McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am Edition will go into production, but only 30 will be made

By Stephen Edelstein November 20, 2012

When McLaren unveiled the MP4-12C Can-Am Edition, it said this unique version of its supercar was just a concept. However, unlike McLaren’s last jaw-dropping one-off, the X-1, the Can-Am will be produced. Granted, only 30 of the special edition cars will be made, but that’s better than nothing, right?

Named after the Canadian-American Challenge Cup that McLaren dominated in the 1960s and 1970s, the Can-Am Edition is essentially a racing version of the MP4-12C. It features a souped-up version of the stock MP4’s 3.8-liter V8, with 13 more horses for a total of 630.

The most dramatic change is the collection of racing-style body modifications, including a front splitter, rear diffuser, dive planes, and a massive rear spoiler. There are also copious vents for the engine compartment and radiator, plus sticky Pirelli racing tires.

The hardcore racing vibe continues through the stripped interior. The dashboard is replaced with a lightweight carbon fiber piece, and the seats are now racing buckets with six-point harnesses. The Can-Am also has an FIA-approved roll cage and a racing steering wheel taken from the MP4-12C GT3.

This is a serious car, but it may not have a purpose beyond looking cool. It probably won’t be road legal in most countries, and since McLaren did not build it to the specifications of any particular racing series, owners may have to modify their Can-Ams to turn them into genuine racers.

The Can-Am will join the Ferrari FXX and Pagani Zonda R in growing toy box of track day-only machines. These super-supercars have left street legality behind, and can only be unleashed on a closed course.

That may not be a problem for people who live close to a track, and have access to a tractor trailer. There must be a few McLaren fans out there who also manage hedge funds.

If a regular MP4-12C just isn’t exciting enough for you, get your Black Card ready. McLaren will only make 30 MP4-12C Can-Am Editions, at a price of $569,000 per copy. Deliveries begin in March 2013.

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.

Cars

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan gets new face, bigger battery

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan front-quarter view.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan arrived during the 2022 model year as the flagship of Mercedes' EV fleet. But now that it's been on sale for a few years, it's time for this flagship to get a refit so that it can stay competitive with other six-figure electric sedans like the BMW i7, Lucid Air, and Tesla Model S. The updated EQS sedan is scheduled to reach dealerships later this year as a 2025 model.

One of the most controversial features of the EQS has been its unorthodox streamlined shape, which makes the EQS one of the most aerodynamic sedans around, but also means it doesn't look much like a traditional Mercedes. For 2025, the EQS takes a step closer to that traditional look with a new grille featuring chrome bars like on the Mercedes S-Class. It also sports the brand's trademark hood ornament.

Cars

Best electric car charger deals: $100 off home charging stations

The handle of the Grizzl-E EV charger plugged into a vehicle.

A few years ago, electric vehicles were pretty rare or cost a fortune, but with more and more of the larger car brands getting into the game, there are a lot of excellent and even budget-friendly choices nowadays. That said, the electrical network for charging your cars might not be that widespread, so instead you'll have to rely on charging your car at home. Luckily, there are a lot of excellent car chargers at a discount, so if you've just bought an EV or want to upgrade your current charging solution, be sure to check out our favorite deals below.
Shockflo EV charger — $205, was $220

This EV charger by Shockflo is a Level 2 EV charger, which offers six times faster charging than a standard charger. It delivers 24 miles with just one hour of charging, and it can act as a mobile charger you can throw in the trunk or be mounted to a wall. It has an LCD display with useful information like charging rate, voltage, and charging time, as well as LED indicator lights that lets you know charging progress and errors.