While you probably already have the first McLaren MP4-12C model sitting in your driveway, you might want to consider adding the newest convertible version, the 12C Spider, to your luxury car collection. It was just announced that the Spider will be available to order from McLaren dealerships worldwide for delivery in November. It gives customers enough time to slap a big red bow on top and have a Christmas car commercial moment—or maybe you'd rather pick one up because you deserve to treat yourself every now and then.
When you take the MP4-12C Spider out on the open road and you're ready to get some fresh air, push one button, wait 17 seconds, and the hard top will retract to expose you to the elements. And you don't have to pull over and come to a complete stop to put the roof down like a lot of other luxury convertibles. Just slow down to about 20mph, hit the switch and keep on driving.
Along with other similarities to the MP4-12C, the Spider contains the same 3.8 liter V8 twin turbo engine, which sees 625hp and hit a top speed of 204mph. If you can find a place to hit that speed legally, then you can get a sense of how powerful the engine really is. And if you can’t, you can just show it off to your friends through the glass compartment located behind the tonneau cover.
Since you’re going to want to show this bad boy off, grab your bags and head out for a road trip; but don’t plan on packing any old suitcase. Standard with each purchase of a MP4-12C Spider is specially designed luggage that fits perfectly into the space under the tonneau when the roof is raised. If you pack light and want the hard top down, electronically lower the windscreen behind the seats to deflect the wind so your drive is more comfortable; the last thing you want to do is miss out on the experience of driving this commanding piece of machinery because your hair was being violently whipped around.
When the news of the new model was released, McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff shared his thoughts on the new ride: “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.” And while we’re sure he’s a little biased, he does make getting behind the wheel sound enticing.
Probably the hardest decision in the purchase of this vehicle will be picking the color. Are you a Volcano Red, Supernova Silver and Fire Black kind of guy or gal? McLaren offers the Spider in 17 different paint options along with interior and exterior upgrades to the navigation, audio system, detailing and more. Luckily, the McLaren website lets you play around with these configurations so you can make the car truly your own. In the British market, the pricing starts at £195,500 or about $300,000, but you’ll have to find a dealer in your area to get those specifics. Visit McLarenAutomotive.com to learn more.