Before we get to the Gemballa MP4-12C GT3 car lets first take a look at the base model supercar. In 2009 McLaren launched an all new supercar dubbed the MP4 -12C. Like the McLaren F1 from 15 years ago; the McLaren MP4-12C also benefits from the experience of Formula 1 racing that McLaren has had over the years. The MP4-12C is made almost entirely from light-weight carbon fiber. The monocoque chassis weighs only 75-pounds! This carbon fiber safety cell is the perfect the backbone for a high performance two-seater super sports car. The use of carbon fiber combines great stability, low weight, and high strength.
Powered by a Twin-Turbo V-8 Engine
McLaren developed a twin-turbo V-8 engine for the MP4-12C. Power output is 600 horsepower. It is clear that for the first time the engine is the heart of the McLaren MP4-12C. McLaren developed a 3.8-liter V-8 engine with a cylinder angle of 90 degrees; bring it through the twin turbochargers and variable valve timing to exactly 600 HP at 7,000 rpm and 442 lb-ft of torque. A dry-sump lubrication system ensures oil supply even under extreme load. In spite of the 8,500 rpm redline, just over 80 percent of peak torque available from 2,000 rpm thanks to the quick-spooling turbochargers.
The standard sprint from 0-60 MPH fly’s by in just 3.3 seconds. Top speed of the McLaren MP4-12C is 205 MPH! Power is transferred to from the V-8 mid-engine via an automated seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with different running programs on the rear axle. An adaptive suspension replaces the conventional stabilizers. The gear changes made via steering wheel paddles.
The low weight of the McLaren MP4-12C, compact design, lightweight composite brake system, and ceramic brake system has been developed straight from the Formula 1 circuit. Light forged wheels that measure 19 inches at the front axle and 20 inch rear really set the McLaren’s exterior looks off! Everything from the exterior body parts to the air brake and huge brakes promises the new McLaren MP4-12C will have downright stunning braking performance.
McLaren MP4-12C Design
Much Formula 1 know-how has been put into the design of the MP4-12C. By moving parts around like the cooler into the back of the nose for example the McLaren MP4-12C has sufficient trunk space. The overall shape of the MP4, along with the completely flat underbody generates loads of down force and thus focuses on driving dynamics. The MP4-12C features bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and a large air intake. On the flanks stand the large air intakes and the forward pivoting doors above the eye. The tail is again dominated by a large diffuser and the exhaust tailpipes and set up the hidden elements in cross-LED taillights. From the aerial perspective is the transparent engine cover a view of the engine room.
Tons of Features
The MP4-12C has tons of standard features you would expect to find in a supercar including: ABS, ESP, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, hill-hold function and a derivative of the Formula 1 assistance system called Brake Steer. On the inside there are two electrically adjustable bucket seats. A touch screen combines important elements of the navigation and the high-end sound system. The MP4-12C carries air conditioning, airbags, parking sensors, and numerous storage compartments behind the seats.
McLaren MP4-12C Competition
To compete in the hotly contested market for supercars; McLaren uses a combination of performance figures to compete with other supercars. Major competition comes from Bugatti, Pagani, and Koenigsegg. In order for the McLaren MP4-12C meets competitors like the Ferrari 458 Italia, Porsche Turbo, the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Aston Martin DB9 and the Bentley Continental GT.
GEMBALLA Racing McLaren MP4-12C GT3
Gemballa is the world most well-known and respected car manufacturer in Germany. In fact Gemballa just celebrated their 30-year anniversary.
Sascha Bert was named by as team manager for the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 racing team.
There is tremendous potential in the MP4-12C to compete in GT3. Together with a renowned race team that has already won everything you can imagine, and with exceptional drivers, we clearly want to take victory. Racing is in our blood says Bert. For 30 years, GEMBALLA is a term for maximum performance, reliability and uniqueness.
The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 offers this technology at its finest. As a wing-door with a huge rear wing, the car comes with 3.8 liter V8 twin turbo, carbon-security cell, a new front splitter, optimized air vents in the front and a large diffuser in the rear. The steering wheel with integrated display is an ode to the first formula racing cars.
The new "SE Gemballa racing" is an independent company under the direction of Marco Marquardt GEMBALLA Board and will attend exclusively to racing. For thirty years the name Gemballa has been a globally recognized concept for performance enhancement and modification of predominantly Porsche vehicles and building spectacular vehicles on the basis of their own body shells.
GEMBALLA has earned a reputation as one of the most extreme Porsche tuners and attracted worldwide attention through conversions such as the GEMBALLA Avalanche based on Porsche 911 or the GEMBALLA Mirage GT based on Porsche Carrera GT.
In the 2012 motorsport season with GEMBALLA Racing and two McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at the start.
