McLaren MP4-12C

There's no rule saying all exotic cars must come from Italy. Need proof? Take one look at the English-built McLaren MP4-12C. An object of speed and beauty rendered in carbon fiber, magnesium and aluminum, the 12C (believe us, you'll get tired of saying its full name) looks like a jet fighter on wheels, and it's about as close as you can get to driving a race car on the street.

The 12C is in fact a road-going race car that takes full advantage of McLaren's vast knowledge of intense racing technology gleaned from years of Formula1 development. The body is constructed completely of carbon fiber, with a safety "tub" forming the core on which all other components are built. The Carbon MonoCell, as it's known, is exceptionally strong, but also unbelievably light, weighing in at less than 200 pounds. Overall weight is just 2866 pounds.

Open the upswinging doors and slide into the cockpit. Here you'll be greeted by an incredibly simple yet highly technical interior. There is no shift lever, no clutch pedal; just two seats, a minimalist center console and a multi-function steering wheel. It's all business, with amenities limited to air conditioning and a stereo.

Power for the 12C comes from a high-performance engine of McLaren's own design, situated just ahead of the rear axle. An all-aluminum masterpiece displacing just 3.8 liters, it cranks out an amazing 592 hp with the aid of two turbochargers. Sending power to the rear wheels through a 7-speed, dual-clutch gearbox with automated shifting, the 12C jumps to 60 mph in just a tick over three seconds, and flies to 125 mph in nine seconds. Given the proper space, the MP4-12C will hit 207 mph, at which point you'll be thankful it has an automatic airfoil to aid the brakes on deceleration.

Of course, the 12C is about more than just speed. No, really. It's also an incredibly balanced sports car designed for handling curves as well as the open road. And well mannered, too, thanks to electronically controlled dampers that put all other supercars to shame when the going gets rough.

Needless to say, your time behind the wheel of the McLaren MP4-12C will not be soon forgotten. Our MP4-12C includes the following features:

Seven-speed SSG transmission with paddle shifters
Factory satellite navigation system
Leather upholstery with carbon fiber trim

from Gotham Dream Cars