CAR WARRIORS: McLAREN 2014 12c COUPE

Thursday, October 16, 2014

McLAREN 2014 12c COUPE

Heritage can be a big asset in the automotive world, but when a company has some of the best racing engineers in its employ, perhaps it is best to start with a blank sheet of paper. McLaren is in that enviable position. This brand's heritage springs from its racing history, and there is thelegendary F1. In the 1990s, it was the supercar ideal, unmarred by overly extravagant styling or any kind of technological compromise.Our first road car since the iconic F1, the exquisite 12C is engineered to perfection. Everything you see. Everything you touch. Every line, surface and detail of the 12C’s design enhances the car’s performance and the thrill of the drive.

But some customers found it to be lacking in drama, noise, and effect. The 12C does compete, after all, with the likes of the Ferrari 458 Italia which comes to battle with three shrieking exhaust pipes and the fussyManettino driving-mode switch on the steering wheel. To address these concerns, McLaren made a mid-2013 update to the 12C to make it louder, a bit faster, and its Track mode even sharper. The 12C delivers just as before, but does so a bit more emphatically. Those changes continue into 2014. The twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 co-developed with engineering-house Ricardo, fires up at the push of a button, and it makes its presence known even at idle. Once pushed, it cannot hide its character as a turbo engine, sounding more subdued and generic than the V-8 engines of AMG and Ferrari, or the V-10s of Audi and Lamborghini. There is the distinct, very 1980s whoosh of the turbochargers, and the 12C does display a whiff of turbo lag. Drivers who wish to mark the corner exit with a precise repositioning of the vehicle's rear end must practice accordingly.

Maximum horsepower is now rated at 616, reached at 7500 rpm; maximum torque is 443 lb-ft, available from 3000 to 7000 rpm. There is so much thrust on hand at any time that it’s easy for the 12C to achieve triple-digit speeds between corners. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes a mere 2.9 seconds; top speed is 205 mph. Redline is a lofty 8500 rpm. Yet, the 12C is a highly efficient machine; during our drive it reported an average of 15 mpg in mixed driving, and even stretches of 20 mpg on the highway with a very light right foot. The rear spoiler rises and functions as an air brake during hard snubs, a race-car element rarely seen on public road. We lament the fact that there is no manual transmission available. In objective terms, however, the 12C’s seven-speed, Graziano-supplied dual-clutch gearbox works with laser precision. It rips through the gears without any fuss or excessive throttle-blipping; an automatic mode is available.

The combination of compact dimensions, precise steering, and predictable handling means that the 12C can be positioned precisely and with great ease. It is tempting to switch off the stability control system, or at least select Track mode, which allows for greater drift angles. But drivers need to respect the race car that lies just beneath the surface. Even though the 12C is relatively forgiving and easy to control, there is so much torque that the rear can break loose under acceleration, even at elevated speeds.Most McLaren 12C customers now go for the Spider version and its electrically operated convertible top, which is heavier by almost 90 pounds. But the purist's choice is the coupe, which we drove. The 12C’s seats are comfortable and wide enough for about 90 percent of drivers—in fact, they could be a bit more narrow and snug. The trunk holds a medium-size roller bag and a few small soft carry-ons, comparable luggage space to that of most other exotics. The instrumentation is modest and businesslike. McLaren’s lightweight approach is underlined by details such as the shifter paddle, which is one piece that stretches to both sides of the steering column. The low point of the interior is the navigation system—our test vehicle's unit crashed frequently. Other irritating details from previous iterations have been corrected: The capacitive sensors that required several swipes to open the scissor doors have been replaced by conventional buttons.

With its race-bred power and dynamics, the McLaren MP4-12C is still the perfect car for a perfect world—so, one without speed limits. Modestly styled, but utterly uncompromising on the road, it can still hold its ground against any competitor.

Yet McLaren buyers now have another choice: the 2015 650S. Debuting at at this year’s Geneva auto show, the new car shares the bones of the 12C, but its more evocative styling details, interior upgrades, and higher-yield 641-hp, 500-lb-ft 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 should address customers who desire a faster, flashier, and spendier McLaren supercar. Although McLaren hasn’t yet announced 650S pricing, expect a 10 percent premium over the current 12C.

The McLaren 12C coupe lists for $241,900, and the Spider fetches $268,250.

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KNOWING ABOUT YOUR POWER-TRAIN WARRANITY

A powertrain warranty is a form of assurance offered by the manufacturer of an automobile. When a consumer purchases a vehicle, at the time of sale, he or she will be given a powertrain warranty, which will cover all or part of the powertrain of the underlying automobile. When a mechanical problem occurs to the powertrain the costs associated with repair or replacement are covered in the powertrain warranty—the manufacturer or dealer whole sold the automobile will pay to have the car fixed. That being said, what parts are covered and the extent of the repayment associated with fixing the car will vary greatly based on the powertrain warranty offered.

Depending on the manufacturer, a powertrain warranty will provide different forms of coverage based on interpretative differences; for example, one manufacturer’s definition of an engine can be referred to as a ‘long block’, meaning the engine, as well as everything attached to it cannot be removed. Another definition of an engine can be a “short block” meaning only part of the engine—typically the piece below cylinder head—cannot be removed. As a result, the coverage abilities will vary between these two warranties if the engine proved to be faulty.

In addition to the engine, the type of automobile will necessitate different variables within the powertrain warranty. For example, if you purchased a manual transmission vehicle, the warranty may exclude repairs or replacements for important pieces, such as the clutch—an extended warranty for a manual transmission will typically only provide coverage for the driveshaft and the axles.

