Automotive

McLaren pulls the top down on new 12C Spider

McLaren pulls the top down on new 12C Spider
McLaren's new 12C Spider features a retractable hard top (RHT) folding roof
McLaren's new 12C Spider features a retractable hard top (RHT) folding roof
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The McLaren 12C Spider boasts the same 24.2 EU mpg (11.7 liters/100 km) fuel efficiency figures as the 12C
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The McLaren 12C Spider boasts the same 24.2 EU mpg (11.7 liters/100 km) fuel efficiency figures as the 12C
The 12C Spider will do a quarter mile (440 m) in 10.8 seconds
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The 12C Spider will do a quarter mile (440 m) in 10.8 seconds
The McLaren 12C goes from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.1 seconds
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The McLaren 12C goes from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.1 seconds
The McLaren 12C goes from 0-100 mph (161 km/h) in 6.1 seconds
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The McLaren 12C goes from 0-100 mph (161 km/h) in 6.1 seconds
The McLaren 12C Spider will launch in Volcanic Red
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The McLaren 12C Spider will launch in Volcanic Red
The McLaren 12C Spider
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The McLaren 12C Spider
The McLaren 12C Spider's RHT takes under 17 seconds to raise or lower
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The McLaren 12C Spider's RHT takes under 17 seconds to raise or lower
McLaren's new 12C Spider features a retractable hard top (RHT) folding roof
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McLaren's new 12C Spider features a retractable hard top (RHT) folding roof
The McLaren 12C Spider
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The McLaren 12C Spider
Raising the 12C Spider's roof provides an extra 52 liters (13.7 US gal) of storage space under the tonneau
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Raising the 12C Spider's roof provides an extra 52 liters (13.7 US gal) of storage space under the tonneau
The 12C Spider’s RHT is operated via a switch in the lower section of the center console
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The 12C Spider’s RHT is operated via a switch in the lower section of the center console
The McLaren 12C Spider
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The McLaren 12C Spider
The McLaren 12C Spider
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The McLaren 12C Spider
The McLaren 12C Spider goes from 0-124 mph (200 km/h) in 9 seconds
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The McLaren 12C Spider goes from 0-124 mph (200 km/h) in 9 seconds
View gallery - 14 images

McLaren has delivered a convertible sibling for its MP4-12C supercar. Aside from a unique retractable hard top (RHT) folding roof that can be operated at speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph), the new 12C Spider is pretty much identical to the 12C, with the same carbon “MonoCell” chassis and upgraded 616 bhp (625 PS) engine announced for the MP4-12C last month.

The addition of the convertible roof system adds an extra 40 kg (88 lb) to the weight of the 12C, but the performance of the 12C Spider is close to that of the 12C. Both models boast a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.1 seconds, but the 12C Spider goes from 0-100 mph (161 km/h) in 6.1 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds slower than the 12C, while its 0-124 mph (200 km/h) time of 9 seconds is 0.2 seconds slower than the 12C’s 8.8 second time.

The 12C Spider will do a quarter mile (440 m) in 10.8 seconds, just 0.2 seconds off the pace of the hard top. Both models share the same fuel efficiency figure of 24.2 EU mpg (11.7 liters/100 km) and the same CO2 emissions of 279 g/km.

The McLaren 12C goes from 0-100 mph (161 km/h) in 6.1 seconds
The McLaren 12C goes from 0-100 mph (161 km/h) in 6.1 seconds

The 12C Spider’s RHT is operated via a switch in the lower section of the center console and takes under 17 seconds to raise or lower, with the roof acting as a wind deflector when lowered. But you'll have to decide on whether extra luggage space or preserving your hairdo is more important as raising the roof provides an extra 52 liters (13.7 US gal) of storage space under the tonneau. McLaren supplies bespoke luggage specifically designed to fit this space as standard. The rear windscreen behind the driver and passenger can also be electronically raised or lowered.

With the 12C originally designed as a convertible, the 12C Spider’s “MonoCell” chassis doesn’t require any additional strengthening and the car includes a passive Roll Over Protection System that sees each buttress containing a steel structure to absorb impact energy and protect the driver and passenger in the event of an accident.

Raising the 12C Spider's roof provides an extra 52 liters (13.7 US gal) of storage space under the tonneau
Raising the 12C Spider's roof provides an extra 52 liters (13.7 US gal) of storage space under the tonneau

Launching in Volcanic Red, McLaren will offer the same the 12C in the same 17 exterior paint finishes currently available for the 12C. A new Volcanic Yellow and new interior trim will also be offered for the 2013 models of both cars, as will a new Vehicle Lift option that improves the ground clearance by raising the 12C Spider up to 40 mm (1.5 in) at the front and 25 mm (0.9 in) at the rear at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph).

McLaren is taking orders for the 12C Spider now with first deliveries expected in November 2012. It is priced at US$265,750.

Source: McLaren

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2 comments
2 comments
jerryd
While it will work, it'll be heavier, less stiff plus far less safe than the roofed version.
tjcoop3
jerryd-but it looks so cool dude! Anyone spending over a quarter million on a car is probably not really all that concerned about safety. This is about prestige and cool.