McLaren->ke284 continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary with the unveiling of a limited edition based on both the 12C and 12C Spider. Each model will be limited to just 50 units and will be sold globally. On the British market the 12C 50 is priced at £196,000 (around $296,000 at the current exchange rates) and the 12C Spider 50 at £215,500 ($325,000).
The two models were designed by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the division of McLaren responsible for the delivery of bespoke projects. The new McLaren 50 Edition models will be distinguished by an optimized front bumper from MSO and numerous elements made in carbon fiber.
For the interior, the model adds full leather upgrade and a series of carbon-fiber elements. The models can be ordered only in Carbon Black, Supernova Silver or McLaren Orange and will feature numerous "McLaren 50" logos.
Click past the jump to read more about the McLaren 12C and 12C Spider 50 Limited Editions.
2013 McLaren 12C and 12C Spider 50 Limited Edition
- Make: Array
- Model: 2013 McLaren 12C and 12C Spider 50 Limited Edition
- Engine/Motor: V8
- Horsepower: 616
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Exterior
The new McLaren 50 Edition receives a front bumper inspired by the limited-run HS Edition with the lower part made in carbon fiber and the front floor made in race-derived carbon Kevlar. On the hood, there is also a black McLaren F1-inspired heritage badge, which was previously only available to MSO clients.
Customers can choose between three exterior colors: Carbon Black, Supernova Silver or McLaren Orange. These stunning colors are combined with carbon-fiber turning vanes with “McLaren 50” logos for a further visual appeal.
Interior
For the interior, MSO prepared a full leather upgrade and carbon-fiber insertions on the sill panel and floor mats. There is also an anniversary dedication plate on the driver’s door, which highlights the limited run.
Drivetrain
No changes were announced under the hood, so the two special editions will keep the usual 3.8-liter V-8 twin-turbo engine mated to a seven-speed SSG dual-clutch transmission. This system delivers a total of 616 horsepower and sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. Top speed is set at 204 mph.
Suspension and Brakes
The new 12C 50 Edition models will be offered with a standard set of bespoke McLaren 50 Ultra Lightweight wheels finished in Satin Black. These exclusive wheels are sized 19 inches up front and 20 inches on the rear. The new wheels are combined with a carbon-ceramic brake upgrade that features 394-by-36 mm (15.51-by-1.41-inch) discs up the front and 380-by-34 mm (14.96-by-1.33-inch) discs on the rear.
Prices
On the British market, the 12C 50 will come in at £196,000 (about $296,000 at the current exchange rates) and the 12C Spider 50 will go for £215,500 ($325,000). Prices for other markets have not been released yet.
Packaged with the car, is a monogrammed black and silver car cover, a limited-edition key, a carbon-fiber presentation key box and a specially commissioned print signed by McLaren Automotive Design Director, Frank Stephenson.
Competitors
The biggest competition for the McLaren 12C is, of course, the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is offered in both coupe and spider versions. The Ferrari uses a 4.5-liter V-8 engine that delivers a total of 570 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 400 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm. This is a little less than in the 12C, but when it comes to performance, they are pretty much identical: the 458 Italia can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph.
A model with an output closer to the 12C is the SLS AMG GT. This Benz is powered by a 6.3-liter V-8 engine that pumps out an amazing 591 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 479 pound-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm. The SLS AMG GT can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and up to a top speed of 198 mph.
Conclusion
The new McLaren 50 Edition is just another way of celebrating the company's 50th anniversary, which takes place on September 2, 2013. We were just hoping there will be more of these special editions available.