Does History Remember The McLaren MP4-12C Unfairly? A Vlog

[@TheOtherNeutrino]

The 12C part of the name can be a reference to: - McLaren's internal Vehicle Performance Index through which it rates key performance criteria both for competitors and for its own cars - the C standing for carbon and 12 being the molecular weight of the most common carbon isotope. - the 1997 McLaren F1 car that won 3 races, including the first and last ones, and ushering McLaren's post-Senna resurgence. The 12B also used a simple brake steer system and thus the 12C with a modern version of it can be seen as a successor.

[@TheOtherNeutrino]

I love the sound of these early McLaren engines. The howl of it makes at high loads doesn't sound like anything else and makes sound more futuristic than most cars.

[@jeebus2121]

it isn't a beautiful sound but it's definitely interesting. It sounds like a machine with various bits and bobs going about a task (and that's something I like).

[@AntoniusTyas]

Later McLarens with equal length header and longer tubes sounds flat. 12C, P1 and 650S sounds rather fruity.

[@jeffallinson8089]

Anyone who thinks the MP4-12C is a bland and sterile car needs their head looking at, it's a fantastic motor, I just love it.

[@EfftupSmith]

It's understated rather than bland and sterile. I think it will date better and already it's dated better than the 458.

[@mperformance3502]

It looks bland. Doesn’t even look exotic

[@aryanthacker]

I think that its brilliant how understated the 12c is, people cream their pants when audi made a normal looking supercar. Just watch Chris Harris's old 12c video, its a masterpiece

[@ufsteropolstero6014]

Price does change perspectives. At $300K base it's a different level of competition. This car, in this spec and in this color at less than half the price of a new one, yeah, it's one awesome machine.

[@adrianbennett3761]

It’s aged amazingly well and to my eyes it looks far better than its successor the 650S.

[@LawrenceTimme]

The astra driver was a assassin sent by McLaren 😂😂

[@andrewnorris5415]

"Consider that your first warning" 😂😂

[@petyrkowalski9887]

An

[@bensmithkent22]

GTC driver lets get it right. We are all proper car people after all no matter how dreary and uninspiring a car it is. 🤣 These are apparently semi decent on a b road compared to the actual Astra.

[@dodgeymrd]

"proudly sponsored by," "feature presentation." I love the way You do things just that little bit more proper. Great video as always James.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks David, blame my education- all old BBC types

[@dodgeymrd]

@@JayEmmOnCars And oh wow astra driver!!!! Nicely done holding your composure. Many more swears and much staining of pants would have been happening in my car.

[@edmundscycles1]

I think of old cinema in the UK where you had adds for local curry houses then a posh announcer "now for the feature presentation" .

[@sterlingsilver320]

Reminds me of PBS here in the states (Public Broadcasting Service). Nice and proper.

[@user-mh2ho3mj4n]

Yes. Even over here in America, your British class is certainly appreciated!

[@fredtheted2259]

Best looking mclaren, so understated compared to the newer models

[@Conrad_Verner]

Yeah! Easily my favourite too, so much cleaner than the newer cars, they all just seem a little bit TOO busy I absolutely love how understated this thing is as a supercar!

[@zippy963]

Completely agree.

[@ANDRE_675]

My father bought a 2013 Coupe from new, we still have the car. It currently has around 32,000 miles on it and has been properly driven, and I must say I don't know if we are one of the rare lucky ones but the car has had 0 mechanical issues, the only things that needed to be sorted out was the TPMS sensor, Air Bag Sensor and one of the AC Control Screens needed to be replaced, which all of them were covered by the warranty. It's an amazing deal if you can find a 12C with good service history and for the current money that they are going for I feel like it is one of the best bangs for buck depreciated supercars. Although rare, not every 12C is a horror story, you definitely need to be lucky to get the right car, we are currently looking for a 675LT Spider to add alongside the 12C.

[@2an_sound]

ugh the audio quality is so good in the intro/sponsored part

[@AntoniusTyas]

12C in Volcano Yellow or Volcano Orange on a sunny day is one hell of a looker. Honest.

