MCLAREN 12C SPIDER BREAKS OUT!

McLaren, less than a week after sending us a teaser image of the drop-top slahla, a nice flurry of pictures has landed on our desk. The 12C Spider is of course a topless version of the MP4-12C which made its debut last year, and pretty much features the same types of mechanics as the Spider. Except this one will most probably drop more panties (or undies as the case may be).

“I am really excited to announce that the new 12C Spider is now available to order at new McLaren retailers worldwide. The launch of our second model is an exciting milestone in the growth of our company,” says Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director. “While the 12C is the technological essence of a race car, the 12C Spider incorporates an additional dimension. 12C Spider owners will love the opportunity to lower the roof and hear the unhindered howl of a V8 twin turbo engine at full throttle. It undoubtedly enhances an already euphoric 12C driving experience. The 12C Spider delivers all the thrills characteristic of a high performance roadster, and yet transforms into a raucous track beast at the flick of a switch. I can’t wait to see it on road and track with customers later this year.”

Power remains at 460kW at a howling 7500rpm, and peak torque is 600Nm between 3000rpm and 7000rpm. Again, same gearbox in the form of a 7-speed SSG double-clutch. The rear-wheel-driven (RWD) 12C is said to accelerate quite rapidly from 0 – 100km/h in 3.1 seconds, 0 – 160km/h in 6.1 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 10.8 seconds. Maximum speed is 329km/h, while McLaren claims an average fuel consumption of 11.7 litres per 100km.

At the centre of the 12C Spider is its retractable hard top (RHT) that adds only 40kg overall and can open or close in 17 seconds using a switch inside the cabin. It can be operated at speeds of up to 30km/h. A small electrically-operated rear windscreen is fitted behind the two seats and it acts as a wind deflector.

Orders for the 12C Spider start in November and in South Africa it can be ordered from Daytona Group in Sandton.