Braking as breathtaking as acceleration
The record-breaking 240.1mph (386.7kph) McLaren F1 needed flexible aerodynamics, able to both control downforce and provide maximum braking performance. So, to manage these extreme loads under heavy braking, we designed the F1 with a computer-controlled rear Airbrake.
Learning from the F1, we gave the MP4-12C an Airbrake that can sit in three different positions, optimising downforce and stability for different driving conditions.
Shorter stopping distances
The un-deployed position gives excellent downforce, without compromising top speed. The Airbrake is automatically deployed under heavy braking. By preventing the centre of pressure from shifting forwards, it actively alters the aerodynamics to keep the 12C’s rear wheels in contact with the road, preventing the wheels from locking up and giving the driver ultimate confidence when braking at high speed.
In wet conditions, or for cornering at high speed, the driver can also manually deploy the Airbrake, for additional rear downforce. Thanks to the Airbrake’s effectiveness, the 12C’s braking performance is as breathtaking as its acceleration; the 12C driver will need to recalibrate their understanding of stopping distances.
Using air to raise the airbrake
Deploying an Airbrake vertically under the air pressure of a car travelling at high speed isn’t easy. A separate, heavy mechanical control box wasn’t something the engineers were keen to use, so we designed the 12C’s gearbox hydraulics system to deploy the 12C’s airbrake to 60˚. Then, by ingenious design of the mechanism’s ‘kinematics’, once a small amount of wing is pushed up, the pressure of the air flow forces the wing into position naturally. And it all takes just 700 milliseconds.