[@visionist7]

With matching seatbelts

[@ANDRE_675]

I have to disagree on Volcano Orange, I think it makes the car look extremely dated in a way, for me the colors to have are McLaren Orange or Volcano Red.

[@AntoniusTyas]

@@ANDRE_675 somehow Volcano Red on 12C doesn't really float my boat as much. On 720S as MSO colours, though... That was a whole different proposition right there. Saw one a few times, still looks jaw-dropping even after seeing another 720S in MSO Napier Green.

[@bigmotor3845]

Wow! Never saw a Volcano Yellow. I will be on the lookout!!

[@Stanhawk500]

Has to be said, the camera positions, smooth editing, all married with some very professional but also relaxed and honest presentation makes for such an informative and entertaining watch every time! I personally have loved the 12C since it came out, was lucky enough to be in one in volcano orange when it came out, the go kart like visibility in the cockpit really amazed me. Would be a fine addition to the channel if you are considering one, especially considering the current value.

[@andrewnorris5415]

18:39 Phew! I wondered what the swearing would be about. And just as you said, "you're going to lose quite a bit of cash", could have been famous last words nearly. Nice review, went into a lot of detail. This is a car that grows on people. Definitely aged well. Nice to see you having fun doing the review, apart from the incident. Glad you are ok.

[@rambleon3698]

18:39 brought back a memory of a Mustang just suddenly coming straight across the road at us in a small town near Niagra falls. I yelled and my daughter swerved and we narrowly avoided a ditch. It was so scary she had to get out and have a cry. I'm pretty sure she saved our lives that day.

[@mitchbuchannon6637]

That swear, I knew something was coming but wasn't ready for that 😅

[@Tential1]

Ewwwww,, I just saw my life flash before my eyes and I wasn't even driving

[@nickmoulton446]

Cussing completely understood, I’ve had cause to say the same thing on that bend for the same reason.

[@venom5809]

Despite hearing all the bad things about McLaren and the 12C, about two weeks ago I saw a black one at the dealership near me and fell in love, it just looks so much better than the other McLarens that came after it sans the P1. I am rather tempted to buy one. I do like the 675LT also but to be honest I would still take a 12C over that too.

[@EfftupSmith]

I like the newer ones better, Like the 720 S and the 570s, but I preferred the 12C to the 650S as that front end didn't look right to me.

[@DanKitchener]

Just over a year and 8,000 miles into my ownership of a black 12C coupe and it’s an incredible car a keeper I think ! Thanks for your reviews on it, your review last year saying juts buy one, literally made my mind up !

[@brunonagem1797]

The 12C comes from the Carbon's mass, of 12 grams per mol.

[@TheOtherNeutrino]

It also shares the name from the 1997 car designated the MP4/12. That car provided McLaren's first win since Ayrton Senna's last race for the team In 1993.

[@TomMannington]

@@TheOtherNeutrino this was my thought too. Also the car that bought Mika Hakkinen his first victory and he a Ron shared a very close bond after he nearly died in Adilade 95.

[@thomas316]

And MP stood for Marlboro Project, the title sponsors at the time. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Fc-cb3tn]

How much do I not want to sit next to you at a dinner party😂😂 but still thanks for the knowledge honestly didn’t know about that

[@brunonagem1797]

@@thomas316 thank you!

[@Lukeywoodsey]

One of my all time favourite cars. Beautiful to look at, amazingly fast around corners and in a straight line. Made Ferrari cry

[@anthonymoody4477]

I loved my 12C enough to then buy a 720S, both of which only worked well because of how well both car and I were looked after by the Geneva dealer, Autobritt. If I was ever tempted into a Mclaren again it would be an MP412C, preferably one of the last when most of the software problems had been fixed, as magnificent as the 720S was there is something about the sheer purity of the Ron Dennis 12C that gives it the raw feel he intended. And a 12C is great value for money now that they are relatively inexpensive, provided you buy one with a full serbvice history.

