Car News | DriftConcept

Limited-run of Anniversary McLaren 50 12C and 12C Spider Announced

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013 | Car News | No Comments

Anniversary edition of the groundbreaking 12C and 12C Spider to mark 50 years of McLaren
A maximum of 50 examples of each of the 12C and 12C Spider are to be built featuring unique styling and specification enhancements

As part of the continued celebrations for the 50^th anniversary of McLaren, a commemorative model is to be produced, celebrating five decades of race-winning technology and expertise of the British brand. Production of the McLaren 50 12C will be strictly limited to a maximum of 100 globally, split between just 50 examples of the 12C and 50 of the 12C Spider.

The McLaren 50 12C and McLaren 50 12C Spider feature a number of bespoke styling and specification enhancements to mark the milestone event, which will be celebrated on 2 September. These have been produced by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the division of McLaren Automotive responsible for the delivery of bespoke projects, in conjunction with the McLaren Automotive design team led by Design Director, Frank Stephenson.

Revisions include a remodelled, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)-optimised front bumper from MSO, which provides increased levels of front downforce, and is inspired by the limited-run HS Edition models, to create a more dynamic visual impact. The lower section of the colour-coded bumper, framing the air intakes, is constructed from carbon fibre, while the front floor is made from race-derived carbon Kevlar. Above the bumper, a black McLaren F1-inspired heritage badge, previously only available to MSO clients, is also fitted on the bonnet.

As standard, the McLaren 50 12C and 12C Spider models are fitted with the carbon ceramic brake upgrade, with 394x36mm discs at the front, and 380x34mm at the rear. Offering enhanced stopping power, these sit behind bespoke McLaren 50 Ultra Lightweight wheels finished in Satin Black. This unique design, 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear, offers a combined 2kg saving over the optional Super Lightweight wheels.

Inside the cabin, the McLaren 50 12C models are upholstered with a full leather upgrade, while subtle branding to the carbon fibre sill panel and floor mats is complimented by an anniversary dedication plate on the driver’s door which highlights the limited run.

Available in one of three striking colour finishes – Carbon Black, Supernova Silver or heritage McLaren Orange – exterior aesthetic enhancements for the McLaren 50 12C continue with carbon fibre turning vanes offering further visual appeal, and featuring the McLaren 50 logo.

Each of the McLaren 50 models will be presented with a monogrammed black and silver car cover, limited edition key, carbon fibre presentation key box and a specially commissioned print signed by McLaren Automotive Design Director, Frank Stephenson.

The recommended retail price in the UK for the McLaren 50 12C is £196,000, and £215,500 for the McLaren 50 12C Spider.

#MorningCoffee | May 23, 2013

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013 | Car News | No Comments

We love reading, writing, talking, reviewing, driving… basically doing anything we can with cars. We spend a lot of time on the net going through articles and we want to pass on that knowledge by way of #MorningCoffee. This is where we take the past 48-hours of auto related news and put it all in one place for you to read while you enjoy your morning cup of coffee. Have an awesome day!

The 2015 VW Golf R ripping up the ‘Ring.
http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2015-vw-golf-r-caught-getting-a-flogging-on-ring/

The Honda/McLaren Porsche 911 fighter road car is NOT going to happen says an insider.
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1084350_no-plan-for-honda-powered-mclaren-road-car-says-insider

Ford Australia is dead.
http://jalopnik.com/ford-australia-is-dead-509424019

The Lexus IS is getting a coupe next year!
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1084330_new-lexus-is-coupe-and-is-f-coming-in-2014-report

A look at the whole Fisker story.
http://gigaom.com/2013/04/17/a-look-under-the-hood-why-electric-car-startup-fisker-crashed-and-burned/

Fisker has an offer, 1% of it’s value!
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/05/lutz-and-chinese-offer-one-penny-on-the-dollar-for-fisker/

Almost 10% of US households are car less.
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/05/almost-10-percent-of-american-households-are-carless.html

The girl who hit a cyclist and then Tweeted about it, only to have the cops Tweet her back to turn herself in speaks to the media.
http://jalopnik.com/girl-who-hit-cyclist-tweeted-about-it-says-she-isnt-509360551

A good read about how Porsche helped build two great cars that weren’t Porsches.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/05/when-porsche-built-an-audi-and-a-mercedes/

A Humvee pimped for military use!
http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/banks-6-5l-humvee/

Today’s car porn… how about a little custom, but not real.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/05/whats-right-with-this-picture-indy-roadster-se7en-by-zolland-design/

Honda Accord named Automobile Magazine All-Star

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013 | Car News | No Comments

The Honda Accord was the only midsize sedan named to the prestigious 2013 Automobile Magazine All-Star’s list. Automobile Magazine editors used a combination of factors to determine the list of ten All-Stars including results from performance testing, feature evaluation and overall value analysis.

