Lewis Hamilton’s 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is up for auction

April 24, 2025 Francis Mitterrand

In 2011, McLaren launched the MP4-12C sports car, which was available as a coupe and a retractable hard-top convertible. It was produced until 2014, and 3,400 units left the factory. One of them, the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C, is up for auction.

This MP4-12C was personally configured by one of the best Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton. He personally participated in the development of the car and chose a Volcano Red exterior, carbon fiber elements such as the spoiler, diffuser and mirror housings, the Stealth Package, and five-spoke Satin Dark Grey wheels. The car is equipped with a MonoCell carbon fiber chassis and the ProActive Chassis Control suspension system.

The interior is Hamilton’s personal choice. It is upholstered in Harissa Red and Black Alcantara with a variety of satin aluminum accents and carbon fiber elements on the sills, wheel arch panels, and the backrests of the electric and heated sports seats. Even the steering wheel is modeled after a Formula 1 wheel.

As for the powertrain, the car is powered by a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V8 engine, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.

The car has been well maintained by McLaren Monaco and rarely driven, showing just 8,938 kilometers on the odometer at the time of listing.

The auction will take place on May 25, 2025 and the car is estimated to fetch €175,000 – €225,000.

Source: Broad Arrow Auctions

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Lewis Hamilton's 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is up for auction

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2026 BMW M4 Nurburgring Edition

April 24, 2025 Francis Mitterrand

At this year’s Shanghai Motor Show, BMW presented a special edition of the M4 model, the M4 Nurburgring Edition. This car is dedicated to one of the most famous tracks, the Nurburgring Nordschleife, and only 53 examples will be produced, which will also mark the 53rd anniversary of the BMW M division.

The car is finished in Individual Frozen Deep green, which also refers to the nickname of the Nordschleife – Green Hell, while the contrast is made by the radiator grill with red edges and bronze rims with red brake calipers.

The interior is identical to the standard M4 with some special touches like carbon fiber accents and a “Nurburgring 1/53” plaque on the sill. The sports seats are upholstered in a combination of red and black leather with an embroidered Nurburgring sketch on the headrests, while the steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara.

As for the powertrain, the M4 Nurburgring Edition is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six with 530 horsepower, which is identical to the M4 Competition on which this special edition is based. This means it has all-wheel drive and can reach 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds.

It should also be noted that this special edition will only be available to Chinese customers.

Source: BMW

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Mercedes will use steer-by-wire technology from 2026

April 23, 2025 Francis Mitterrand

Steer-by-wire is a new technology that will be part of future Mercedes cars. This system provides an unparalleled user experience with a number of advantages in everyday use.

What are the advantages of this system? Well, it offers more freedom in interior design as the steering wheel can be flatter which improves dashboard visibility. Also, it gives a feeling of spaciousness because the shape of the steering wheel makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.

Steer-by-wire works in such a way that, depending on the speed and road conditions, an actuator on the steering wheel (Steering Feedback Unit, SFU) sends a signal to the steering rack (Steering Rock Unit, SRU), which turns the wheels. Since there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels, the feedback force is calculated individually for each model for different driving conditions.

Mercedes plans to use this technology in all its cars manufactured from 2026.

Source: Mercedes

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