[@stuartjohnston1086]

Bit of deja vu at 14.16. "The interior of this car has aged pretty / really well." ( Twice ) Good honest, informative review of the car though. :)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks for pointing out. Will see if I can edit that later

[@nightnomad635]

@@JayEmmOnCars ehh don't bother. It was quirky and doesn't break the viewing experience of the video. I liked it. Shows everyone is just human

[@TheBucketOfTruth]

@@nightnomad635 I think he's still able to edit it without re-uploading but not sure

[@TehMagilla]

@@JayEmmOnCars That wasn't the only spot. 15:52 also.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@TehMagilla 15:52 was left in deliberately. Fixed both anyway :)

[@SupercarAdventurer]

The 12C coupe & spider are underrated. Never forget the first time I accelerated a 12C onto a highway, blew my mind. I love the interior. Definitely prefer the central gauge as opposed to all the digital screens on the 720, the Roma, 296, SF90. Volcano red is the colour to have with the diamond cut wheels.

[@ayrtonsenna3895]

It will go down in history

[@adogmcdizzle]

Yes, absolutely buy one. Would be very interesting content. I remember secret supercar owner in EVO had two and was very complementary of them. They were driven regularly and late build slots, which he attributed to the reliability. Having worked in the car industry I would say this applies to most vehicles.

[@MonsieurGuy]

He owned several McLarens, ran a 650s spider as a daily for a while. If i recall correctly SSO owns a 675LT spider, 650s spider and a Senna now. He still posts about his adventures online at www.karenable.com Well worth the read, he really knows what he talks about given the experience he has had owning other exotics and still owns a fair few bits of precious metal

[@herme99]

Owned one for a year. Sold it for 2 reasons - it felt just too chuffing fast, and a bit of a maintenance moneypit. But, loved it.

[@stephaniedale8302]

Bloody Astra driver's 🙄🤣 I can image his opposite commentary, as he passed by you. No doubt, highly elaborated. You're not wrong though, about McLaren's rather than McLaren. I do think personally, we're at the start of something quite special. It'll not be long -- the way things are going -- before we start to see the marque exceed the expectations of that of many loyal Ferrari owner's. Make your choice wisely when you get one. You'll certainly not lose out.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

I'd expect they were busy looking at their phone or fumbling with the stereo to even notice what was going on. All too common these days unfortunately.

[@bensmithkent22]

I will defend the GTCs honour not for its shoddy driving but to be called by its proper name.

[@SidNorth]

As much I had a really bad time with one, I would do it again. Mainly because it’s unlike your usual Supercar, and I like that.

[@grahamnutt8958]

Nobody can blame you for the expletives here James. Natural reaction to a fearful situation. You gave us fair warning, mate. Great review pal 👍

[@lovecars22]

I think after so many years it still looks beautiful.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Great vid - makes me want to get my 675LT out

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Do it!

[@sugarsaint]

Those cars are stunning I visited McLaren Hatfield and bumped into the service centre where sat among the sports series and odd 720 was 12C in grey with green accents and it's stunning aging EXTREMELY well

[@5amH45lam]

Still a stunner! I prefer the looks of this McLaren over their more recent vehicles.

[@poovaneswaransupramaniam19]

Nice video jay...agreed the map4-12c has aged rather well, and coupled with good specialist support, gather that these cars will have a good second chance, for the knowledgeable enthusiats

[@rscholey85]

Huge respect for the intro 👍 not many people have morals like that anymore

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I have a lot of people who watch with their families, so seemed only fair

[@thomashumber9762]

Has happened to me mannnnnny times on back lanes..... KEEP ON YOUR OWN SIDE OF THE ROAD PLEASE !!!! VALUE YOUR LIFE AND YOUR PASSENGERS !! THANK YOU !!

[@TheOrangeEliseCup250]

It doesn't age at all but you should go for an Exige 410, and keep it😉👍

[@AbhiTek_]

Who skipped straight to 18 minutes to hear the swearing? 😂

[@Lambullghini]

18:39 Couldn't be me 🙃

[@TheLEMRR]

Another great vid, Jay. I really dig the 12C... to me, it could go down as a very pivotal car in the last generation or two (depending on these governances) of combustion engines. Good to see these are still relevant. Like you, though, I'll take a 650s, please... in Volcano Orange, thank you.

