Not content with releasing a new, more powerful version of its MP4-12C super car, McLaren has just lifted the lid — quite literally — on a beautiful convertible edition known as the MP4-12C Spider.
The permanent metal lid has been swapped for a retractable hard top (there’s no cloth nonsense here) which is operated using a switch in the lower section of the centre console. Once activated, it takes less than 17 seconds to raise or lower and it can even be operated while the 12C is moving at up to 19mph.
Like most convertibles, the McLaren 12C Spider is heavier than the coupe original — but only slightly. McLaren says it’s built using the same 75kg MonoCell as the coupe and thus requires no additional strengthening to make up for the lack of a lid. As a result, the the 12C gains a mere 40kg in weight, meaning performance is on a par with the coupe.
Both the coupe and 12C Spider take 3.1 seconds to reach 62mph from a standstill. Beyond these speeds, the coupe will prove slightly quicker than the Spider, but only just. The 12C needs 6.1 seconds to reach 100mph and 9 seconds to top 124mph. The coupe needs 6 seconds and 8.8 seconds respectively to reach the same speeds.
Terminal velocity in the 12C Spider is 204mph — 3mph less than its be-roofed counterpart. Yes, it’s a tiny bit slower but if you’re busy frowning at the speedo when you’re doing those sorts of speeds with the top down, you’re an arse.
The 12C spider is avialable to customise and buy now from McLaren for £195,500. Have a gander at the pics below and let us know what you think in the comments or on Facebook.
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