By Kerry Hayes, Photography Karl Rogers
There’s one surefire way to get noticed on the road: drive a McLaren 12C Spider. This low-profile street hugger isn’t shy, and believes in grand entrances wherever she goes. This is partly due to her powerful 3,8-litre V8 engine, which delivers 600NM of power and torque; and partly due to the efficient twin turbo technology which accesses over 80% of power below 2 000rpm. Kind of like that movie Limitless, where Bradley Cooper takes a pill that allows him to access 100% of his brain’s potential – except in this case, no pill is necessary, just the decision to put your foot down…
My photographer, Karl Rogers, and I decided to shoot this magnificent vehicle at Sun International’s Maslow Hotel. Born to meet the full hierarchy of needs of both business and leisure travellers, it was the perfect venue to host this glamorous roadstar, with its arching silver profile, and overt confidence – and that just refers to the hotel!
The Spider reflects McLaren’s lifelong obsession to deliver perfection through details, like bringing the driver and passenger seating inboard to avoid the need to offset foot pedals and provide a more central driving position. Or keeping the cowl as low as possible to ensure the driver has a clear view of the front of the car. The MonoCell – a carbon fibre monocoque chassis – has major advantages, like supporting weight, strength and torsional rigidity, all improving handling, ride comfort and performance. To put this into perspective, it is 25% stiffer than an equivalent all-metal structure and 25% lighter than a comparable aluminium chassis. Explains McLaren Automotive Chief Engineer Neil Patterson, “it provides the perfect combination of occupant space, structural integrity and light weight; and is the ideal chassis to deliver groundbreaking efficiency and performance in the sports car market.”
I felt absolute confidence and control behind the wheel of this vehicle, even in its acceleration of 0 to 100km/h in just 3,1 seconds, and top speed of 329km/h (note to SAPS: I did not attempt to prove the top speed).
Cruising up to the N1, I decided to enjoy a bit of sky and fresh air, so retracted the roof in 17 seconds without even interrupting my drive (this is possible for up to 30km/h driving speed).
As if this car couldn’t get any better, the unique McLaren Airbrake – an “active” rear wing that increases its angle to boost downforce and improve stopping power and stability – made short work of the not-so-nippy taxi that decided to swerve into my path, and I waved merrily to the stunned driver as I hit the accelerator and blasted past him.
At that moment, I lowered the heated glass rear window, to absorb the full impact of the roaring rear-mounted engine in Track mode – which opens the window (if you’ll pardon the pun) to the levels of chest-vibrating sound coming from the V8. The Powertrain, which scales from Normal to Sport to Track mode, delivers increasing decibels of physical sound experience, reverberating from directly behind the cabin.
I could go into all sorts of other details, like the Meridian sound system which could make you swoon; the individual climate control, and touch-screen onboard computer; the P Zero Pirelli tyres; the side-mounted radiators and Formula 1 style diffuser; the Semi-Aniline leather sport interior…but what would a blonde in a supercar be without the right outfit?
Whilst visiting Brand Group International a week earlier, I spied a concealed rack of deep-red and black, striking figure-lines, and a dash of glitz. I was told that the secret line was only to be revealed in July this year; but using the 12C as bait, I pleaded to take one particular outfit for a day on the town (and managed to add a magnificent faux fur coat and striking accessories into the deal).
Well, it was a match made in heaven, as I certainly looked the part for my day out in the McLaren, with draping coat, gold accessories and jet-black clutch bag from Nina Jarebrink (oops, did I say that out loud? I guess the secret is out) giving me the look and air of a true SA Home Owner ambassador…and instigating a mass exodus of drivers from their vehicles, at every possible red traffic light, to photograph the three of us. Next time I will have to run a #EditorInMcLaren Twitter campaign!
And my final words? I WANT IT!
With thanks to McLaren and Daytona Group Sandton for organising the test drive, the Maslow Hotel for photoshoot location, and Nina Jarebrink for clothing and accessories
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