There's little question that the McLaren MP4-12C is an incredibly capable car. One of the best, in fact. But its styling leaves something to be desired. Not that there's anything particularly wrong with it - there's just nothing particularly right about it, either. It was designed before Frank Stephenson joined McLaren as lead designer, and the bottom line is that it lacks distinguishing characteristics. But if these latest reports prove accurate, McLaren could be preparing to showcase a bit of a facelift for the 12C.

When we say facelift, in this case we mean it quite literally as the styling revisions may be limited only to the car's front end. Which is typically the angle from which a car is identified, anyway. According to reports, the McLaren Special Operations division has devised a new nose that can be fitted onto the 12C - coupe or convertible - to give it a bit more character, due to be unveiled at the Windsor Castle Concours d'Elegance. In anticipation, we've put together a few frontal shots of various approaches McLaren has taken on the MP4-12C's front end, including the stock coupe, the High Sport edition, the Can-Am concept, the GT3 racer and the one-of-a-kind X1.