Hamann McLaren MP4-12C memoR: German tuner builds a tie-dye supercar

By Stephen Edelstein October 31, 2012

With Ferrari-rivaling performance and the ride and ergonomics of a Rolls-Royce, all blended together with the latest automotive technology, the McLaren MP4-12C is about as close to a perfect supercar as there is. The factory may offer the complete package, but German tuner Hamann still tried to improve on McLaren’s work. The result is the retina-assaulting memoR.

Hamann says the memoR’s intense color scheme was inspired by high fashion. The tuner promises that its creation “will transform ugly streets into palatial catwalks, clothing its passengers in magnificent haute couture.”

While the memoR looks more like a tie-dye project gone wrong than haute couture, it will definitely grab the attention of passersby like a model on a catwalk. Some have criticized the MP4-12C’s relatively generic styling, but memoR drivers won’t have to worry about standing out in traffic.

Remarkably, there is also a carbon fiber body kit under the rainbow color scheme. Unlike the body kist devised by other German tuners to “improve” the looks of high end cars, this one is actually quite understated and flows well with the McLaren’s lines. Not that classiness really matters on an extroverted item like this.

Hamann says the body kit is modeled on the legendary McLaren F1, at one time the world’s fastest car and the MP4-12C’s grandaddy. It includes a new front bumper with LED driving lights (the only cheap-looking aspect of this car; they look like they were bought at Pep Boys), side skirts, a large roof scoop and rear spoiler, and new rear diffuser, and a third tailpipe.

Wrapping up the visual package are a set of 21-inch aluminum wheels, with a design unique to the memoR.

Compared to the exterior, the memoR’s interior received relatively little attention. Wood or carbon fiber trim are the only options. Carbon fiber would probably be the best way to go; wood just seems old fashioned in such a high-tech car.

Hamann apparently thinks it did a lot to improve the MP4-12C, because it charges a princely sum for the memoR treatment. The tie-dye supercar will cost $124,000, on top of the $231,400 base price of a 2013 McLaren MP4-12C. Extroversion doesn’t come cheap.

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

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

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