McLaren Automotive reveals details and images of 2013 12C Spider

NEW YORK, July 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Shared Formula 1 technology in 12C coupe and 12C Spider means performance is similarly impressive for both derivatives
• McLaren 12C Spider configurator launched online at: www.configure.mclaren.com
• The 38 McLaren dealerships in 22 countries have begun ordering their first 12C Spiders
• The first 12C Spiders will arrive in market in late December/early January
• The global unveiling of the 12C Spider will take place during Gooding & Company's Exclusive VIP Preview Reception on Friday, August 17th and will be displayed on the Concept Car Lawn throughout the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance weekend

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120703/CG34778)

McLaren Automotive announces today the launch of its second vehicle in the MP4-12C family: the new 12C Spider; a variant of the 12C.  The 12C Spider is lightweight with a high powered engine which boasts 616 bhp, a unique Retractable Hard Top (RHT) folding roof system, and a carbon 'MonoCell' chassis identical to that of the groundbreaking 12C coupe. The 12C Spider is a luxury convertible sports car that offers a unique combination of spectacular performance with remarkable usability.

The new 12C Spider will be priced from $265,750* in the US and is now available to order from McLaren retailers across the globe. First deliveries to customers are planned for late December/early January.

The global unveiling of the 12C Spider will take place during Gooding & Company's Exclusive VIP Preview Reception on the evening of Friday, August 17th and will be displayed on the Concept Car Lawn throughout the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance weekend.

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 performance
The 12C Spider's impressive 616 bhp 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:

Technical specification highlights
McLaren is a carbon fiber pioneer. In 1981 McLaren gave a debut to a carbon fiber 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 fiber expertise when developing the groundbreaking one-piece molded chassis of the 12C. Its 165 lb '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 88 lbs more with the addition of a convertible roof system.

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 minimize 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. 

With the roof raised the area under the tonneau can be used as an additional luggage area which provides useful storage space.  Bespoke luggage (two soft bags) has been designed specifically to fit this space and is supplied as standard with every 12C Spider.

The 12C Spider also features a passive Roll Over Protection System to maximize occupant safety. Each buttress contains a steel structure designed to absorb impact energy and protect both driver and passenger.

Creating one in a million: 12C Spider personalization highlights
Launched in Volcano Red - one of 17 exterior paint finishes currently available for the 12C and 12C Spider- both 12C derivatives will also be available in optional Volcano Yellow, a striking new paint which features in the 'Elite' range of exterior finishes.

Inside, an exclusive new interior trim has been developed for the 2013 model year 12C and new 12C Spider. High-quality, semi-aniline perforated leather and Alcantara may be selected in a variety of combinations to suit an owner's personal taste. 

A new wheel design, and 'Diamond Cut' finishes for existing lightweight and super lightweight forged wheel designs may be selected for the 12C Spider. Standard Silver or Stealth finishes are offered for all wheel designs.

Vehicle Lift will be available as an option on 2013 model year vehicles. The system allows the 12C Spider to be raised front and rear for improved ground clearance.

Prospective customers and sports car fans alike are encouraged to visit the new 12C Spider online configurator, and discover a range of exciting options that may be specified in literally millions of unique combinations. The 12C Spider configurator is now live at: www.configure.mclaren.com .

Notes to Editors:

* US Base MSRP does not include options; federal, state or local taxes; license, titling, registration or transportation fees.  Vehicle specifications and MSRP are subject to change without notice.  Destination and port processing is $2,500, and is not included in the base MSRP. 

Images: You may download images selected for editorial use with this story from this link:
http://wtrns.fr/RLNC1fg_2d8uny0

For full specifications, please visit: http://media.mclarenautomotive.com/

McLaren Automotive heritage:

McLaren Automotive has a 20 year heritage in producing landmark sports cars for the road: the McLaren F1 road car, which was launched in 1992, set the world land speed record for a production car, and is regarded as one of the iconic sports cars of the modern age. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (2003 – 2009) is the most successful supercar ever in its price bracket, having sold twice as many cars as its nearest carbon-based rival.

McLaren Automotive has now moved from these successful automotive projects to launching a new car company that will design, develop, and distribute a range of high performance, highly efficient and technologically innovative sports cars through a global network of highly respected premium car retailers in every major automotive market.  

Around 4,000 sports cars will be built annually by the middle of the decade in the advanced new manufacturing facility, the McLaren Production Centre. McLaren Automotive's debut model is the 12C. Drawing on the company's long-standing Formula 1 experience in its concept and development, the 12C is lighter, faster, more powerful, more fuel efficient and more exclusive than its key competition. It supports its performance benchmarks by introducing a unique one-piece moulded carbon chassis into the 'core' sports car segment in a new production method that brings the performance of £500,000 cars to market at a third of the price. All future McLarens will continue the themes presented by the 12C: innovation, integration of Formula 1 technology, and ultimate performance.

In 2011 McLaren Automotive announced the launch of McLaren GT; a new race car manufacturer combining the expertise of McLaren Automotive, McLaren Racing, McLaren Electronic Systems, McLaren Applied Technologies and CRS Racing.  McLaren GT is responsible for developing the first racing derivative of the 12C sports car, the MP4-12C GT3.  Twenty-five examples of the MP4-12C GT3 are now racing with private teams in Europe in 2012.

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SOURCE McLaren Automotive