Geneva Motor Show: Tuners modify the MP4-12C with questionable results
Filed under: Tuning

The Geneva Motor Show isn't just about new models and launches, there are also the tuners displaying their mild to wild creations alongside the mainstream manufacturers.
These tuners have managed to carve their own niche, catering for the uber rich. These are buyers who might like a particular production supercar, but want something faster and more bespoke than the manufacturer can produce.
Sadly, more money and exclusivity doesn't usually equal good taste. On top of massive power hikes, usual features include questionable colour schemes and tacked on, poorly executed bodykits.
Every year, without fail, it seems there's one supercar that the majority of tuners must modify and modify badly!
This year it seems that McLaren has been doing good business, with its subtle but brilliant supercar, the MP4-12C getting the treatment from most of the major tuners. See what you think of the modified McLarens in the gallery below and if you disagree make sure you let us know.
Modified McLaren MP4-12Cs at Geneva
- 1. FAB Design MP4-12C<p> <br /> One of the more restrained MP4-12C's was from <strong>FAB Design</strong>, which is a surprise considering last year's SLS AMG. The biggest change is the removable rear wing, then there are the reprofiled bumpers, air intakes and side skirts all with a polygonal theme. I suppose they at least fit seamlessly and the white paint finish is fairly inoffensive. Inside, there's a bespoke white and black leather interior. The engine been given a work over too; a new exhaust fitted to the 3.8-litre V8 equals 680bhp. This means a 213mph top speed and the 62mph dash is covered in just 3.0 seconds. Just four will be made thankfully.</p>

- 2. Gemballa GT<p> Best known for their tuning work on Porsches, this is the first time <strong>Gemballa</strong> have worked on a McLaren. The German company are readying a tuning kit for the MP4-12C, but until that is available there is just an <span style="font-family:Verdana;">aerodynamic styling kit</span> and lightweight alloys on offer. We're not fans of either the bodykit and wheels, with the kit particularly bad at the front. The gaping air intakes are uglier than the standard car.</p>

- 3. Hamann memoR<p> Another MP4-12C low point at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show was courtesy of German Tuner <strong>Hamann</strong>. Called the <strong>memoR</strong>, there's no doubt the bodykit is far better executed than the Gemballa car and we quite like the wheels too. What we're not sure about is the bonnet scoops and the roof pod. Hamann are also known for their engine mods, but they remain tight-lipped about any mechanical changes to this MP4-12C.</p>

- 4. Mansory McLaren MP4-12C<p> Of the all the MP4-12C's on show, the <strong>Mansory</strong> version is the least subtle. Infamous for their questionable carbon-fibre work to supercars, the styling changes to this McLaren won't appeal to all. Their take on the Woking supercar features a unique carbon-fibre roof, front and rear aprons, mirror housings and the wings<span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span> Mansory have also hiked the power to 670bhp, which equals a top speed of 219mph, but there are no details yet on the 0-62mph time.</p>