[@danielheathcote5625]

Well I saw mclaren and swear - I envisaged a basil fawlty sequel losing of temper at a breakdown. That car coming other way - well, you were very restrained in your reaction. Very professional!

[@Boric78]

EY68 WOR - straight off UK Dashcam. Every sunday evening I sit down to watch Twats in Cars, I mean UK Dashcam - Jay just did the best one ever. Better Camera and also for a change the "dashcammer" can drive and has an opinion thats worth taking into account.

[@DanPyjamas]

I too thought "meh" when I first saw this. But I have to admit that it's looks have definitely grown on me. 30 miles to the imperial gallon on a run? Wow. I don't think my standard CLK 500 does that.

[@CrazedCrittic]

Still my number one car for future investment. The first mass manufactured McLaren. Great video.

[@andrewnorris5415]

A lot of the cars going from crazy money now were once underappreciated, just like this now, the same feeling.

[@TML34]

LOL. Don’t buy a McLaren for any kind of investment. Unless it’s a P1.

[@awk166]

Nice job, always enjoy your unfiltered videos. Ac a 2014 12c owner I agree completely.

[@OscarStevensonTheDon]

I had a moment similar to that astra last week in my Z4. Blind corner transit van totally on my side of the road - guy was looking down at his phone. Shook me up a bit too!

[@kylelewis4685]

That new car deprecation is gonna kill you every time when compared to something at the end of its deprecation curve. If you can find the right one, a 12C would totally be a step up over the boxster. My concern would be if it was going to be the only car I own. There is no question that a new boxster would be close to 100% reliable for many years while the same could not be said for any car of the 12c's type.

[@adrianbennett3761]

@jayemmoncars Wikipedia states that the 12 relates to McLaren’s internal Vehicle Performance index (power, weight, emissions and aerodynamics) but I don’t know how those 4 parameters added up to 12. The C is easy as it refers to the carbon MonoCell.

[@floyd_v10]

Great video, James. As a kid I loved these when they were new, they just looked awesome. Over the years I’ve always been put off by how much stick theyve got, they really are awesome cars though. Great presentation style as always, thanks for the video!

[@andrewholt3849]

You did 1500 miles in 8 days in Lamborghini UK’s Huracan. I first saw the MP4-12C in a 2011 Jeremy Clarkson video ‘Clarkson Powered’ up at Circuit Paul Ricard. It was a coupe and it had all the Formula 1 advances like individual wheel braking.

[@Daniel-gb9ex]

13:11 "You never really get a sort of sonic reward for having put your boot all the way in" The car: 9:51

[@ibrahimpallikkal5100]

MP4-12C is just a fantastic car,

[@edthomas8486]

Jay that sounds absolutely fucking incredible. I admire your taste and how you gravitate towards these little cards. Keep on keeping on.

[@adrianbennett3761]

Volcano red is the best colour for a 12C closely followed by Volcano orange. I much prefer the dissected side scoop on the 12C and think it makes the side look that little bit more interesting than the 650S.

[@joelpethick3406]

Got to remember the depreciation of the boxster as well compared to the McLaren and take that into account of the running costs.

[@mattylf1]

A agree, I think these have aged very well. I drove one a few years ago and like yourself, thought it was plenty fast enough compared to other supercars of the time.

[@TommyWalls007]

14:13 - I have found an editing oversight! :)

[@MoaningGit]

Yeah he said it twice

[@MoaningGit]

Yeah he said it twice

[@backyardengineering816]

Yeah he said it twice

[@backyardengineering816]

Yeah he said it twice

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

Can’t blame you for the language James. I think I’ve lost count recently of the number of times oncoming traffic has cut the corner onto to my side of the road, the closest literally having me hit the nearside kerb to try and avoid collecting the f***er. 😡 Luckily, no damage caused. Anyway, good video and always liked these personally. Definitely needs a bright colour. I think they also did an orange which was mega, but this is sensational as well.

