McLaren Decides to Make MP4-12C �More Emotional�

McLaren�s MP4-12C has received a lot of praise from automotive journalists. It has even set the second fastest time ever in the Top Gear power lap. But this doesn�t mean that it�s perfect.
Most who have driven it have placed it below its chief rival, the Ferrari 458 Italia, not because its� slower (it isn�t) or less capable, but because it lacked the aural charisma and emotional character of the Italian supercar. In other words, it was good, but also a bit clinical.
Therefore, McLaren decided to do something about it just before first deliveries start this week. A McLaren spokesman told Autocar magazine that changes to the MP4-12C to be delivered to customers include �a fruiter exhaust note� as well as �improved throttle response�.
The spokesperson noted that these improvements were made "because of McLaren's F1 mentality to up the pace of development".
McLaren�s engineers tweaked the car�s Intake Sound Generator by altering the butterfly valve found in the tube that connects the engine�s plenum to the cabin. However, this change is noticeable in Track mode only.
�It was a bit too sensible before� admitted the spokesman. �You won�t notice the changes in normal mode, just when you�re really having fun and pushing it. They don�t lead to any performance increase, but they do lead to an emotional increase when you drive the car.�

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