Transport Minister will struggle with the McLaren MP4-12c reaching 100 km/h in 3.3 second

Robert Mabusela 
@Robert_Mabusela

The McLaren MP4-12c featured at the Johannesburg International Motor Show produces an impressive 441kW achieving 0-100km/h in 3,3 seconds - which could mean breaking the law pretty fast as Transport Minister, Sibusiso Ndebele, wants to set the speed limit at 100.

The rear engined lightweight McLaren is promised to be the 'first genuine no compromise sports car' according to McLaren brochures at the Johannesburg International Motor Show last week.

With the given 0-100km/h figures the McLaren team is just being modest.  The MP4-12c deserves to be called a super car. 200 km/h is reached in 9.8 seconds or 8.9 if your car is fitted with Corsa tyres which will play an essential role in reaching the top speed of 330km/h a bit faster.
Super car manufacturers are using their gym memberships to make sure that weight shedding is at the top of their workout programme. Unnecessary weight is lost as excessive weight hinders the achievement of maximum performance.

Not only the acceleration improves, but other performance improvements include breaking 100 km/h in a distance of 30,5m, handling and fuel efficiency releasing only 279g/km which just might save you from
having to paying co² emission tax.

The whole weight shedding is made possible by using a carbon fibre MonoCell structure. This means the McLaren gets a one piece light weight carbon fibre chassis with rear and front aluminium frames as
opposed to carbon fibre used in the Audi R8 GT.

Fuel figures stand at 11,7 litres per 100km releasing only 279g/km of co².

The McLaren is powered by a 3.8 litre V8 engine which boasts 441kw/h with torque outputs of 600Nm at 3000rpm right up to 7000rpm.

The engine will be put up against German rivals Audi R8 GT, Porsche 911 Turbo PDK, and Japanese Godzilla Nissan Skyline GT-R and not forgetting the Godzilla killer Lexus LFA, as seen on YouTube.

All rivals have between 368 kW (Porsche 911 Turbo PDK) to 441kW (McLaren MP4-12c). According to specs the McLaren is the most favourable with the fastest 0-100 in 3.3 seconds, that is if you are rolling on standard tyres.

Overall, the McLaren was smartly built, with high mounted exhausts and every single component designed from scratch.

Nothing was considered good enough to be carried over from an existing McLaren. This car was certainly the highlight of high performance cars featured at the Johannesburg International Motor Show.