“The Accord continues to demonstrate it’s the one to beat in the hyper competitive mid-size sedan segment,” said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of auto operations at American Honda. “And to be recognized by a top automotive publication like Automobile Magazine as one of the most significant models of the year further validates our effort to deliver a best-in-class vehicle experience for our customers.”

Since its introduction last fall as an all new model, the Accord has captured numerous industry accolades including being named a Car and Driver Magazine’s 10Best, Ward’s 10 Best Engines and a North American Car of the Year Finalist. Prior to being named an All-Star, the Accord won Automobile Magazine’s highly competitive eight sedan comparison test where editors applauded the model’s ability to ‘aspire to standard’s that should apply to more expensive machinery.’

This is the 18th time a Honda vehicle has been named an Automobile Magazine All-Star since the awards inception in 1986, and this is the first time the Accord has been awarded an All-Star designation. Past Honda All-Stars include the Civic, Element, Prelude, Odyssey, Fit and Ridgeline.

TOPP Drift Day 2013 – Round 3

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013 | Car News | No Comments

TOPP Drift Day 2013 – Round 3
Shannonville Motorsport Park
Shannonville, Ontario, Canada
May 20th, 2013

As per usual, the weather was expected to be cloudy and rainy as previous track day events. Surprisingly, the weather was hot and slightly humid – perfect for a TOPP Drift Day! In the early hours when the gates at Shannonville Motorsport Park opened it seemed like it was going to be a poor turn out (partially because it was a long-weekend), but by noon new faces and cars began showing up. There were a total of 28 drivers and 150+ spectators that came out to get sideways and rowdy.

Perfect weather means being able to have the sunroof open. Have a look down Alex’s top in his white 240SX.

Alex was consistently killing it all day getting some serious angle and burning through tires, I can’t wait to see what he brings to CSCS this year.

Everyone had their eye on these two Ontario drifters – Brad (yellow S13) and Dugan (black S14) – both have stepped their game up and qualified for DMCC pro-am.

Moustache on cars have becoming quite loved by all! Brent has some fresh scaffolding in the car now to protect him and strengthen it making him a totally different driver now than previous years.

Although Brent had no time to get the dash back in, the gauge cluster and radio were zip tied – who needs anything else, right?

Everyone’s favorite little truck getting dirty at the wall. It’s always incredible to watch Riley Sexsmith get sideways and a true gent as well.

Derrick Flaro’s s13 disappearing in smoke was a common sight all day. His 240SX is making some serious power, either that or his tires just can quit smoking yet. LOL!

Even new-t0-the-scene Ken has actually gotten better this year since he started. Always good to see new faces at the track especially from different skill levels.

A rarity for any drift day is spotting a clean Nissan Skyline R33. I haven’t seen this car out on track before, but it seems like the driver has some experience behind the wheel.

Yazan likes to go fast in his Flyin’ Miata! If you ever want to see what a boosted Miata can do on track, you have to check this beast out.

Just an example of how gorgeous it was out! AMF’s very own ‘lil Ginger Ben Fry was fryin’ on the infield with a nice 28+ degrees of hot sunshine goodness.

If you’re in the Shannonville area this afternoon, come out to the track for some night drifting from 5pm to 9pm hosted by TOPP! Some night drifting will be interesting to see, hope you missiles have working lights!

For more information, please visit TOPP Drift

Check out our past coverage:
TOPP Drift Day 2013 – Round 1 (Drift4Kids)
TOPP Drift Day 2013 – Round 2

Words: Ben Fry & Giancarlo Pawelec
Photos: Ben Fry
Video: fckthatnoise