McLaren Automotive->ke284 has found a new way for people like us to “make it rain” with our 'Monopoly' money and build our very own, customized McLaren MP4-12C with its new online configurator. The configurator was designed by using data from the McLaren Automotive design and engineering teams at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. In the process, these chaps have given us the opportunity to waste our time doling out millions of possible color combinations that we can use to dress up our imaginary MP4-12C. It can’t get any better than that.

The online configurator gives you the option of choosing between 31 different exterior colors and five different leather trim options. You can further design your McLaren by opting for the “Driver Zone” interior option. This allows the designer to add leather, carbon, and Alcantara to the surrounding areas of the driver’s seat. Performance upgrades are also included in the configurator and consist of a lightweight sports exhaust system, carbon ceramic brake discs, polished-finish calipers and two different lightweight forged wheel options. Media and navigational options round off this wishful-thinking, lunch-hour-absorbing trip down to the McLaren Institute of Fine Design (not a real place, I totally made it up).

You can check out the press release as well as a couple of real pros design their own McLarens after the jump. 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button->ke903 and 2008 World Champion Lewis Hamilton spend a little time with the online configurator in a short film made by McLaren.

Press Release

NEW MCLAREN MP4-12C CONFIGURATOR LAUNCHED ONLINE AT WWW.MCLARENAUTOMOTIVE.COM

'Designed around the driver' has been the prevailing concept for the MP4-12C. From 31 March 2010, future customers and sports car enthusiasts alike are able to put themselves in the driving seat of this truly innovative new high-performance sports car and specify their ideal 12C using an interactive online car configurator at www.mclarenautomotive.com/uk/default.aspx#/configurator

Having driven 12C Experimental Prototype (XP) vehicles, and made an appearance at the recent launch of McLaren Automotive to the world's media, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button and 2008 World Champion Lewis Hamilton were keen to be the first to specify their ideal 12Cs. Visitors to www.jensonandlewis.mclarenautomotive.com will see the team-mates interacting with the online configurator for the first time in a new short film.

The configurator was developed using data obtained from theMcLaren Automotive design and engineering teams at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. The 12C configurator will link to McLaren Automotive's 35 retail outlets in 19 countries across the globe when retailers are appointed from May 2010 and brings McLaren's innovative automotive technology closer to its first customers. It allows them to enjoy specifying their preferred 12C options from a range that literally offers millions of combinations.

A choice of 17 different high-grade exterior paint finishes begin with Blue, Silver and White available as standard on the 12C. A further eight may be selected from the Special range of finishes, which includes McLaren Orange, a solid hue which was the signature colour of McLaren race cars in the 1960s and 1970s. A choice of six Elite exterior colours is available for buyers seeking the very highest quality paint finish on their 12C.

Unique to the 12C is a 'Driver Zone' interior option. In addition to combining Alcantara, leather and carbon inside the cabin for both driver and passenger, owners are able to further personalise the area immediately around the driver. A choice of five leather trims can be specified solely for the driver's seat, door trim and dash insert and the resulting asymmetrical appearance enhances the driver-focused ambience of the cockpit.

Performance upgrades include a lightweight sports exhaust system, carbon ceramic brake discs, polished-finish calipers and two different lightweight forged wheel options. Mirror casings, engine bay panels and engine covers are all available in carbon fibre.

In the centre of the cabin, the 12C's portrait touch-screen gives driver and passenger access to a bespoke on-board entertainment, media and communication system. The 12C features a Meridian two-channel, four-speaker sound system, 40GB hard drive with media player, AM/FM radio, electronic user manual and Bluetooth telephony. USB, PDMI and audio jack ports allow media player connection, with support for Apple iPod and Microsoft Zune.

The McLaren-developed IRIS option is available as an upgrade to the telematics system and allows use of voice control to access a navigation system while driving. Hard drive capacity increases to 80GB, while users can access a picture and media viewer and email. WLAN connectivity allows owners to remotely transfer music and other data files from a laptop or PC when parked within range. The IRIS option includes a seven-speaker Meridian surround sound system.