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McLaren builds an inexplicably lighter weight MP4-12C to celebrate its 50th year

McLaren builds an inexplicably lighter weight MP4-12C to celebrate its 50th
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, you always get the feeling that designers hit the wall of physical limitations and then back off a bit for their production models, leaving some room for higher-end, lighter weight, special-edition performance models. With a smaller car firm like McLaren, though, we assumed it went all-in with all its cars.

But no. McLaren saved some tricks up its sleeve with the MP4-12C and has pulled out all the stops to celebrate its 50th anniversary by building 100 special versions of its entry-level supercar.

mclaren50_12c_05
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Donned with extras like a full leather interior, plenty of 50th anniversary badges, some extra carbon fiber bits, a carbon-ceramic brake package, and a carbon front bumper, the special editions will come in two versions: 50 coupes and 50 hardtop Spiders, complete with folding roof.

The slathering of yellow paint, leather, badges, and carbon don’t just make the MP4-12C more distinctive looking but also more aerodynamic with improved downforce.

mclaren50_12c_02_1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What will this special McLaren cost you? You’ll pay just shy of $300,000 for the hardtop version and $325,000 for the Spider. These each represents a $30,000 increase over the standard, non-50th anniversary editions.

Intriguingly, however, if you were to just go get a regular one and add all these upgraded packages on the dealer check sheet; you’d be spending some $35,044, according to Car. So it looks like you actually save five grand buying the 50th over the regular with the optional sporty bits.

So be sure to get two.

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
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