McLaren Stages Global Unveil of Dramatic 12C Spider at Gooding & Company Preview at Pebble Beach

MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- McLaren Automotive showed the second model in its growing range of high performance sports cars, the new 12C Spider, for the first time in public at this weekend's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The 12C Spider was revealed at the prestigious Gooding & Company Auction preview in Monterey, Calif. on Friday, August 17, then displayed on the Concept Car Lawn throughout the weekend.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120820/LA59742)

The 12C Spider is lightweight with a high-powered engine which boasts 616 bhp, a unique Retractable Hard Top (RHT) folding roof system that can be lowered or raised on the move, and a carbon 'MonoCell' chassis identical to that of the groundbreaking 12C coupe. Aside from shared architecture, the 12C and 12C Spider share a unique combination of spectacular performance with remarkable usability.

The new 12C Spider will be priced from $265,750* in the U.S. and is now available to order from McLaren retailers across the globe. First deliveries to customers are planned for early next year.

The 12C Spider, in new volcano yellow paint, was dramatically revealed with the drop of a Kabuki in front of a crowd of VIP guests attending Gooding & Company's preview. McLaren received much more interest over the Pebble Beach weekend where the 12C Spider continued to be displayed along with the 12C GT3 Can-Am edition concept.

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 ground-breaking 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 minimise 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.

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.

About McLaren Automotive

Chaired by Ron Dennis, McLaren Automotive is an independent company based at the McLaren Technology Centre, the McLaren Group's headquarters in Surrey, United Kingdom. McLaren Automotive has a rich heritage in the production of sports cars. Launched in 1992, the McLaren F1 established the speed record for a production car and remains one of the most emblematic "supercars". The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was the biggest selling carbon fiber car in its price band, achieving almost twice the sales of its direct competitor.

McLaren Automotive is now a fully fledged car maker and, through its network of dedicated dealers, has launched a full range of high performance sports cars manufactured at the new McLaren Production Centre.

The first model in the range is the MP4-12C. Inspired by the experience gained in Formula 1 racing, the 12C is lighter, more powerful and exclusive than its competitors, while also being more environmentally efficient. Other models and derivatives will join the 12C in this range, all of them inheriting the technology and know-how developed in Formula 1, with the main objectives being energy efficiency and high performance.

These aims are partly achieved by the one-piece moulded carbon chassis, using a totally new and unique manufacturing process. All McLaren models are based on this innovative technology. Over the past 30 years, all cars produced by McLaren, whether for competition or road use, have been made on a carbon chassis.

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SOURCE McLaren Automotive