If you’re struggling to wait until 2011 before your MP4-12C arrives, then you’ll be grateful for McLaren today letting you customise the car of your dreams with the launch of its new online configurator.

We know it’s not the same as having what promises to be the car of 2011 nestled in your garage, but it’s fun to play around with how you might spec your 12C if your six numbers came up this Saturday, and is another demonstration of McLaren’s improved social interaction with its customers and fans over recent years.

Lewis specifies his burnout tyres ...

You can see world champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton spec their MP4-12C on SkiddPlayer and have a play about with the configurator yourself over at McLaren’s website.

The following is taken directly from the McLaren MP4-12C Configurator press release:

The configurator was developed using data obtained from theMcLaren Automotive design and engineering teams at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England.  The 12C configurator will link to McLaren Automotive’s 35 retail outlets in 19 countries across the globe when retailers are appointed from May 2010 and brings McLaren’s innovative automotive technology closer to its first customers. It allows them to enjoy specifying their preferred 12C options from a range that literally offers millions of combinations.

Exterior

A choice of 17 different high-grade exterior paint finishes begin with Blue, Silver and White available as standard on the 12C.  A further eight may be selected from the Special range of finishes, which includes McLaren Orange, a solid hue which was the signature colour of McLaren race cars in the 1960s and 1970s.  A choice of six Elite exterior colours is available for buyers seeking the very highest quality paint finish on their 12C.

Interior

Customise your MP4-12C inside and out

Unique to the 12C is a ‘Driver Zone’ interior option. In addition to combining Alcantara, leather and carbon inside the cabin for both driver and passenger, owners are able to further personalise the area immediately around the driver.  A choice of five leather trims can be specified solely for the driver’s seat, door trim and dash insert and the resulting asymmetrical appearance enhances the driver-focused ambience of the cockpit.

Performance

Performance upgrades include a lightweight sports exhaust system, carbon ceramic brake discs, polished-finish calipers and two different lightweight forged wheel options. Mirror casings, engine bay panels and engine covers are all available in carbon fibre.

Technology

How would you specify your MP4-12C?

In the centre of the cabin, the 12C’s portrait touch-screen gives driver and passenger access to a bespoke on-board entertainment, media and communication system.  The 12C features a Meridian two-channel, four-speaker sound system, 40GB hard drive with media player, AM/FM radio, electronic user manual and Bluetooth telephony. USB, PDMI and audio jack ports allow media player connection, with support for Apple iPod and Microsoft Zune.

The McLaren-developed IRIS option is available as an upgrade to the telematics system and allows use of voice control to access a navigation system while driving. Hard drive capacity increases to 80GB, while users can access a picture and media viewer and email. WLAN connectivity allows owners to remotely transfer music and other data files from a laptop or PC when parked within range. The IRIS option includes a seven-speaker Meridian surround sound system.