McLaren has announced the production of a convertible version of the MP4-12C.
The 12C Spider is fitted with the same 616bhp twin-turbo V8 as the standard car and is based around the same super stiff carbon-fibre chassis. However, unlike the standard car, the Spider is fitted with an electric folding roof system which can be operated on the move.
Normally when a car manufacturer chops the roof off one of its cars, the result is the dreaded 'scuttle shake' which ruins the car's handling. However, McLaren claims that the 12C Spider offers "high performance without compromise" and, given the quality of McLaren's engineering (not to mention the company's almost pathological desire to 'be the best', we can't help thinking that the 12C Spider will be every bit as good as the hardtop. And the hardtop is arguably the finest car ever made.
The main criticisms of the MP4-12C have centred on the car's lack of emotion despite its technical brilliance, and maybe chopping off the roof will inject a little bit of theatre into what is, undeniably, a very serious car.
The 12C Spider will be priced at £195,000 and is available to order now. The first cars will be delivered to customers in November.
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