[@yellowbird8690]

Yesterday (3rd July), I was diving my MG TF for Maidenhead to Henley just after 8 in the morning. When, right in front of me, a huge pickup truck was over taking a cyclist, on a blind bend. Luckily, having a small car, I was able to drive though the gap they left me. I dread to think want would have happened if I had been another truck. Very likely the cyclist would have been dead.

[@alasdairboyd7299]

2 brown trouser moments in one drive - once when the back tried to over take the front and again when you near got taken out by a Astra!

[@johncallahan118]

Hi ! For a Gallardo replacement, the Mclaren 12C would be a great, rarer alternative (especially on KZbin). I always had a soft spot for these. The style is great, age gracefully, the front is unique to the brand (wasn’t on any other model unlike the P1 one). The rear is close to the 650S (which has one derived from the 12C GT3). Does the 650S drives much better and is much more enjoyable than the 12C ? If so, the price difference is worth it ? Anyway, if you bought a McLaren, there will be some people that will be confused at the highest level (since some claims that you hate the brand and the cars). Great video (review/rant/vlog…). P.S. : the swearing is understandable since it was very close, in a car (an expensive one) that you don’t own. 😃

[@allgasoff-road499]

Yea I agree with on this one! I seen a few videos like this and it’s true. Still an awesome car to drive probably a good experience tbh. Great car and great color to have. Super expensive too keep up with the maintenance

[@RzogL]

Looks to me like you were both over the centreline. You could see him coming round the bend, so you really shouldn't have crossed the line, but the Macca is so low he couldn't see you. As for the car, not bad, and certainly better looking than its descendants (I couldn't live with the 650 / P1 front end) but I can't help thinking it occupies a market segment a true successor to the Lotus Esprit should have been dominating for at least a decade now.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

You really think we were both the same amount over the lines? Also, the camera could see him better than I could- there shouldn't have been any Real danger there but he cut the whole corner

[@RzogL]

@@JayEmmOnCars You're right, I hadn't appreciated that the driver's vantage point is not the same as that of a wind-screen mounted camera. As for being the same amount or less over the line than the other car, best not to be over the line at the wrong time (in a blind corner) at all. That said I've probably had bad positioning on the road during spirited driving many more times than I'm conscious of, and that bend looks like it needs proper road signs on it, others have commented it has caught them out too. I'm glad this was just an incident and not something worse.

[@mikem1925]

Boxster is the Dr.'s Wife car. Very nice review. Unfortunately i have a very bad Ferrari bug. Not sure it'll fall off that wagon.

[@ozeskiman]

Love your reviews. Always honest, and revealing. And there are of course the shirts to brighten up a dull day. "Holy s**t Batman" what was that..more please. Especially on the 550. It's been a while since we've heard about it.

[@Buzz_15900]

Hi from another Bob Marley enthusiast! Love your videos Jay!

[@TheWHEATISHweet]

I didn't like the look of these when they came out, but they have grown on me. The lag in the shifts would kinda suck though, manual would be amazing.

[@omgwibble]

I have had what the Astra did to you, happen to me several times in my Chimaera. Come round a corner, the car coming towards me is on the wrong side of the road. The best bit? They usually indicate (if they acknowledge it happened at all) it is MY fault and not theirs for being on my side of the road.

[@SERGE_Tech]

how do you go about finding a good mechanic or service shop to ensure your super car runs right?

[@stevecotterill7981]

The nicest looking model. It’s not trying too hard... a bit of a classic IMO.

[@ChrissyThePoo]

Funny you should mention brightly coloured cars. The first time I took my black megane 250rs out someone didn't see me and pulled out. Now my lights are on 100% of the time.

[@aust8273]

Great video @Jayemmsoncars !! Keep up good work, and YES DENFINATELY BY A MCCLAREN!!!!!

[@davidhewitt3070]

Like a few others on here, I prefer the looks of the MP4-12C to the later cars - but the reliability issues and related servicing costs scare me off (sadly I don't have any independent garages capable of servicing McLarens nearby)

[@kcspeed9980]

Does turbo Lag give character/fun to an engine? I have found it give some theater to a car. Driving a golf r vs Subaru wrx I found the Subaru engine more fun with less power. The effort of keeping the car in boost as well as waiting for it to build was more fun than the more refined vw.

