

1. Honda S2000
This was and still is the fastest and most powerfully Naturally Aspirated 4-cylinder in the world with a rating of 240 horsepower and a top speed of 150 MPH. It handled corners gracefully and was a well known drifting machine. It was one of the greatest looking Hondas of it's time, since most Hondas are ugly, except the CR-Z.

2008 TVR Sagaris

 2. TVR Sagaris
It's a pantomizer this car. To this day, it still is the fastest and most powerful naturally aspirated V6 car on the planet with a power rating at 405 sharing it with its brother, the Tuscan S, and a top speed of 200 MPH. It was lightweight, quick, and unbelievably crazy. And it was all this without need of a turbo. Britain does it again!

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

3. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Germans are crazy, and it's proved with this Merc. This year, Mercedes-Benz unleashed this German beast with a new 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 563 horsepower making it the most powerful Naturally Aspirated V8 in the world. It could hit a top speed of 198 MPH and hit 60 in 3.7 seconds making it very quick. It's also very good looking with its top model LED lights and signature Gullwing Doors. So there you are, one crazy German supercar from Mercedes-Benz.

2008 Bristol Fighter S

4. Bristol Fighter S
The British have done it again! This swoopy coupe is the fastest and most powerful naturally aspirated V10 car in the world with 628 horsepower and a top speed of 210 MPH. Might I add that this was made possible because of the all-mighty Viper. Since Chrysler and Bristol have been sharing engines since 1961, Bristol thought they'd use a Viper engine in their supercar and tune it a little bit to make it better. It might be cheating, but the outcome was magnificent.

2011 Aston Martin One-77

5. Aston Martin One-77
This is the most powerful naturally aspirated V12 of all time. The numbers: 750 horsepower, 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds, 221 MPH, $1.7 Million. This is an artsy car with it's many curves and lines. It's very beautiful with big eyes and sexy grille. This is an ideal non turbo supercar. Now, it might be the most powerful, but it isn't the fastest.

1997 McLaren F1

6. McLaren F1
Even though its V12 engine was surpassed by an Aston Martin, the mighty McLaren F1 is to this day the fastest naturally aspirated car in the world with a top speed of 240 MPH with only 627 horsepower in its engine. When it was released, it was one of the greatest vehicles ever created; and it still is.

So there you are: your non-turbo heroes. Feel free to honor them.

McLaren's Track Screamer

2012 McLaren MP4-12C GT3

In order to live up to the legendary F1, the MP4-12C has to be one of the greatest supercars on the planet, and that includes being powerful, scientific, fast, and performance worthy. So, McLaren, with collaboration from CRS Racing, have finally released teaser pics of what their new track screamer would look like, and it's something like this. We don't how much power it has, or how fast it will go, but McLaren have promised that this car will generate a sizable amount of wins in the FIA GT league. Good luck! They're up against Ferrari and their track screaming 458. The first batch of cars will built for private FIA racing teams at a pretty hefty price. Let's see McLaren storm back from a racing hiatus.

Thank You eBay!

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Stealth Model

1997 McLaren F1 Stealth Model

2010 Nissan GTR GT500 Stealth Model

Thanks to the awesome power of eBay, I am now in possession of 3 out of 6 of the Gran Turismo Stealth Cars: One from Mercedes, one from Nissan, and one from McLaren. If you thought I was menacing before, well, think again. And, if that doesn't scare, wait til you see what I just picked up. I'm not gonna tell you what it is, but here's a teaser.

That's It!

Think you know what it is? Find out later today!