Very well done on the video! Not only the presentation, as we're used to from Chris, but also the filming and editing get a big thumbs up! Great sound and video quality as well!
Chris Harris knows his stuff. Great review. I've seen one of these on the road a few months ago and I wasn't blown away by its looks like I have been with the two 458's I've seen on the road. That said, I'd happily have both of them!
Nice review EVOTV/Chris Harris...been waiting for his impression of this amazing performance car...he is very descriptive...need to see this on dry pavement though to grasp handling, acceleration and grip!
Here, a couple of years after seeing it for the first time the looks are really growing on me. I found it dull to begin with, but now I really feel that it's a better car than a 458. It's unquestionably faster too.
I've spent a few days watching car review videos, and watched most of the mainstream tests of the MP4-12C (Motor Trend, Road and Track, Top Gear, Autocar...), but this one was the most informative... and it wasn't junked up with all kinds of subjective feelings - just good, solid information on the car. Great review.
Great review, very detailed and informative. Like evo a lot. Much better than latest top gear seasons, where they keep reviewing the same cars for 3 and more times (458, Mclaren, and others). Regret I didn't know about this channel before.
It's really something how many rainy days occur in the UK, sigh, lol. Puts a damper (literally and figuratively) on car tests ;) CH as usual, probably the best reviewer out there bar none. *thumbs up* on the brief yet awesome analysis. More more!!
One thing I love about British reviews is that they will whip a super car around a track in pouring rain and the driver will still talk like he's just out for a casual Sunday cruise.
Chris, you talk sense unlike some of the other presenter, you have a nice way of explaining and it somehow feels as if better, please do more car reviews.
This car was tested without the optional factory sport exhaust. Thumbs up so people can understand why this car is lacking good noise. Once you hear the sport exhaust, you'll just have to have one.
I finally got to drive this car at Newport Beach McLaren (Thanks Nick) and WOW!!!! I've driven many exotics and this is the best all around exotic I've ever driven. Incredibly fast... handles like it's on rails.
@ksakbk Drops the ride height front and rear and increases the angle of the rear flap so that it's sticking up more often over a greater range of speeds. More downforce with more drag for when you need to start chucking it around a track or a twisty bit of road.
Very good video! Best one yet on the 12c, certainly more useful than any others so far. Looking forward to the roadtest! I live two mins walk from what will become McLaren North West in a couple of months and it's going to be painfully hard to not get my wallet out!
@NegerKim It's also one of those cars that looks 100x better in real life than when you see it in the videos and photos. Don't know why, but it is amazing.
aerodynamics is basically like a reverse version of a plane. instead of going in the air as you go faster, the front and rear wings push the car into the road, allowing it to handle better
@blackseries99 I agree about the sound but where did you hear that it drives better?? Have you driven both.. because all the reviews says the oposite for now.
this car has grown on me a lot. A lot of supercars look stunning, but maybe too over the top.This looks stunning, but in a 'normal' way. Like a car that you could use all the time. Plus its fast as hell. And its British made. If i win the lottery, id highly consider one
this review is so much more factual than all the others who immediately started "quantify" 458s in terms of performance and handling. Anyway, marvellous piece of engineering there from McLaren, well done!
@lazerblu I'm guessing the standard exhaust because it did change noise levels quite drasticly which the louder one wouldn't do because it's purpose is to be, well, louder. Also, I'm fairly sure he would have mentioned it.
@sw1000xg that would be a great group test. i would like to see more of the GT2 RS in video footage aswell. what i gather from written reviews and ECOTYis it takes some seriousley big bollocks to put you foot to the floor in it. wonder how it compares on the road o the McLaren.
When I first laid eyes on this car I thought it looked really dull and bland but as I've looked at it more I appretiate it much more now. It looks sublime. I love the door handles too, or lack thereof.
If I'm not mistaken they tested a preproduction car and at that time it wasn't possible to turn off ESP. And because of that car wouldn't drift. In track mode ESP just gives you longer leash but it's still there. You can turn ESP off in production cars. Nonetheless 458 and MP4-12C have different characters.
@3XICS Nissa claims a 7:24 time for a stock 2011 GT-R. There's a video but it's impossible to tell if the car has been tweaked or not. German magazine Sport Auto did their own test and achieved a 7:34, still 10 seconds faster than the equally powerful but much lighter 911 Turbo S. As for the McLaren there's no Ring lap time yet but it's probably safe to say that it will be around or faster than the most recent Ferrari 458 time, which is 7:32.
This must be the perfect everyday supercar. It's looks fantastic, handles fantastic, it's comfortable... What to say, I think epic could describe it very well.
I've said it once, and I'll say it again. The Veyron wasn't Concorde... This, for the moment, is Concorde. What a fabulous piece of automotive engineering.
