A product of collaboration
McLaren’s heritage is on the track – it’s where we grew up. And continue to grow. It’s where we developed our distinctive ambition, drive and ruthless quest for innovation and quality, as well as our expertise in advanced simulation, aerodynamics, electronics, and efficient performance.
By working together under one roof – the roof of the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) – our committed and diverse team of experts in these fields has been able to use our racing experience to help design and build a ground-breaking car like the MP4-12C.
Advanced simulation
Below the 12C design studios, you’ll find the cutting-edge McLaren simulator and the specialist engineers who run it. Our simulator offers such high levels of realism that McLaren’s Chief Test Driver, Chris Goodwin, was able to test and develop the 12C’s driving dynamics before a prototype was even built. The simulator and the 12C engineering teams worked closely together for more than two years to perfect the car’s set-up. This gave us the engineering freedom and development time to refine the 12C’s drive until it measured up to our high expectations.
Cutting-edge electronics
Across the corridor from the 12C development teams is McLaren Electronics – the team who design and build the units that control the engines and gearboxes of every car racing in Formula 1 and Nascar today. The same team worked with 12C’s engineers to develop an entirely bespoke new electronics system, from the dials and switches in the cabin, through to the innovative Powertrain and Chassis Control Unit (PCCU) under the bonnet.
McLaren Automotive Chairman Ron Dennis believes it is only because of our close collaboration that we’ve been able to build a car like the 12C: “Everything we have achieved as a well-honed and fiercely competitive team has prepared us for this moment.”