Skip advert
Advertisement

eCoty Pagani Huayra and McLaren MP4-12C picture gallery

The £800,000 Pagani Huayra up against the McLaren 12C. The ultimate track battle? Find out here...

The headline twin test of evo Car of the Year 2012 is a battle you’re unlikely to see anywhere else. It’s also a day Tiff Needell and Richard Meaden – a pair of drivers with some rather enviable CVs – both say they’ll never forget.

The Pagani Huayra and McLaren MP4-12C don’t look like they’ll go toe-to-toe on paper. The Italian superstar is all pantomime, and its twin-turbo V12 engine is one of the year’s biggest hitters, with a stonking 720bhp and 737lb ft. It’s good for 224mph and if you fancy its ornate key in your pocket, you’ll need at least £800,000.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Woking-built McLaren, meanwhile, is a snip at £176,000. Its twin-turbo V8 engine provides 616bhp and 442lb ft, whisking it to a 204mph top speed. Next to the gullwing-equipped Pagani, it looks a little tame, despite its Volcano Orange paint.

As you’ll see in the video below, though, it’s one of the closest, most thrilling track battles we’ve ever filmed. And despite the tight turns of Blyton Park potentially teeing up our biggest insurance claim ever, Needell and Meaden have an absolute ball.

eCoty Track Battle videos

- Morgan 3 Wheeler vs Toyota GT 86 video- BMW M135i vs Porsche 911 Carrera video- Porsche Boxster S vs Lotus Exige S video- Mercedes C63 AMG Black vs Alpina B3 GT3 video- Pagani Huayra vs McLaren MP4-12C video

eCoty Image Galleries

- Morgan 3 Wheeler and Toyota GT 86 - BMW M135i and Porsche 911 Carrera - Porsche Boxster S and Lotus Exige S - Mercedes C63 AMG Black and Alpina B3 GT3 - Pagani Huayra and McLaren MP4-12C

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

McLaren MP4-12C (2011 - 2014) – Ferrari 458 performance for used Porsche 911 money
McLaren MP4-12C
Reviews

McLaren MP4-12C (2011 - 2014) – Ferrari 458 performance for used Porsche 911 money

McLaren's MP4-12C was the company's first step to taking on Ferrari, and what it lacked in emotional connection it made up for with searing performanc…
23 Sep 2025
Revisiting the McLaren MP4-12C, the birth of McLaren Automotive – car pictures of the week
McLaren MP4-12C
Features

Revisiting the McLaren MP4-12C, the birth of McLaren Automotive – car pictures of the week

In issue 333 of evo, we revisit genesis for McLaren Automotive – the first production MP4-12C
27 Apr 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Why the wild V8-powered Land Rover Defender D7X-R has ‘flight mode’
Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R
News

Why the wild V8-powered Land Rover Defender D7X-R has ‘flight mode’

The Land Rover Defender will take on the world’s most gruelling off-road race in 2026. Here’s our first look at the car that will do it
25 Nov 2025
How a sub-200bhp runabout exposes the problem with today’s performance cars
695C Turismo
Opinion

How a sub-200bhp runabout exposes the problem with today’s performance cars

A shortage of long-term test cars flags up a wider problem, says Meaden
27 Nov 2025
Everyone loves the idea of a GT car, so why does nobody buy them?
Aston Martin Vanquish
Opinion

Everyone loves the idea of a GT car, so why does nobody buy them?

We all love a great GT, says Jethro. Trouble is, no-one wants to buy them
21 Nov 2025