[@ijandrzejuk121]

Another great video, thanks James! You should get one.

[@andrewnorris5415]

Cannot wait to hear what you think of the new Lotus. That looks made for your channel.

[@Diecastclassicist]

Nice video. By the way, my favorite Boxster alternative would probably be an Evora.

[@sparky4878]

That a typo in the description "and interior to the Ferrari"? Inferior? Project Four was Ron Dennis' race team that he merged with McLaren, so that's where Project Four (P4) comes from. Edit: As for 12C, I had written something here but now believe was wrong and someone else has explained.

[@TroyHR123]

Another fine example of a car that was built at the absolute pinnacle of the ICE car, 2010ish is where its at.

[@nickmoore2301]

Considering buying a McLaren, go for it Yes Yes Yes 🥳👍

[@nathanstupple3848]

Buy a 12c run maintain it at Thorney be great And would promote a British brand . Great video. Cheers

[@paragonpaul9792]

Great review as always Jason, you’re my favourite Australian car KZbinr 🇦🇺👏

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Great top quality informative videos man !

[@MarkVinewood]

Perhaps the engine is not refined but that exhaust note... oh my... It has this deep throaty growl which you also had on P1 but not on any later McLaren models, even those that are using the same M838.

[@global_nomad.]

a true professional.....the show must go on....

[@Jonas-bt1qu]

You should try the 675LT. That is everthing a mclaren or any car should be. I agree that the 12c is a bargain atm.

[@Ninakoklahombi]

Another outstanding video. Thank you sir.

[@ufsteropolstero6014]

I'd happily drive a garbage truck daily if it was painted that shade of red.

[@tonyjonesbassoonwhippet2271]

Handled that close call like a true brit m8😆👍

[@Fc-cb3tn]

Me after hearing this video has some bad language Oh no! Anyway…

[@chrisplummer5857]

Jayemm have you thought about the new corvette co8 as replacement for your lambo brand new they cost 65 thousand dollars not sure how much other here but its alot of supercar for crazy low money plus you get that new car feeling plus the warranty mate.

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

There was a grey Astra that nearly hit JamieFyds P1 Impreza on his channel video 5 years ago.

[@afiqarman990]

Jayem and unreliable cars are best buddies

[@mthorn572]

As ever, a solid, pragmatic and insightful review, James. When are we to expect more content on the quattroporte???

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Probably in a month or two, I have been super busy of late and hardly had time to drive it!

[@mthorn572]

@@JayEmmOnCars fabulous, I bet you can't wait to get back behind the wheel of that beast!! A genuinely lovely collection you have, too, with the 550 and Quattroporte being two of my all time favourite machines. Can't wait to see more content on both, and loving the other videos James :)

[@Thanos.m]

If you can't afford 250 a month on a warranty you can't afford this very wise words I've seen so many people that buy a cars because they can afford the purchase price but actually can't afford to keep them

[@floherp]

Funny little editing mistake at 14:12 😄

[@Michael-4]

Well you've sold me. If I don't have to deal with McLaren and a customer-focused specialist is not too far away it's a no brainer.

[@Nexus.Achiles]

I've always loved the lotus look of this first McLaren. I think it's a future classic in the making. I'd buy this before a Boxter. Much much cooler. In volcano red of course. Being in Spain, I'd probably be driving the only MP4-12C in the country! 🤣🤣🤣

[@eze8970]

Thanks J, more great content.

[@sterlingsilver320]

These sound so much better than modern McLaren’s. Such a nice V8 rumble.

[@jimalcock5132]

If you think the 12c is good then you need to drive my 650sSpider - I’d be happy to sort it.

[@tymwalt]

Holy Crap! Glad you are ok!

[@GetUpFalcon]

MP4 prefix was surely a nod to Mclaren's F1 cars as it was still in use when this car was launched.

[@dansutherland70]

That near miss was so hairy it brought on an early autumn..