2013 McLaren 12C Spider Convertible Sports Unveiled

The all new 2013 McLaren 12C Spider Convertible made its public debut for the first time at the Gooding & Company Auction preview at Pebble Beach this weekend, however it was shown digitally six weeks back.

The New 12C Spider is lightweight with a high-powered engine that churns out 616bhp, a unique Retractable Hard Top (RHT) folding roof system that can be lowered or raised on the move, and a carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis identical to that of the ground-breaking 12C coupe. Aside from shared architecture, the 12C and 12C Spider share a unique combination of spectacular performance with remarkable usability.

The new 12C Spider will be priced from £195,500 in the UK and is now available to order from McLaren retailers across the globe. First deliveries to customers are planned for early next year. The 12C Spider, in new volcano yellow paint, was dramatically revealed with the drop of a Kabuki in front of a crowd of VIP guests attending Gooding & Company’s preview. McLaren received much more interest over the Pebble Beach weekend where the 12C Spider continued to be displayed along with the 12C GT3 Can-Am edition concept.

Performance

Having powered by the bespoke 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine mated to a 7-speed SSG dual-clutch tranmission, the new 12C spider boasts an impressive 616bhp output. Vehicle dynamics technology including Brake Steer, ProActive Chassis Control and the unique McLaren Airbrake combine to offer sublime comfort in all driving conditions; and yet deliver race car performance and handling on track. An overview of 12C Spider performance compared with the 12C is below:

Technical specifications

McLaren is a carbon fibre pioneer. In 1981 McLaren gave a debut to a carbon fibre monocoque chassis in Formula 1 with the launch of the MP4/1 race car, and in 1992 the legendary McLaren F1 introduced the advanced composite technology to the world of road cars. It was natural then for McLaren Automotive engineers to apply its carbon fibre expertise when developing the ground-breaking one-piece molded chassis of the 12C. Its 165 lb ‘MonoCell’ requires no additional strengthening for it to feature in the 12C Spider. The result is a sports car almost identical to its fixed roof equivalent in performance terms, and weighing only 88 lbs more with the addition of a convertible roof system.

Behind driver and passenger sits a rear windscreen which may also be electronically lowered and raised. With the roof lowered this acts as wind deflector to minimise disturbance to the 12C Spider’s occupants. With the roof raised the rear window can be lowered, allowing the exhilarating noise of the 12C Spider’s V8 twin turbo engine to flood the cabin on demand at any time. With the roof raised the area under the tonneau can be used as an additional luggage area which provides useful storage space. Bespoke luggage (two soft bags) has been designed specifically to fit this space and is supplied as standard with every 12C Spider. The 12C Spider also features a passive Roll Over Protection System to maximise occupant safety. Each buttress contains a steel structure designed to absorb impact energy and protect both driver and passenger.