McLaren Updating MP4-12C for 2013 with Power Bump, Other Upgrades

June 5 2012 by Alexander Stoklosa - Car & Driver

McLaren’s mid-engined MP4-12C sports car just went on sale this past year, but several updates are headed its way for 2013. We don’t have too many complaints about the MP4-12C in its current form—we gave it the nod in a comparison test against the Ferrari 458 Italia and Porsche 911 GT2 RS—but McLaren apparently felt it necessary to tweak the car and give it a power bump for 2013.

The most significant update, at least to us, is an additional 25 hp for the MP4-12C’s twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V-8. The power increase will come by way of an engine-computer update, bringing the power total to 618 hp. McLaren also is modifying the car’s transmission programming and adding software to allow drivers to alter the level of engine noise entering the cabin. The current MP4-12C has a valved sound tube that pipes intake noise into the cabin at different levels, depending on which driving mode is selected. Now, McLaren owners will be able to adjust the valve independently of the driving mode. Full loud? Yes, please.

Among the less sexy—but still useful—updates is the addition of Bluetooth and navigation functionality for the MP4-12C’s touch-screen–based infotainment system. (The 2012 car had the hardware to support both nav and Bluetooth, but the software wasn’t ready until now.) McLaren also is adding an optional suspension lift mode, which can raise both the front and rear of the car at low speeds. This should prove useful to customers who occasionally are confronted by a steep driveway or rough road. Finally, the MP4-12C’s radio antenna was tweaked for enhanced reception.

The best part is that, aside from the upcoming model’s optional suspension lift functionality, McLaren will retrofit all of these upgrades to current customers’ cars at no charge. This is especially remarkable in light of the price increase that will be levied upon the 2013 MP4-12C. (McLaren will announce more specific pricing information later.) The new 2013 model goes on sale in September, and McLaren will begin retrofitting existing cars with the upgrades in October.