McLaren 12C GT Can-Am Edition

What started life as a one-off design study displayed at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance last summer, the McLaren 12C GT moves forward with production.  Limited to no more than 30 units, this track-focused 12C GT Can-Am Edition boasts a plethora of substantial performance and visual upgrades.  Coming straight from the New York Auto Show to our showroom, the 12C GT Can-Am Edition has stole the hearts of fans, enthusiasts, and visitors of our McLaren Newport Beach showroom off of PCH.

McLaren, drawing on their Formula 1 experience, literally stuffs the 12C with as much carbon-fiber and race-focused equipment as possible.  The added aerodynamic body pieces including carbon-fiber front-splitter, carbon-fiber front bumper canards, carbon-fiber hood, lexan windshield and windows, larger rear-fender scoops, and large carbon-fiber spoiler at the rear deck-lid of the vehicle all work in unison to increase downforce of the already aerodynamic 12C by a staggering 30% while maintaining structural rigidity and decreasing precious weight.  

The upgraded slotted rotors, Pirelli P-Zero tires, and lightweight forged alloy wheels help use the added downforce to marry the power and speed of the vehicle to the grip of the tires.

Believe it or not, the driver also benefits from the race-interior as the vehicle is fitted with an integrated motorsports air-conditioning system that provides much-welcomed breaths of fresh air to the driver and passenger via air ducts in the carbon-fiber dash.  A full FIA-spec roll cage, Recaro bucket-seats, full 6-point harness, fire-suppression system, full-control center-switch console, GT3-inspired steering wheel are also added to insure the safety while adding creature comforts for the driver and passenger.  

That’s about where the creature comforts for the driver and passenger stop as even opening the door is done by a mechanical link as opposed to the electronic system found in stock 12C’s.  The same can be said for the rear hatch and front engine compartment.  Up front hidden under the carbon-fiber front-clip is where the v-mounted radiator is tucked in.  Accompanying the radiator in the front compartment is the battery-box, power-distribution block, hydraulic-lines for brakes and suspension, and finally critical fluid-containers.

While we all here at McLaren Newport Beach wish we could keep this 12C GT Can-Am Edition in our showroom for eternity, it has left our showroom to be displayed at the Long Beach Grand Prix.  From there it will make its way around the world keeping the stolen hearts of onlookers with it.  We hope to see this very special vehicle again in the near future.

Click HERE to see more pictures of this beast.