Tis the Time to Watch Out: Cool Timepieces for the Auto Enthusiast

A red and white McLaren and a bright yellow-helmeted driver behind the wheel storming down the track is one of the images that defined the 1980’s-era of Formula 1.

The driver was, of course, the late Ayrton Senna. And the watch he wore was always a TAG Heuer, something that made many young fans of the most charismatic driver the world has ever seen yearn for one.

The Swiss brand continues its partnership with the Woking-based F1 team, making sure that Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button flash their timepieces at every opportunity.

On the other hand, the most famous, if not really the most exclusive or expensive watchmaker in the world, Rolex, has linked its name not only with the late actor, racing driver and Indycar team owner Paul Newman, but also sponsors and big names, many major events after its most coveted model, the Daytona chronograph.

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Damaged McLaren MP4-12C Pops up for Sale, would You Buy it?

Ron Dennis' newest creation, the McLaren MP4-12C, only went on sale in Europe this past spring but we're already seeing the first crashed examples showing up on the used car market.

This silver colored MP4-12C was registered in Holland on August 2011 and covered only 4,000 kilometers (2,486 miles) before its owner drove it into what may have been a ditch judging by the dirt up front and the damage to the car.

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Formula 1: Brazilian Grand Prix Race Results

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride: this perfectly describes Mark Webber’s participation at the 2011 Formula 1 season so far. Despite driving the best car on the grid and being in the top-performing team, the Australian not only watched his younger teammate clinch the title with considerable ease, but until the last race of the season didn’t have a single win to show for himself. .

McLaren Denies Rumors about a Honda Engine Deal in 2014

The image of a white and red McLaren, usually with a yellow-green helmet signaling that the man sitting in the cockpit was none other than Ayrton Senna, is one that remains etched in F1 fans’ minds many years after his demise in 1994. Powering the McLaren of the late three-time world champion was a Honda engine.

Last weekend, German magazine Auto Motor und Sport reported that McLaren was in talks with Honda to rekindle their 1988-1992 collaboration, which yielded four constructor championships, from 2014 onwards, when the rules mandate the change to 1.6-liter turbocharged engines.

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McLaren Gives us an Insight into its New Production Center with Video and Mega Gallery

Venturing into the automotive business takes a lot more than building some prototypes, launching a new model and then waiting for the orders to come in. Even more so if you intend to compete on the top level and establish yourself as a supercar manufacturer.

This is why McLaren Automotive didn’t only build its first supercar after the iconic F1 of the ‘90s, but also invested close to £50 million (€58.2 or US$77.3 million) in developing a brand-new, state-of-the-art factory – or rather, as the company names it, the McLaren Production Center (MPC).

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Rumors - McLaren Planning to Launch Iconic F1 Successor as Early as 2012

Rumors - McLaren Planning to Launch Iconic F1 Successor as Early as 2012

Since the launch of the MP4-12C, McLaren has made it pretty much clear that it plans to establish itself as a serious sports carmaker and gain a full range of models that will cover the entire supercar spectrum. Now it seems that the British car manufacturer is moving up its schedule, as according to a report from British magazine Autocar, it will launch a successor to the iconic F1 of the 1990s in 2012 – that’s one year earlier than expected. Perhaps the reason is to coincide with the original F1's 20-year anniversary.
We’ve already covered the issue extensively, laying out McLaren’s plans for its future cars that will require a $1 billion investment. They will all be based on the MP4-12C’s carbonfiber chassis, which has been thoroughly developed to underpin various models, but will be quite different in character.
The top-of-the-line F1 successor is code-named P12 and has quite a reputation to live up to. Its Gordon Murray-designed ancestor set new design, weight and performance standards not only for its time but also for many years after: the Bugatti Veyron managed to beat its top speed record many years later.
The P12 will use the MP4-12C’s carbonfiber chassis featuring a mid-engine layout. No details have emerged about the engine yet, but its output will be near the 800HP mark to outshine rivals like the Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari’s 2012 Enzo successor.
Despite being more powerful, the P12 will weigh about the same as the MP4-12C thanks to the extensive use of carbonfiber and other exotic materials in its construction. Customers will also be asked to shell out more than the €200,000 McLaren asks in Europe for the MP4-12C.
Company insiders have described the car as “revolutionary”. They also claim that, contrary to the MP4-12C that hasn't received glowing reviews about its uninspired design, McLaren’s flagship will make quite an impact style-wise.
The same sources state that certain elements of the 1992 F1 will be retained, although at this point it is not known whether the distinct center driving position will be one of them. Also, unlike the original that sold only 72 road cars, the modern-day F1 will enter regular production, but will be more exclusive than the MP4-12C.

