A cabin designed for optimum driver control
In a class where the driver’s comfort is typically compromised for performance, the MP4-12C proves that with intelligent design, a driver can have both. The interior is uncluttered, minimal and precisely crafted for a purely McLaren driving experience. It was only by designing the 12C around the driver that we could achieve this.
Small changes = big difference
We know from our experience in Formula 1 that it’s often the small, innovative details that can bring about the greatest benefits. We took the best principles from our Formula 1 design experience and applied them to the 12C’s driver position.
By simply rotating the touch-screen of the infotainment system from a traditional landscape position to portrait, we were able to significantly reduce the size of the centre console. This allowed us to move the driver’s seat closer to the centre, to give a greater sense of control and let the driver place the car with total accuracy.
Simplicity and focus
Moving the driver closer to the centre created space for an additional ‘door console’. This allowed us to move all the controls off the steering wheel to aid driver focus.
We were able to create functional, intuitive zones for the controls, all accessible within a hand’s distance from the steering wheel: climate controls are on each door; the telematics are on the upper centre; the Active Dynamics Panel is on the middle centre; transmission controls are on the tunnel console and the trip computer and cruise controls can be found on the steering column.
The instrument cluster has been designed to give the driver all the information they need in the format they need it in, hence the large central tachometer and digital speed readout.
The 12C’s pure, uncluttered cabin design allows the driver to stay focused on the road, in total control over the car.