Skip advert
Advertisement

eCoty Pagani Huayra vs McLaren MP4-12C video

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

eCoty Pagani Huayra vs McLaren MP4-12C video

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

Citroën C5 Aircross review – quirky, honest SUV offering Range Rover comfort on a budget
Citroën C5 Aircross
In-depth reviews

Citroën C5 Aircross review – quirky, honest SUV offering Range Rover comfort on a budget

When is a generic family crossover not the dullest thing on Earth? When it’s a comfy Citroën glazed in weirdness
9 Apr 2026
Porsche 911 (992.2) review – more complex than ever, but still the best sports car
Porsche 911 (992.2) – front
In-depth reviews

Porsche 911 (992.2) review – more complex than ever, but still the best sports car

The 992-generation 911 has taken time to reveal its character, but it’s evolved into a sports car with enormous breadth and ability
10 Apr 2026
Looking for a used performance car icon? Try these – car pictures of the week
Used performance car icons
Features

Looking for a used performance car icon? Try these – car pictures of the week

Does price, a lack of personality and irritating mandated nannying in new cars put you off? Look to the stars of the past…
11 Apr 2026