Chris Harris makes me shake my head everytime I see him on video. This guy is this generation's definitive sports car authority. He really should have his own show, if not an entire network. He is SUCH a journalistic talent for automobiles.
I can't tell, is the color of the car McLaren Orange or is it some other orange? When the camera views out of the car you can see parts of the hood and it looks as if it's McLaren Orange. Perhaps the colors in this video were adjusted during production......
you have to remember that on top gear they have a 45 minute television that they have to fill with other things, so while they do review cars, a lot of what they do is for entertainment as well
@shiconia well they would tie coz they have the same power to weight ratio, but the ferrari might be a little bit faster coz its 35 kilos lighter (80 lbs)
Obviously I haven't ever driven one before, but by the looks of it, you get a comfortable and somewhat practical car for the road, you get a sporty mode for a bit of kick on the road but you don't loose the comfort, and then you get full track mode for fantastic lap times. From one point of view this car has and does everything you could ever want, but as much as I love it, I think the likes of Clarkson and even Tiff and Jason are right, it's kind of lacking some excitement, it's a bit dull.
I don't know much about this guy, but I can see he's a very good presenter. He's technical but without being too boring unlike other car show presenters. I won't compare shows like EVO, AutoCar or Top Gear. They're all different and all enjoyable on their way. Top Gear is entertaining, EVO is all about facts and no bullshit. AutoCar is a bit more "dry" but still enjoyable. Now about the car: I would take this any day over a 458. Period!
Chris Harris is such a god when it comes to car reviews, i love this car...the only question is about the looks and how conservative it is. it will still stand out sure but the performance is what mclaren is about, you can watch a drag race of this against a 997 turbo mk2 and a 458 and it thrashes both of them.
the door it self using a censor to open, that's what i like from mclaren mp4 12c, and it's so comfy too, i don't care about Tiff and Jason from Fifth Gear said about this car but i'd still choose it instead of ferrari 458 Italia
Finally a smart person. With the new upgraded 625ps 12C and the ISG AND the sports exhausts , the 12C gets as loud as the 458.. but less irritating noise!
@NegerKim Faster yes but not SOOO fast as to totally change the game. And better than the 458? I dont love the 458, believe it or not i prefer the Gallardo but how is it better than the 458?
I never saw this guy before, I just searched for the car, and when I saw the top comment I thought the guy is exagerating, but he is right, this reviewer is really good, I've got to see more from him.
Wow. I'm so glad this manufacture is back in the game. I really missed them since the 90's.
Welcome back Mclaren..
Now I actually know more about his beard than i do know about the interior....
Good beard review...
Very well done on the video! Not only the presentation, as we're used to from Chris, but also the filming and editing get a big thumbs up! Great sound and video quality as well!
Amazing review, especially the introduction. Love that montage/video editing as well.
Chris Harris knows his stuff. Great review. I've seen one of these on the road a few months ago and I wasn't blown away by its looks like I have been with the two 458's I've seen on the road. That said, I'd happily have both of them!
Nice review EVOTV/Chris Harris...been waiting for his impression of this amazing performance car...he is very descriptive...need to see this on dry pavement though to grasp handling, acceleration and grip!
Here, a couple of years after seeing it for the first time the looks are really growing on me.
I found it dull to begin with, but now I really feel that it's a better car than a 458. It's unquestionably faster too.
I've spent a few days watching car review videos, and watched most of the mainstream tests of the MP4-12C (Motor Trend, Road and Track, Top Gear, Autocar...), but this one was the most informative... and it wasn't junked up with all kinds of subjective feelings - just good, solid information on the car. Great review.
Sweet, I have been waiting for the Chris Harris review of this car.
Awesome as usual.
I love this car, I need it in my life.
Great review, very detailed and informative. Like evo a lot.
Much better than latest top gear seasons, where they keep reviewing the same cars for 3 and more times (458, Mclaren, and others). Regret I didn't know about this channel before.
Chris your reviews are always the best.
Awesome car and review! Can't wait to drive it! Gonna be counting the days to it.
Stunning review as always, love this car.
So you have to press the "active" button to change the modes or what does it do ?
Best review I've seen in ages ! This guy is phenomenal ! ^_^
It's really something how many rainy days occur in the UK, sigh, lol. Puts a damper (literally and figuratively) on car tests ;)
CH as usual, probably the best reviewer out there bar none. *thumbs up* on the brief yet awesome analysis. More more!!
amazing, and it was in the rain, still getting praise.... crazy crazy car.
One thing I love about British reviews is that they will whip a super car around a track in pouring rain and the driver will still talk like he's just out for a casual Sunday cruise.
