McLaren enhances the MP4-12C with more options

Pining after an MP4-12C, but afraid it won't be available in the color you want or might not have quite enough horsepower on the track? Not to fear, McLaren is here!

McLaren Automotive is upping the ante for their signature flagship MP4-12C performance sports car. Known as the world's most functional and least stylistic (which, in a way, is a style) supercar, the MP4 is being enhanced with several options and upgrades to make it even more accessible and desirable.

As if you needed a reason to want one of these machines.

For the new model year, McLaren is adding 25PS to the maximum output of the mid-mounted, twin turbocharged V8 that dominates this car. That increase to 625SP means the little monster now has 616 horsepower behind the seat. Not sure you'll like that? Don't worry, you can adjust the amount of noise it makes using the 12C's unique Intake Sound Generator (ISG) system with three programmable levels to allow you to select your favored level of "aural drama" inside the cabin.

Not enough pucker factor for ya? Need more refinement too? No problem. McLaren is also offering a wider variety of custom paint, leather, and wheel options to go along with.

Still not good enough? What if all of these options are actually included in the price of the car at no extra charge - you need only pick what you'd prefer?

Ya, that's what I thought. You're already writing that check, aren't you? If my raving hasn't quite pushed you over the edge into supercar fanaticism, maybe these words from McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff will arrest you:

“Given our racing heritage, it is in our nature to continuously seek out improvements. The team at McLaren Automotive recognizes that our existing and future customers deserve the very best product and service we can offer, and the launch of the enhanced 12C reaffirms its position as the most powerful luxury sports car among its competitor set.

“We designed and engineered the 12C from a clean sheet of paper, and I am delighted with the innovative technology package created for our first sports car. Our customers love driving a car with technologies and systems that have proved successful in Formula 1 and which create an incredible driving experience in a unique new high performance sports car. New and existing customers will now enjoy an even better experience thanks to the upgrades.”

The new options and higher power output drivetrain will be available starting in October in the 2013 model year McLaren MP4-12C. Fuel economy and emissions will not change with the engine updates thanks to modifications to the 7-speed SSG transmission.