Launched! McLaren MP4-12C Spider
It comes as no surprise that McLaren Automotive has been working on a convertible version of its MP4-12C supercar. Their direct competitor, Ferrari’s 458 Italia, has a drop top variant so why not the McLaren?
The McLaren implements the same folding hard-top concept as the 458 Italia, rather than using a conventional canvas roof. It only takes the device 17 seconds to complete its duties. The driver can also summon a rear windscreen, when the top is down, increasing wind resistance.
The Spider hosts a rollover protection system safeguarding its driver and passenger in case of a major accident. As with any hard-top-convertible model, maintaining the overall weight of the car is an important factor and McLaren managed to achieve an increase of only 40kg more than the Coupe version. Interestingly so, the MP4-12C was originally designed as a convertible, so its carbon fiber MonoCell did not require any modifications to help with structural rigidity. Smart planning by a very smart company.
The Spider uses the same twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine found in its 2013 model coupe sibling. The unit pumps out 616bhp and 442lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7-speed twin-clutch transmission, nailing 0-100km/h in a mere 3.1 seconds. The Spider is on sale now starting at £195,500 in the UK. Pricing for our part of the world has yet to be announced.
Explore posts in the same categories: Automotive, Launched!Tags: McLaren, McLaren Automotive, McLaren Automotive MonoCell, McLaren MP4-12C, McLaren MP4-12C Spider
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July 4, 2012 at 10:51 am
the roof looks almost identical to the 458 italia!??
July 4, 2012 at 11:08 am
So true. My thoughts exactly! Even the way the hoofs rise behind the driver and passenger’s heads reminds me of the 458 Italia.
July 4, 2012 at 4:52 pm
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September 13, 2012 at 5:39 am
The new McLaren MP4 12C Spider has been developed based on the same super stiff carbon fiber monocell chassis like its hardtop sibling, and hence it has the capability to easily attain a top speed of up to 315 kph.