McLaren Supercar Buyers Spend Big on Options
McLaren coupe buyers so far this year have spent on average at least $30,000 for items such as Brembo carbon brake rotors, special paint jobs, carbon paneling in the engine bay and three different wheel options.
NEW YORK – Buyers of McLaren supercars spend between $30,000-$40,000 on options, about the average cost of a new vehicle in the U.S., says Richard Powell, aftersales manager-North America.
The 450 purchasers of McLaren coupes so far this year have doled out thousands of dollars for items such as Brembo carbon brake rotors ($12,000), special paint jobs, carbon paneling in the engine bay and three different wheel options, he says.
For buyers who want a softer tire option, the auto maker recommends buying a second set of rims and four extra tires. A set of Pirelli Corsa tires alone commands about $2,700.
Anthony Joseph, director-McLaren Automotive North America, forecasts 2012 sales of the $229,000 coupe will approach 650 units in North America. He declines to predict global sales for the vehicle. But he says the coupe will account for only 15% of total McLaren sales because a new 12C Spider convertible, priced at $265,750, debuts early in 2013.
Joseph says delivery of a McLaren takes three months in the U.S. after an order is received at the U.K. factory. Half of the supercar’s dealers are in North America, including a single Canadian dealer in Toronto.
Most McLarens are built to order, but some dealers are ordering an extra vehicle for display in their showrooms. The Spider will be powered by the same 3.8L twin-turbo V-8 used by the convertible. The engine generates 616 hp and 443 lb.-ft. (600 Nm) of torque.
Surprisingly, no gas-guzzler tax is levied on the high-powered sports coupe. Joseph expects that will hold true for the Spider, even though it weighs 88 lbs. (40 kg) more than the fixed-roof model.
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