2013 McLaren MP4 12C Spider - Ascari Road Action

McLAREN FORMULA 1 DNA MEETS THE THRILL OF OPEN TOP DRIVING IN THE NEW 12C SPIDER.Unique Retractable Hard Top (RHT) of new 12C Spider may be operated at speeds up to 30kph (19mph).Shared Formula 1 technology DNA in 12C and 12C Spider means performance is similarly impressive for both derivatives.McLaren 12C Spider configurator launched online at: www.configure.mclaren.com.12C Spider now available to order through 38 McLaren retailers in 22 countries worldwideMcLaren Automotive today announces the launch of its second model in the MP4-12C family: the stunning new 12C Spider. With a lightweight, high powered engine developing an incredible 625 PS (616 bhp), unique RHT folding roof system that may be operated while on the move, and carbon 'MonoCell' chassis identical to that of the groundbreaking 12C, the 12C Spider is a luxury convertible sports car that offers prospective owners 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 bespoke new McLaren retailers across the globe. First deliveries to customers are planned for November this year.Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director said: "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."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."Best-in-class performanceThe 12C Spider's impressive 625 PS output from its bespoke 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine is transmitted to the car's rear driven wheels through a 7 Speed SSG dual-clutch transmission, which itself provides lightning-fast gear changes through rocker-mounted shift paddles affixed to the rear of the steering wheel. A clear view of the 12C Spider's lightweight M838T power plant is available through a glass screen positioned behind the tonneau cover.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: MP4-12C Spider* MP4-12C *(625 PS/616 bhp) (625 PS/616 bhp)0-62 mph (0-100 kph) 3.1 sec 3.1 sec0-100mph (0-161kph) 6.1 6.00-124 mph(0-200 kph) 9.0 sec 8.8 sec¼ mile (400m)10.8 sec @ 134 mph (216 kph) 10.6 sec @ 136 mph (219 kph)V Max 204 mph (329 kph) 207 mph (333 kph)Fuel efficiency, EU MPG (litres/100km)24.2 (11.7) 24.2 (11.7)CO2 g/km 279 279* when specified with PZero Corsa tyresTechnical specification highlightsMcLaren is a carbon 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 expertise when developing the groundbreaking one-piece moulded chassis of the 12C. With the 12C designed originally as a convertible, its 75kg '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 40kg more with the addition of a convertible roof system.The Retractable Hard Top of the 12C Spider is operated using a switch in the lower section of the centre console inside the cabin, taking less than 17 seconds to raise or lower. Unlike many other convertible models, the roof can be operated whilst the 12C Spider is moving at speeds of up to 30 kph (19mph).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.