McLaren Automotive unveils its second model in the MP4-12C family: the devilishly good-looking new 12C Spider. Equipped with a 616 BHP 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbo engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 12C spider makes an ultra-quick 0-60mph of just 3.1 seconds and powers on all the way up to 204 mph. Featuring a roof system that McLaren calls the ‘Retractable Hard Top’ it can be operated at speeds of up to 19 mph and can be lowered in 17 seconds according to McLaren.
As a carbon pioneers, having debuted a carbon fibre monocoque chassis in Formula 1 with the launch of the MP4/1 race car, then in 1992 introducing the same advanced composite technology to the world of road cars in the form of the legendary McLaren F1, it was natural evolution for McLaren Automotive engineers to apply their carbon expertise when developing the one-piece moulded chassis of the 12C. With the 12C designed originally as a convertible, its 75kg ‘MonoCell’ required no additional strengthening for it to feature in the 12C Spider, resulting in a sports car almost identical to its fixed roof equivalent in performance terms, yet weighing only 40kg more due to the addition of the convertible roof system.
Customisation options are pretty extensive, with a range of 17 exterior paint finishes and an exclusive new interior trim has been developed for the 2013 model year 12C and new 12C Spider. High quality semi-aniline perforated leather and Alcantara may be selected in a variety of combinations to suit an owner’s personal taste.
A new wheel design, and ‘Diamond Cut’ finishes for existing lightweight and super lightweight forged wheel designs may be selected for the 12C Spider. Standard Silver or Stealth finishes are offered for all wheel designs.
Vehicle Lift will be available as an option on 2013 model year vehicles. The system allows the 12C Spider to be raised front and rear for improved ground clearance. This technology permits the vehicle to be raised by up to 40mm at the front and 25mm at the rear of the 12C Spider, and may remain in position at up to 60kph (37mph).
The McLaren MP4-12C Spider is now available to order with deliveries planned for November 2012. We recommend checking out the 12C Spider online configurator to discover the full range of exciting options that may be specified at: www.configure.mclaren.com
Website: www.mclarenautomotive.com
You Tube: www.youtube.com/mclarenautomotivetv
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mclarenautomotive
