McLaren MP4-12C Spider Re-Reveal

by Michael Karesh

August 31st, 2012 8:33 AM

The McLaren MP4-12C Spider, essentially an MP4-12C with a power-retractable roof, was revealed a couple of months ago and officially debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours two weeks ago. But, perhaps to amortize the cover’s cost, McLaren threw it back on the car for another unveiling this morning at AutoWeek Publisher KC Crain’s Vinsetta Garage restaurant. Overly generic? Or timelessly clean? You decide.

The 12C’s performance is reportedly beyond reproach, thanks to a carbon fiber-enabled 3,249-pound curb weight (up only 88 from the regular car), mid-mounted 616-horsepower turbocharged 3.8-liter V8, and hyper-complicated electro-hydraulic suspension. As with the 12C’s archrival, the normally-aspirated, aluminum-rather-than-CF Ferrari 458 Italia, the only transmission option is a lightning-quick, highly configurable seven-speed automated dual-clutch unit.

If you’re worried about serviceability, this isn’t the right car for you.

Pricing starts at $268,250, which McLaren considers a bargain given the car’s carbon fiber construction and technology. You can use McLaren’s configurator to determine whether your desired options bump the price out of reach.

McLaren provided a tasty breakfast.

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Wsn on Aug 31, 2012

The best interior layout I have ever seen: 1) Narrow center stack to allow more knee room (sideways). The need for knee room is not symetrical as the gas pedal is at the right side, the driver need more room to the right side of the right knee. 2) Side "stacks" that flow well into the doors and provide controls that's close to hands. The exterior provides just enough detail to indicate it's a mid-engine. I would say it's "timeless clean" that won't sell well, because rich people like it dirty.

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- Racer-esq. on Aug 31, 2012
  
  The single center air vent annoys me, both aesthetically and functionally.
  
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- Chuckrs on Aug 31, 2012
  
  @racer-esq. That's like saying a supermodel has sharp elbows.....
  
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Voyager on Sep 01, 2012

Timelessly generic. And a missed opportunity.

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