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Ferrari Boss Dismisses McLaren’s Carbonfiber Chassis, Says Maranello will focus on Hybrid Tech...

Ferrari Boss Dismisses McLaren’s Carbonfiber Chassis, Says Maranello will focus on Hybrid Tech...

In an interview with CAR magazine, Amedeo Felisa, Ferrari’s CEO who is pictured above with F1 driver Felipe Massa, talked about many things – from rivals to the press, and of course, Maranello’s future plans. When asked about recent tests conducted between Ferrari’s own 458 Italia and its new rival, the McLaren MP4-12C, Felisa said that he was more than pleased, since the 458 came out on top.
What made him happier is the fact that the test were performed by British car journalists who tend to favor their home products as, in his own words, “only you British can find a certain level of performance at Aston Martin!”.
The Ferrari boss also said that McLaren's decision to use a carbonfiber chassis is not practical for models that are produced in relatively big numbers as it increases the cost and reduces production rate. Felisa added that Ferrari could produce an aluminum chassis that is as light as a carbonfiber, but will only use the latter in top-of-the-line exotics like the Enzo’s replacement.
Felisa revealed that the “family look” adopted by most carmakers is a no-no for Ferrari: “All the other brands have a way in which they use in a different shape, stretching or enlarging. Our rule is not to use that. You can have some iconic touches from previews models, but we don’t like to have a family feel.”
Having already presented a hybrid project in the form of the 599 HY-KERS concept, Ferrari’s CEO admits that strict emissions regulations force the carmaker to invest heavily in hybrid technology, drawing from its F1 experience but not relying solely on it.
Moreover, hybrid technology will allow Ferrari to continue developing V12 engines as, according to Felisa, even a V12’s CO2 emissions can drop to 200 g/km: “The California emits 299 g/km. If you do the hybrid 12m you can go lower than the V8”, he concluded.
 
Story reference: CAR Magazine

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McLaren Delays MP4-12C Deliveries to Fix Software Glitch

McLaren Delays MP4-12C Deliveries to Fix Software Glitch

McLaren keeps opening one showroom after another around the world, yet there are stories circulating the web that the Woking-based carmaker has stopped production of the MP4-12C supercar due to safety concerns. Tony Joseph, director of McLaren North America, admitted that there are some delays, but they have nothing to do with safety: “There are no safety concerns for the delay. We’ve had some quality-related issues in a few cars we wanted to address before we continue to deliver customer cars”, he told Autoweek magazine.
Joseph denied the rumors that the MP4-12C faces performance and safety problems, claiming that the issues were mostly condensation in the headlights and a problem with battery drainage and door operation.
“We believe the battery issue is coming from the electrical head unit, which appears to not be shutting off”, he said. The glitch seems to be software-related, since the car’s electronics shut down when the doors are locked in order to stop the battery from draining.
In Europe, 59 cars have already been delivered to customers, but not all of them have been affected. Joseph said that McLaren is dealing with the problem case-by-case basis, sending repair people on location to fix the issue.
Joseph admitted that while McLaren dealers will get their demo cars on time, shipment of the 179 cars ordered by US customers may be delayed by a couple of weeks until the problem is solved: “We want to make sure we deliver a proper product to our customers. And I would rather delay them by a couple of weeks if I can ensure a better product.”

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Mercedes-Benz McLaren Sports Cars SLR Stirling Moss

Bearing the namesake of legendary British racer Stirling Moss, the McLaren SLR Stirling Moss, will be making its big debut as the newest McLaren SLR variant amongst the automotive elite (and few entries from Kia) at the 38th Annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January.

Mercedes-Benz McLaren Sports Cars SLR Stirling Moss

Stuttgart– Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to the model family of their highly successful SLR super sports car with a new, uncompromisingly spectacular car. There is neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and passenger from the outside world; they enjoy unadulterated high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster.

The new SLR Stirling Moss is also characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h – no other series-production car is at the same time so open and so fast.

This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a legitimate bearer of the name of the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars from victory to victory during the 1950s.

A successful collaboration of engineering which is demonstrated far beyond the relatively ancillary exclusion of a windscreen, the SLR Stirling Moss is truly an equal celebration of McLaren’s both past and present. Thus in keeping with its status as a rare breed, production of the SLR Stirling Moss will be limited to only 75 units and, to further prevent your uncultured, peasant hands from touching it, each unit will be priced at a cool $1.04 million (€750,000).

