High-performance cars shoot flames because unburned fuel has nowhere to go when the throttle is closed. McLaren owners have discovered a technique for brake-boosting their twin-turbo V8 engines that results in an impressive display of external combustion.
(Also Read: McLaren P1, P1 GTR, Aston Martin Vulcan and Pagani Huayra Blast Around Track)
When you take your foot off the accelerator, most cars are programmed to cut fuel and return to idle, which saves gas and helps MPG. Turbocharged cars use additional fuel to protect the engine from a lean condition. When the hot fuel reaches fresh air at the exhaust tip, it makes for a nice fireworks show. In order to showcase this talent, two MP4-12C’s faced off in a tunnel for a rev fest. McLaren keeps improving the formula with each new model, which makes the pre-owned market for the early MP4’s much more appealing for us. If you haven’t had a chance to drive one, they are like nothing else on the street. Shooting flames is fun, until you realize you just wasted $40 in fuel, additionally you might draw unwanted attention from the law. Don’t try this at home. Burning carbon fiber is hazardous to your health.
