2013 McLaren MP4-12C to get More Power and Other Upgrades that will Also be Retrofitted to Current Cars ~ Newtechfresh

Even though the McLaren MP4-12C only just went on sale in 2011, Car&Driver magazine is reporting that the British automaker is preparing a raft of improvements for the 2013 model year.

What makes the news more fascinating is that with the exception of a new suspension feature, the rest of the upgrades will be provided to existing owners of the MP4-12C at no charge.

In much the same way we update the software on our various electronic devices, McLaren will be upgrading the MP4-12C's 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8, the transmission electronics and touch-screen–based infotainment system.

A reprogramming of the V8's ECU is said to increase output by 25hp to a total of 618-horses, while other updates include a new transmission programming and the addition of software to allow drivers to choose how much sound they want entering the cabin.

McLaren has also completed the development of a program that will allow the infotainment system to support both navigation and Bluetooth.

The only improvement that will not be available to current owners of the car is a new optional suspension lift mode that can raise both ends of the car at low speeds to help navigate through speed bumps or parking ramps.

2012 MCLAREN MP4-12C