In the early days of McLaren’s MP4-12C development, it was suggested that the new mid-engine supercar would use AMG’s 6.2 liter V8. As things got awkward between Mercedes and McLaren though, a mysterious “German-built V10″ was rumored to be have replaced the AMG unit under at least one testing prototype. In the end, McLaren built its own engine, the M838T. It’s a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected, 3.8 litre, 90° V8, developing about 600 horsepower at 8,500 RPM. 80 percent of its 442 lb-ft of torque is reportedly available under 2,000 RPM. Also, it looks like mechanical sex.
Posted in Design, Enthusiasm, News Blog
Tagged as Design, Engine, Engineering, Enthusiasm, mclaren, mp4-12c
Tagged as Design, Engine, Engineering, Enthusiasm, mclaren, mp4-12c
20 Comments on “Gallery: The McLaren MP4-12C Engine...”
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Fitted to a car that weighs as much a a Civic, owners will not be wanting for acceleration.
“a car that weighs as much a a Civic”
You hope. Bet you it weighs more like an S550
The official weight spec for the MP4-12C is 1300 kg (2866 lb).
For comparison, the McLaren F1 weighed 1,140 kg (2,513 lb).
Nice to see a turbo mil with peak hp numbers arriving at 8500 rpm and low end torque.
I came
You should have included a “NSFW” warning. Wow.
How’s the fuel economy?
I do sincerely hope you’re kidding!
mechanical magnificence
So, we’re looking at 155 to 160 hp/l, and 111 ft-lbs/l. Those are jaw-dropping numbers, even for forced induction. The GT-R, already off the deep end in technology, gets 125-130 hp/l and 110-115 ft-lbs/l. Different number of cylinders, different revs- roughly the same displacement. I am not an expert in the numerous methods for calculating and reporting horsepower, but are we actually seeing a 20-25% improvement in hp/l over what was already an amazing technological accomplishment? I know Nissan was reported as under-reporting the hp of the GT-R by some sources, but even so- this McLaren engine appears to be near-miraculous. I didn’t know street legal cars were in this kind of territory. Am I looking at the numbers wrong?
With forced induction, anything is possible. Renault was getting 1500hp out of a 1.5 liter F1 engine some twenty years ago. It’s just about how much boost you dial in.
Yep – bravo to McLaren. The car this engine will live in is also quite sexy. But I’m digging the engine porn for sure. Beautiful.
Is it just me or does that engine share a passing resemblance to an attractive woman spread eagled? Sadly, just like any attractive, spread eagled woman I’m sure I’ll never be able to afford her.
And just like any attractive, spread eagled woman that you would be expected to pay for, you would be well advised not to insert any portion of your anatomy into either.
Nissan doesn’t really under-report the GT-R. All dynos I’ve seen suggest a car making 475-485 hp. 500 tops. Nothing like the “550″ that some of the buff books and forum wags were hysterically claiming at one time.
I’m familiar with the Dynapack and Dastek used in the Japanese and UK (that one was funny… they took one reading below the power peak, one above it… and extrapolated a curve to obtain the power peak… pure bullsh*t) dyno-tests… and US commenters should be familiar with the Mustang used in the Edmund’s twin-test opposite the 911 Turbo… you’ll note that the “whp” numbers are all over the place.
See… not many people understand the variances and discrepancies in dynamometers and dyno-tests. But I have a pretty good idea of how badly some of the systems over- or under-quote, and I haven’t seen a number suggesting over 500 hp yet.
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The thing is… Nissan built a 3.8 liter twin-turbo mill that could likely do 550-600 hp uncorked. They electronically limit peak power to under 500 but keep the swelling torque-curve… which is what gives it that amazing performance.
Of course, I’d rather have the McLaren V8… just hope it sounds as epic as it looks… most turbocharged cars (GT-R included) sound like industrial vacuum cleaners.
I appreciate the response. I knew that there was some variability in the way these things were measured- but I didn’t know where the GT-R debate had ended up. I also enjoyed Paul’s declaration- “With forced induction, anything is possible.” In any case, that is one amazing engine- and yes, it looks like a hot chick… a very hot chick.
These engines are designed for a good time not for long time though, if they can last 1.5 race thats a bonus already.
I wonder if they could have gotten it even lower by reversing intake/exhaust?
And given the weight and turbo aspects, I bet they could put in a greenie ‘bullet-point’ economy mode..
Wow, photoshop in a couple of slimy tentacles and you’ve got an HR Giger masterpiece.
Interesting that McLaren chose 90 degrees of V out of all the possibilities. Could I order the engine only for my Locus Plethore?