22 August 2012

McLaren unveils 12C Spider

McLaren Automotive showed the second model in its growing range of high performance sports cars, the new 12C Spider, in California last weekend, writes Trish Whelan.

The 12C Spider is lightweight with a high-powered engine which boasts 616hp output from its bespoke 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine, has a unique retractable hard top folding roof system that can be lowered or raised while on the move, a carbon chassis just like the groundbreaking 12C coupe.

A 7-speed SSG dual-clutch transmission provides lightening-fast gear changes through rocker-mounted shift paddles on the steering wheel. It can do 0-100mpg in 6.1 seconds, and has C02 emissions of 279g/km.

It will be priced from £195,500 in the UK with first customer deliveries planned for early next year. (The few lucky enough to be able to afford one!)