Video: Jay Leno Gets Technical Run-down & Delivery of his new McLaren MP4-12C

Although the new McLaren MP4-12C may not be every enthusiast’s favorite exotic car, but for Jay Leno, the MP4-12C has a soft spot in his heart no matter how well it stacks up against the competition. Before the MP4-12C was in its full production skin, Jay got to visit the McLaren factory and be one of the first to get behind the wheel of one. He liked it so much he placed his order for one. Now, Jay gets to take his very own MP4-12C down the streets of southern California after he gets a full technical rundown on his new toy from Damian Forbes, McLaren Service and Parts Manager.

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Chris Harris Takes A Ride In A McLaren F1 GTR: Video

It’s no secret that we’re not a fan of Evo’s Chris Harris. The British motojournalist is a bit pompous for our tastes, and not nearly as funny as he thinks he is. That said, the man can drive, and there’s no denying that he knows a thing or two about cars. He’s also managed to make a brilliant career out of talking (and presumably, writing) about them, which is why he gets to do things like ride in a McLaren F1 GTR. Read more…

Lust-Worthy Cars In The Canyons Of Southern California

Southern California is the center of the collector / exotic car universe, and nowhere is that more evident than the canyons of Mulholland Highway, near Malibu, California. YouTube poster RNickeymouse makes a living by filming motorcycle riders in some of the better corners, then selling them the footage and stills. Occasionally, he captures a few cars worth noting, too, like the ones in the video below.

If you’ve got a keen eye, you’ll spot Jay Leno (twice, in fact), and the list of cars captured is pretty impressive. There’s a Ferrari 599 GTO, a McLaren MP4-12C, a prototype Audi eTron Spyder, a few Ariel Atoms, a Caterham 7, a Bugatti Type 57 SC and even what looks to be an original Shelby Cobra. If idiots crossing double-yellow lines mid-corner raise your blood pressure, there’s some sweet justice in the middle of the video, too. Read more…

U.S. Deliveries Of McLaren’s MP4-12C To Start In January

We’ve got good news for those of you with McLaren’s latest supercar on order. First, the software bug that caused some production MP4-12C models to repeatedly drain their batteries has been identified and corrected. Next, McLaren has confirmed that U.S. deliveries will begin in January, which may be a few months behind schedule but is better than the indefinite hold that McLaren placed on production to solve its software issues. Besides, January is now just over six weeks away. Read more…

McLaren MP4-12C Production Slowed For ‘Quality Issues’

If you needed proof that every car is the sum of parts from the lowest bidder, here it is: McLaren is slowing production of its $231,400 MP4-12C to address what the company describes as “quality issues.” Tony Joseph, McLaren’s North American director, was quick to tell Autoweek, “There are no safety concerns for the delay. We’ve had some quality-related issues in a few cars we wanted to address before we continue to deliver customer cars.” Read more…

Video: Jay Leno Tours McLaren Factory and Drives MP4-12C

Jay gets to take a rare tour of the McLaren factory getting a glimpse of the very first McLaren made along with a test drive in the MP4-12C. Jay also gets a ride in McLarens new unnamed supercar, the P11 prototype, all at the Top Gear test track in Dunsfold. Sit back and take a journey in the past and future with Jay at the McLaren factory in the video below.

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Mr. Bean Stacks His McLaren F1

Rowan Atkinson is best known for playing the role of Mr. Bean on television and in the movies. If you’re a fan of Top Gear, you know that Atkinson has a serious love of cars as well, and owns a McLaren F1 purchased as a reward to himself after his first film success. He’s owned the car since 1997, racking up some 37,000 miles behind the wheel. Shortcomings and all, Atkinson recently defended the F1 to TopGear host Jeremy Clarkson, saying, “You’ve got to live with it. I have lived with it for 14 years. I’ve done a lot of miles in it.” Read more…

Ayrton Senna’s McLaren MP4-6 Up For Auction

The problem with buying a historically significant race car is that your significant other doesn’t always appreciate its value as fine art. You may think that Nigel Mansell’s 1989 Ferrari F640 goes great in your family room, but I suspect your wife will want it relegated to the garage. What if you could blend the best of both worlds, and turn a one-of-a-kind race car into art that everyone (well, almost everyone) could appreciate? Read more…