evo UK – September 2019

(Axel Boer) #1

FUTUREICONS


http://www.evo.co.uk 071


previous 911s’ hydraulic set-ups,it’s incrediblyaccurateand


allows inch-perfectplacement thatamply servesthe broader


repertoireofa car withsomuchfront-end grip and composure


you wonderif there’s a fan sucking it onto the tarmac. Assuming


you wanttogofast ratherthansideways, you simplypoint the


noseatthe apex, giveit asmuchgas asyou dareand let the


chassis’ mechanicalpurchaseand PASMcombine tomaximise


grip and keepthe cornering balance neutral. The upshotis


astonishing:flat, accuratecornering atspeed.It’s a masterclass


inmovingand asI returntothe paddockatAngleseyI know


that, whateverunfolds inthe McLarenand Mercedes, it won’t


beasutterly sussedaswhat I’vejust experienced inthe Porsche.


Onlyproblemis, T-specplays onlya minor partinthis. It’s


because it’s a 911.


Let’s see... 57 0S, 675LT, 60 0LT,P1and,backinthe day, F1



  • alltickedoff. But tothe amazement ofmycolleagues atevo,


this will bethe first timeI’vedriventhe car that started it allfor


McLarenAutomotive, the MP4-12C.Well, betterlate...


I havea hunch timewill bekindtothe 12C.It may nothave


beenthe best looking orsoundingsupercarof 20 11, but then


it was attemptingtorip upthe rule book.And withfresh eyes,


styling thatinitially seemedlikea proposalLotus rejectedfor a


new Esprit now looks oddly cool and elegant.


Cometothink of it, I’m rathergladI didn’t drive the 12C when


it was new.I might havejoinedin the chorusof complaints about


it being a bit anodyne – not‘supercar’ enoughinthe traditional


loud‘n’ lairy, nape-tingling, wow-factorsense of the word. These


werecriticismsMcLarenacted uponand usedtoinformthe


Left:SLS Black Series can be hard work on the wrong road, but its 622bhp


6.2-litre V8 leaves a lasting impression.Right:A1 quattro is small but perfectly


formed, and on the move its diminutive size works to its advantage

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