A powertrain warranty will last for a certain number of years or for a maximum number of miles. In most instances, the powertrain warranty will last longer than a typical car warranty; the basic powertrain warranty is offered as a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, or whichever comes first.

Other Warranites Usually available to car buyers:

Basic: Also known as "bumper-to-bumper" coverage, this is the general coverage that would pay to repair defects in factory-installed parts. Tires are not typically included because they're usually covered under a separate tire manufacturer warranty.

Corrosion: Covers rust that causes holes in sheet metal in parts such as the doors or side panels.

Roadside assistance: Provides help with towing and tire-changing if the car breaks down while traveling.

It's best to check with dealers for specifics, but here is a list of seven top auto companies that offer among the best car warranties, despite the fact that many are rated safe cars by independent research firms.

Car Insurance Tips

Find out what’s covered and what isn’t. Get your quote in writing and confirm the accuracy of each vehicle and driver you are insuring, as well as the coverages you requested. Ask about free, value-added features, such as emergency roadside assistance. Check to see if repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own your car, and find out what kind of payment options are available.

To see if you’re getting credit where credit is due, it's a good idea to find out all the discounts available to you. Some simple ways to save money on your auto insurance include maintaining a clean driving record, being a good student and the inclusion of certain safety features when buying a new car can save you money on your policy.

Your state sets forth the minimum liability coverage you must maintain, as mentioned above. But these are just the legal minimums and might not give you the coverage you need. You'll have to decide what you want to buy beyond these minimums. Keep in mind that you are looking to find the balance between having adequate coverage and overpaying.

According to Consumer Reports, a general guideline for adequate bodily injury liability limits is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, plus $100,000 for property damage. These amounts are what your insurer will pay to someone you are in an accident with. For uninsured motorist coverage, you should get the same amount as for bodily injury liability, as this covers your medical costs when someone who is not insured hits you.

Auto insurance tip #1
Understand why you need auto insurance
In short, you need car insurance to protect your car, yourself and your passengers. You also protect any assets, like your home and savings, as well as comply with state law.

Auto insurance tip #2
Know your current coverages-but be willing to adjust
Use your current coverages and limits as a starting point; you can refer to your declarations page for this information. Then, adjust your coverages as necessary to match your lifestyle-which might be different than it was when you first bought the policy.

For example, if your teenager starts driving next month, you might consider adding him or her to your policy now. Or, if you just bought a new car, you might choose loan/lease payoff coverage, so that if your car is stolen or declared a total loss, you'll have help paying off your loan or lease.

Auto insurance tip #3
Decide what you want to protect, then choose your coverages

Auto insurance tip #4
Use deductibles to your advantage
Your deductible is what you agree to pay out of pocket when you use your car insurance. In general, the higher you set your deductible, the less you'll pay for your policy. And conversely, if you set your deductible low, you'll pay more for your policy, but less when you have a claim.

Auto insurance tip #5
Know that certain things affect your rate
Insurance companies evaluate a variety of things when they calculate your rate, from your driving record to where you live and how many miles you drive on average. Keep this in mind when you see your rate.

More alternatives:

Raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles to at least $1,000, which lowers your premiums and prevents you from filing small claims that could jeopardize a claims-free discount. Add some more money to your emergency fund so you’ll have the cash to pay the deductible if anyone in your family does have an accident.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage entirely on older cars that are worth little more than the deductible. You may be paying more in premiums than you could ever get back from the insurer, even if the car is totaled.

Tell your insurer if your child goes away to college. If your child goes to school more than 100 miles away and does not use the car, you can usually get a big break on your premiums but still have coverage when he or she comes home for vacation.

Ask about other discounts for teenage drivers. Some insurers offer discounts for driver-safety programs, cutting costs if the kids take a special class, watch a DVD, or read a driver-safety book and take a test. Ask your insurer what your kid needs to do to qualify.

Make the most of multi-policy discounts. You’ll usually get a break on your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance if you keep both policies with the same company. You may get an additional discount if you include an umbrella policy, which provides extra liability coverage beyond your auto-insurance limits and can be particularly valuable when you have a teenage driver.

Some insurers offer much better deals than others for teenage drivers, so it’s important to compare costs. The insurance company that offered the best rate for you and your spouse may have some of the highest rates when you add a teenage boy to the policy - and it’s almost always better to add the child to your policy rather than have him get his own policy.

You can get price quotes from several online insurance companies like Progressive or AllState or get personalized service from an independent insurance agent who works with many companies. You may not want to switch from a longtime insurer just to save a few dollars, however, because your current company may be less likely to raise your rate or drop you if your child has an accident. If you stay with the insurance company you currently have there more room for forgiveness and benefits of such various programs. Also keep in mind that if you have been getting a multi-policy discount, your homeowners-insurance rate might rise if you take your auto-insurance business elsewhere.

One thing you don’t want to do in an attempt to reduce your premiums is skimp on liability coverage. recommends liability limits of at least $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident and $100,000 for property damage or a policy with a “combined single limit” of $500,000, when available, which does not limit the coverage to $250,000 per person involved in the accident. Young drivers are more likely to have accidents, and lowering your liability limits could leave you on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in expenses if your child does hit another car or injure someone.

CAR WARRIORS

Thursday, October 16, 2014

McLAREN 2014 12c COUPE

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