Wow. Thanks chris for another great review.
Fantastic review
Excellent review. Harris does it again!
Chris, you talk sense unlike some of the other presenter, you have a nice way of explaining and it somehow feels as if better, please do more car reviews.
BEST VIDEO OF 2011 (so far) and best video review since 458 v GT3!
fantastic review!
This car was tested without the optional factory sport exhaust. Thumbs up so people can understand why this car is lacking good noise. Once you hear the sport exhaust, you'll just have to have one.
I finally got to drive this car at Newport Beach McLaren (Thanks Nick) and WOW!!!! I've driven many exotics and this is the best all around exotic I've ever driven. Incredibly fast... handles like it's on rails.
saw a blue one of these yesterday on the road in front of me and just found out what it was. what a nice car.
This is a fantastic example of how good Chris Harris is at his job, the guys in a class of his own!
great review!!
@ksakbk
Drops the ride height front and rear and increases the angle of the rear flap so that it's sticking up more often over a greater range of speeds. More downforce with more drag for when you need to start chucking it around a track or a twisty bit of road.
Thanks, EVO, for providing details that real enthusiasts want to hear.
Very good video! Best one yet on the 12c, certainly more useful than any others so far. Looking forward to the roadtest! I live two mins walk from what will become McLaren North West in a couple of months and it's going to be painfully hard to not get my wallet out!
@NegerKim It's also one of those cars that looks 100x better in real life than when you see it in the videos and photos. Don't know why, but it is amazing.
aerodynamics is basically like a reverse version of a plane. instead of going in the air as you go faster, the front and rear wings push the car into the road, allowing it to handle better
@blackseries99 I agree about the sound but where did you hear that it drives better?? Have you driven both.. because all the reviews says the oposite for now.
this car has grown on me a lot. A lot of supercars look stunning, but maybe too over the top.This looks stunning, but in a 'normal' way. Like a car that you could use all the time. Plus its fast as hell. And its British made. If i win the lottery, id highly consider one
Got a bit 'Jackanory' in its tone at the end, but great video and review.
A real insight to a fantastic car.
Thanks so much, evo!
@farabirview I don't think they mentioned the various road and track settings!
@Kaipeternicolas it raises the rear wing up 15 degrees to a fixed position for increased downforce
this review is so much more factual than all the others who immediately started "quantify" 458s in terms of performance and handling. Anyway, marvellous piece of engineering there from McLaren, well done!
@lazerblu I'm guessing the standard exhaust because it did change noise levels quite drasticly which the louder one wouldn't do because it's purpose is to be, well, louder. Also, I'm fairly sure he would have mentioned it.
@sw1000xg that would be a great group test. i would like to see more of the GT2 RS in video footage aswell. what i gather from written reviews and ECOTYis it takes some seriousley big bollocks to put you foot to the floor in it. wonder how it compares on the road o the McLaren.
I wonder if this car had the standard, or lighter and louder exhaust?
I would like to know more about the 'active' and 'aero' buttons. Anyone know what they do?
what are they on about... it looks fantastic
chris and autocar? fantastic.
chris and DR? incredible
chris and EVO? sensational.
anyone else wondering what the aero button does? does it put the wing up or does it lower the car and make it more aerodynamic
Chris, you talk sense unlike some of the other presenter, please do more car reviews.
chriss harris - the best review as usual
When I first laid eyes on this car I thought it looked really dull and bland but as I've looked at it more I appretiate it much more now. It looks sublime. I love the door handles too, or lack thereof.
If I'm not mistaken they tested a preproduction car and at that time it wasn't possible to turn off ESP. And because of that car wouldn't drift. In track mode ESP just gives you longer leash but it's still there. You can turn ESP off in production cars. Nonetheless 458 and MP4-12C have different characters.
@3XICS
Nissa claims a 7:24 time for a stock 2011 GT-R. There's a video but it's impossible to tell if the car has been tweaked or not. German magazine Sport Auto did their own test and achieved a 7:34, still 10 seconds faster than the equally powerful but much lighter 911 Turbo S. As for the McLaren there's no Ring lap time yet but it's probably safe to say that it will be around or faster than the most recent Ferrari 458 time, which is 7:32.
Thank's, the god Chris is back!
@Corbon440 Is the 2011 Nissan GT-R really faster than the McLaren ?
Chris, you are the best.
Just when I was starting to give this car some credit (after the Top Gear review) I found out that the power lap was done on slick tyres.
Dayum this guy is good...Good driver and narrator
Chris Harris is the ONLY person who should be allowed to give test/reviews for any company on any car.
@toneykk
Except the price, intended market and chassis and aero technology.
A base Ferrari F430 has similar specs to a Maserati Quattroporte, too.