This is why the modern-day version of the legendary SLR carries the additional words “Stirling Moss” in its name. As the new SLR Stirling Moss unites the character of the current SLR models with the fascination of the SLR of 1955. The core values of both the historical and the present-day SLR models include an exciting new design, innovative technology, high-class materials displaying perfect craftsmanship, and, above all: a unique driving experience for all the senses.

Whilst the 300 SLR earned its spurs on racing circuits the world over, the new member of the SLR family is not designed for the racetrack. Although it sets new standards in terms of technology, performance and excitement – just like its forebears – it is aimed at individuals who have exquisite requirements and nurture very special dreams.

Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrow’s equipment is extremely sophisticated and yet at the same time decidedly spartan, doing without both a roof and side windows. There are just two wind deflectors a couple of centimetres in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow. Two air scoops integrated into the bodywork serve as roll-over bars. With this extreme concept the new SLR Stirling Moss is visually very different from all the other vehicles which belong to the elite sports car class.

Just like the legendary racing vehicles of yesteryear, the SLR Stirling Moss dazzles with its superlative performance. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h this puristic high-performance sports car denotes completely new dimensions in open-top driving. And not just because of the impressive performance figures; every time drivers take to the wheel of the SLR Stirling Moss their senses are addressed with a previously unheard of intensity, conveying a driving experience in its purest and most sensual form. This automotive thoroughbred thus facilitates the kind of open-air feeling that is utterly unique for a road-going vehicle.

Developers working on the Stirling Moss were able to fall back on a wealth of experience gathered when producing the SLR Coupé and Roadster, in particular where the technical base was concerned, with its extravagant carbon-fibre design, high-performance suspension and throaty V8 engine. The common denominator uniting the Stirling Moss with the other members of the SLR family is the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle – with one difference: the diffuser here is considerably larger than that on the coupé and roadster.

The new SLR Stirling Moss is the kind of high-calibre speedster coveted by the sporting gentry and enthusiasts alike. At the same time it is a collector’s item which marks the pinnacle of an era and, for the foreseeable future, at least, the final curtain for the SLR. In May 2009 production of the SLR models will cease; only a total of 75 units of the Stirling Moss will be manufactured between June and December 2009, bearing chassis numbers from 1 to 75. Not only does this exclusive vehicle represent the conclusion of the current SLR family; it also serves as a very special thank you to the most loyal of SLR customers, for they are the only ones able to acquire a Stirling Moss.

2010 McLaren MP4-25 Race Car

While yesterday was Ferrari's turn to present his car, McLaren did today. The team presented the MP4-25, the model that will run Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button in the Formula 1 season starting on March 14 in Bahrain. The McLaren team that will be the last two world champions in Formula 1, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. According to the company, the 'MP4-25', is a car that carries the British team has worked "more than ever" to tackle "an exciting year."

2010 McLaren MP4-25 Race Car   

The McLaren Mercedes team launched its new car for the 2010 season on Friday morning, with the target of clinching both titles after a mixed campaign in 2009. The Mercedes-powered MP4-25 was unveiled at Vodafone UK's headquarters in Newbury. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team revealed its brand new MP4-25 chassis – the car in which reigning world champion Jenson Button and 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton will contest the 2010 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

2010 McLaren MP4-25 Race Car   

Unveiled at Vodafone UK’s stunning headquarters in Newbury, the 2010 car looks noticeably different from last year’s race-winning MP4-24. MP4-25 features a radical aerodynamic overhaul and a significantly larger fuel tank to take full advantage of this year’s new regulations, and its design team is confident it has explored every possible avenue to maximise the car’s performance.

2010 McLaren MP4-25 Race Car   

Horsepower once again comes from our friends in Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz’s FO 108X V8 subtly improves upon an engine that has become the benchmark in Formula 1, winning the last two drivers’ world championships.

2010 McLaren MP4-25 Race Car   

The team kicks off its 2010 campaign with a stunning driver pairing: 2009 world champion Jenson Button and 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton. It is the first time since 1989 – when it ran Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna – that the team has fielded a joint-world champion driver line-up, and marks the first time in Formula 1 history that the sport’s two most recent world champions have been partnered together.

2010 McLaren MP4-25 Race Car   

However, the driver line-up represents only a fraction of the team’s remarkable strength in depth. Members of the design team who contributed to the development of MP4-25 can also trace their involvement back through an incredible seven of the team’s 12 drivers’ world championships, five of the team’s eight constructors’ world championships and 112 of the team’s 164 grand prix victories.

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team begins pre-season testing with MP4-25 at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo on Monday.