Factory-turbocharged models are always easier to tune and that stands true, even for supercars like this McLaren MP4-12C.
McLaren’s first modern supercar is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 which when it left the factory produced a rather healthy 592hp, with the redline set at 8,500rpm. Later all of the cars were updated to 616hp.
These are figures that don’t leave a lot to be desired to most people, but that engine has proved to be easily persuaded into making a few hundred extra horses. North Carolina-based Hypercar Development has developed the ‘Hyper800’ package which raises the engine’s output to 840hp to the crank using the stock turbos.
Focusing extensively on improving cooling and airflow, the kit allows this McLaren to run cool on every occasion and despite the colossal amounts of power, ensuring this way a near-stock driveability.
The kit costs around $30,000 which sounds a lot but this is supercar tuning we’re talking about. Combine this with the low prices used MP4-12Cs have these days and you will realize that this 840hp monster of a car represents actually really good value.
Matt Farah delivers his driving impressions on his latest One Take video linked below.