@oliveskate43 I think they ARE pretty close in performance, price etc. I think they are likely to apeal to the same kind of customer.
Anyone else notice the plastic panel at the back of the engine bay shaking around during corners and acceleration and braking?
hey guys, what does the AERO button do on the handling switch?
@melittleflower not true, the GTR moved the benchmark a few years ago, as has this new McLaren now.
@joelio90 LOL! I just did last week, but for sure after watching this putting my order in for this bad-boy tomorrow!
This must be the perfect everyday supercar. It's looks fantastic, handles fantastic, it's comfortable... What to say, I think epic could describe it very well.
I've said it once, and I'll say it again. The Veyron wasn't Concorde... This, for the moment, is Concorde. What a fabulous piece of automotive engineering.
@Goth3m3 Their accent adds to the exotic-ness of the cars!
this is my third dream car
Wow didn't know it uses sensor to open up the door. Good job.
whats the AERO button!? Why he didnt explain that???
i love clarkson and thought no one could ever better him but chris harris may have swayed my decision..hes great :)
Aside from jeremy clarkson's, this is the best review of this car. Definately the most complete.
Thank you chris harris for letting us know whats the real differences between this marvellous cars
Does anyone know what the "aero" bunnot on the handling knob does?
@TheArfdog totally agree with you in every word!
Chris Harris makes me shake my head everytime I see him on video. This guy is this generation's definitive sports car authority. He really should have his own show, if not an entire network. He is SUCH a journalistic talent for automobiles.
@WIBB89 I love Top Gear to death as a TV show! But Chris's reviews are in a league of their own.
I can't tell, is the color of the car McLaren Orange or is it some other orange? When the camera views out of the car you can see parts of the hood and it looks as if it's McLaren Orange. Perhaps the colors in this video were adjusted during production......
you have to remember that on top gear they have a 45 minute television that they have to fill with other things, so while they do review cars, a lot of what they do is for entertainment as well
WOW the sound
Great review of the car. The video work could of done without the intentional shakey camera effect.
@shiconia well they would tie coz they have the same power to weight ratio, but the ferrari might be a little bit faster coz its 35 kilos lighter (80 lbs)
Oh yeah baby! Bring it on!
@osamaFXX because those guys care about the fun factor in a car. the mp4 is lap time focused
The review that worth waiting for........
Obviously I haven't ever driven one before, but by the looks of it, you get a comfortable and somewhat practical car for the road, you get a sporty mode for a bit of kick on the road but you don't loose the comfort, and then you get full track mode for fantastic lap times. From one point of view this car has and does everything you could ever want, but as much as I love it, I think the likes of Clarkson and even Tiff and Jason are right, it's kind of lacking some excitement, it's a bit dull.
I don't know much about this guy, but I can see he's a very good presenter. He's technical but without being too boring unlike other car show presenters.
I won't compare shows like EVO, AutoCar or Top Gear. They're all different and all enjoyable on their way. Top Gear is entertaining, EVO is all about facts and no bullshit. AutoCar is a bit more "dry" but still enjoyable.
Now about the car: I would take this any day over a 458. Period!
Chris Harris is such a god when it comes to car reviews, i love this car...the only question is about the looks and how conservative it is. it will still stand out sure but the performance is what mclaren is about, you can watch a drag race of this against a 997 turbo mk2 and a 458 and it thrashes both of them.
This guy KNOWS how to review a car, far better than the likes of Clarkson, Hammond, May, or anyone else!
I love it!
the door it self using a censor to open, that's what i like from mclaren mp4 12c, and it's so comfy too, i don't care about Tiff and Jason from Fifth Gear said about this car but i'd still choose it instead of ferrari 458 Italia
@PulletSurprise almost the same layout and specs
Finally a smart person. With the new upgraded 625ps 12C and the ISG AND the sports exhausts , the 12C gets as loud as the 458.. but less irritating noise!
My goal in life will be to have the epic appearence that Chris has...and of course his job at the Evo towers...
@Corbon440 In fact that's just 5 seconds faster than the normal (2010) 911 turbo
Evo, put the Mclaren against the 458, the world wants this comparo!
Thanks for the review!
@DefenderTDBlack no that equals $229,000 according to wikipedia. which is alot cheaper than the 458
Chris HARRIS and Tim SCHRICK are by far the BEST CAR TESTERS IN THE GLOBE!
@NegerKim
Faster yes but not SOOO fast as to totally change the game. And better than the 458? I dont love the 458, believe it or not i prefer the Gallardo but how is it better than the 458?
I never saw this guy before, I just searched for the car, and when I saw the top comment I thought the guy is exagerating, but he is right, this reviewer is really good, I've got to see more from him.