What is it?
The MP4-12C Spider, McLaren’s unashamed attempt to provide an alternative to the Ferrari 458 Spider, and also the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder and Porsche 911 Turbo convertible. It was planned in to the engineering process from the word go by McLaren, and as such suffers zero compromise when it comes to torsional rigidity or overall stiffness compared with the coupé MP4-12C. And it costs £195,500, undercutting the Ferrari 458 Spider by a small and not especially significant £3436.
Just like the Ferrari, the 12C Spider’s roof is a folding hard-top that disappears gracefully into the rear bodywork at the press of a button. It takes 17sec to go from fully closed to fully open, and the roof can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 25mph. All-up, the Spider weighs mere 40kg more than the coupé, with an overall kerb weight of just 1474kg, a class best according to McLaren.
Also new for the Spider is an upgraded version of McLaren’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, featuring more power (up from 592bhp to 616bhp), fractionally better economy (24.2mpg v 24.1mpg on the combined cycle) and exactly the same CO2 emissions as before (279g/km). Peak power arrives 500rpm higher than before, adding to the sense of acceleration at the top end, claims McLaren, while removing nothing from the flow of torque, which peaks as before at 442lb ft.
Key modifications to the software of the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox have further improved the speed and quality of the gear changes, says McLaren. In its most aggressive settings the shifts are faster than ever, while in auto mode they are smoother and more intuitive than before. Not that there was a whole lot wrong with the way the MP4-12C performed or shifted gear previously.
Elsewhere, the Spider 12C is identical to the coupé in its engineering. Same steering, same suspension set-up, same brakes, same everything. And in case you were wondering, all of the various engine, gearbox and ECU upgrades applied here will become available on the coupé for the 2013 model year. Owners of earlier models will also be able to get the upgrades installed for free by taking their cars to one of McLaren’s 38 worldwide dealers.
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Supercar for the ages
I was a little pessimistic when the coupe first came out but you have to hand it to them..... they have a gameplan and they are sticking to it. Hats off to them for supporting previous owners with cost free updates. This will certainly increase the value of used cars and develop loyal owners in the long run. Their near maniacal attention to details is finally paying off. The rigidity of the convertible is undiminished in comparison to the coupe.... unlike Ferrari where there is some loss to its convertible's integrity according to the press and Ferrari itself. A fantastic effort. To those who look down on either this car or even the Ferrari..... sour grapes. They are both incredible machines which only enrich the choice we have.
It's inevitable, and
It's inevitable, and unfortunate, that when journeying to a trackday, or remote locale with MP4-12C-suited A/B-roads, that several hours will be spent on motorways.
During which time the MP4-12C Spider will ride like a Rolls, its engine-note will not cause tinnitus and the hi-fi will actually be audible - ergo, the complete antithesis of a 458 Spider.
And when the destination for hoonery is reached, the MP4-12C will also deliver.
An MP4-12C Spider for me, please. ("Does it come in black?")
Convertable supercar??
I hate people who say I dont see the point in a car with .......but I never saw the point in buying a supercar as a convertable so maybe Im as bad. However this could change my mind as there really doesnt seem to be any compromise over the coupe. It's irrelevant because I'll never afford one...
Wanos wrote: It's
And that attitude is precisely why you never will.