Reviewing the McLaren MP4-12C

By THE NEW YORK TIMES

In Sunday's Automobiles section, Ezra Dyer reviews the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C, a supercar that he says expresses “a particular point of view, with McLaren's engineering-driven perfectionism represented in its every nut and bolt.”

Until the MP4-12C arrived, McLaren's last home-brewed road car was the almighty F1, a 240-mile-an-hour masterpiece regarded by many as the apogee of performance cars.

Many enthusiasts expected another over-the-top machine from workshop of the Formula One legends. The new McLaren is far more rational, which has given rise to some criticism, Mr. Dyer points out: “There's a school of thought that contends the MP4-12C's relentless overall excellence somehow diminishes the emotional experience of driving, that despite the staggering performance it is a soulless Stepford supercar.”

And he swiftly swats down that argument: “I think just the opposite.”

Read the review, check out the slide show and share your thoughts in the comments.

In a British-brand twofer, Mr. Dyer also takes a look at the Lotus Evora S, a supercharged 2+2 that expresses its maker's dedication to handling prowess over all else.