Two things:

1. As you know, the outer tire must roll further than the inner tire in a turn. Similarly, the outer EDGE of the tire must roll further than the inner edge. That edge-to-edge variation is insignificant for cars with hard, narrow tires, but can be noticeable in a car with wide sticky tires.

2. Because the outer tire must travel further than the inner tire, the front tires are not parallel except when they're pointed straight ahead; when the car is turning, the inner wheel is usually aimed along a smaller-radius circle than the outer wheel. This "Ackerman" steering, if arranged perfectly, ensures that each tire rolls smoothly without slipping, but sometimes the "perfect" arrangement is modified -- even reversed -- for high-performance cars in order to achieve certain dynamic handling characteristics. If the 12C is built with a significantly modified Ackerman geometry (I don't know whether it is), the tires will scrub sideways in tight turns.

 

Let me guess. Weather was cold.

 

Yes... cold weather.

Ackerman..... learn something new everyday.

Thanks.

 

As the guys say,it's common in cold weather,on many other cars too,but more so on the 12c with it having little weight on the front end

 

Yea, cold weather, it will happen. Freaked me out the first time. Known effect, nothing to worry about.

 

Jarek,
I feel the same thing on mine at low speed and tight lock. Seems a bit worse when maneuvering forward and rearwards in tight spaces. I have noticed this on other cars, but it does seem a bit worse on the 12C ( or the MP4/12C - for Jessica), but I have always just put it down to the cars steering geometry set up as mentioned above as my car is perfect and I love it!

FF

 

Actually, reverse Ackerman. Driven at the limit it's not unusual for the outside tire to have more slip angle than the inside and therefore need a tighter radius than the inside tire, instead of vice-versa for low speeds. So at full lock, the outside tire can describe a significantly tighter radius than inside, so something has to give. It is more pronounced in cold because the tread blocks are more rigid.

Consider it a badge of performance just like a louder exhaust, squeaky brake pads and all the other compromises for performance.

 

My GT3 does the same thing even in moderately cold weather. It is unsettling the first few times it happens , but nothing to worry about. It is also more pronounced on smooth asphalt or polished concrete.