McLaren Automotive today announces the launch of its second model in the MP4-12C family: the stunning new 12C Spider. With a lightweight, high powered engine developing an incredible 625 PS (616 bhp), unique RHT folding roof system that may be operated while on the move, and carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis identical to that of the groundbreaking 12C, the 12C Spider is a luxury convertible sports car that offers prospective owners a unique combination of spectacular performance with remarkable usability.

The new 12C Spider is now available to order from bespoke new McLaren retailers across the globe. First deliveries to customers are planned for November this year.

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 625 PS 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.

Specification highlights

cLaren is a carbon pioneer. In 1981 McLaren gave a debut to a carbon fibre 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 expertise when developing the groundbreaking one-piece moulded chassis of the 12C. With the 12C designed originally as a convertible, its 75kg ‘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 40kg more with the addition of a convertible roof system.

The Retractable Hard Top of the 12C Spider is operated using a switch in the lower section of the centre console inside the cabin, taking less than 17 seconds to raise or lower. Unlike many other convertible models, the roof can be operated whilst the 12C Spider is moving at speeds of up to 30 kph (19mph).

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 52 litres of useful storage space. Bespoke luggage 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 maximise 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 personalisation 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 high quality 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. This technology permits the vehicle to be raised by up to 40mm at the front and 25mm at the rear of the 12C Spider, and may remain in position at up to 60kph (37mph).

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

The McLaren 12C Spider is now available to order at all of McLaren’s 38 retailers in 22 countries worldwide, with deliveries to first customers planned for November 2012.

As part of the continued celebrations for the 50th anniversary of McLaren, a commemorative model is to be produced, celebrating five decades of race-winning technology and expertise of the British brand. Production of the McLaren 50 12C will be strictly limited to a maximum of 100 globally, split between just 50 examples of the 12C and 50 of the 12C Spider.

The McLaren 50 12C and McLaren 50 12C Spider feature a number of bespoke styling and specification enhancements to mark the milestone event, which will be celebrated on 2 September. These have been produced by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the division of McLaren Automotive responsible for the delivery of bespoke projects, in conjunction with the McLaren Automotive design team led by Design Director, Frank Stephenson.

Revisions include a remodelled, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)-optimised front bumper from MSO, which provides increased levels of front downforce, and is inspired by the limited-run HS Edition models, to create a more dynamic visual impact. The lower section of the colour-coded bumper, framing the air intakes, is constructed from carbon fibre, while the front floor is made from race-derived carbon Kevlar. Above the bumper, a black McLaren F1-inspired heritage badge, previously only available to MSO clients, is also fitted on the bonnet.

As standard, the McLaren 50 12C and 12C Spider models are fitted with the carbon ceramic brake upgrade, with 394x36mm discs at the front, and 380x34mm at the rear. Offering enhanced stopping power, these sit behind bespoke McLaren 50 Ultra Lightweight wheels finished in Satin Black. This unique design, 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear, offers a combined 2kg saving over the optional Super Lightweight wheels.

Inside the cabin, the McLaren 50 12C models are upholstered with a full leather upgrade, while subtle branding to the carbon fibre sill panel and floor mats is complimented by an anniversary dedication plate on the driver’s door which highlights the limited run.

Available in one of three striking colour finishes – Carbon Black, Supernova Silver or heritage McLaren Orange – exterior aesthetic enhancements for the McLaren 50 12C continue with carbon fibre turning vanes offering further visual appeal, and featuring the McLaren 50 logo.

Each of the McLaren 50 models will be presented with a monogrammed black and silver car cover, limited edition key, carbon fibre presentation key box and a specially commissioned print signed by McLaren Automotive Design Director, Frank Stephenson.

McLaren GT is to produce a new high performance variant of the 12C, named the 12C GT Sprint, designed to offer further enhanced handling through optimised aerodynamics and track focus.

The track-only model signifies the continued development of the 12C model, and bridges the gap between the 12C, itself fully accomplished on both road and track, and the all-out racing 12C GT3 and 12C GT Can-Am Edition models. It has been designed and developed by McLaren GT, the race car building arm of the McLaren Group, and retains many of the unique systems from the 12C road car, on which it is based.

Built around the lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell chassis, and with developments to systems such as ProActive Chassis Control, (PCC), Brake Steer and the McLaren Airbrake, the latest model from McLaren GT has been honed to deliver a more track-focused GT racing experience whilst retaining the balance and precise characteristics much praised in the road car.

Generating 625PS, the optimised 3.8-litre twin turbo engine includes a unique oil system, and cooling system which features a 12C GT3 developed central front radiator. The GT Sprint retains the 12C’s seven speed twin clutch gearbox.

The PCC suspension system has been tuned and recalibrated to suit the cars lower ride height and racing slick tyres, providing a firmer and more circuit-orientated setup. The 12C GT Sprint has three unique handling modes which allow the driver to select their preferred damping, roll stiffness and ESP settings.

Externally, the 12C GT Sprint features optimised aerodynamic and cooling upgrades. At the front is a more aggressive front bumper, GT3-inspired bonnet with radiator exit ducts and front wing louvres. Lowered by 40 mm, the 12C GT Sprint is fitted with track-focused braking system with carbon ceramic (CCM) brake discs. Tyre changes are made easier through an on-board air jacking system and centre-locking 19-inch OZ wheels, shod with Pirelli racing slick tyres.

Inside the cabin, the 12C GT Sprint is fitted with an FIA-approved rollcage and integrated fire extinguisher system. A fully adjustable HANS-approved, lightweight composite racing seat fitted with full six-point harness provides the optimum driving position, while an air-conditioning system is retained, albeit a lightweight version, offering added comfort.

A carbon fibre dash houses the race developed digital display and key vehicle controls which interface with a McLaren GT developed steering wheel.

Further enhancements are available through a range of bespoke options including a CFD (computational fluid dynamics) developed aerodynamic package including carbon fibre rear wing and front splitter, and further lightweight components including a polycarbonate windscreen.

The 12C GT Sprint, finished in heritage McLaren Orange as standard, will make its world premiere at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Further details will be announced in due course, but an initial batch of 20 cars will be delivered in 2013, available from McLaren retailers at a price point below GBP £200,000*.

McLaren MP4-12C MSO Concept Revealed


Jason Siu | Dec 09, 7:45 AM

Created to show off what the McLarenSpecial Operations division is capable of, the British automaker has revealed the MP4-12C MSO concept.

The McLaren 12C MSO sports an updated hood, new front aerodynamic bits, rear wing vents and a unique air brake. All those additions have been crafted with lightweight carbon fiber while titanium wheel bolts, oil and water filler caps help the 12C lose some unwanted pounds. Completing the exterior package is a new set of lightweight wheels.

SEE ALSO: 2013 McLaren MP4-12C ReviewThough the brand didn’t share just how much weight savings is involved, but considering the 12C already weighs in at a scant 3,161 lbs, it’s probably not a noticeable difference. On the inside, more carbon fiber can be found on the instrument cluster.
The British automaker didn’t announce whether or not the MSO concept will be available for purchase, but we imagine customers could custom order one to their liking through MSO.
GALLERY: McLaren MP4-12C MSO Concept

McLaren’s MP4-12C already outmuscles Ferrari’s 458 Italia in some of the most vital metrics, but the British firm currently has no answer to Ferrari’s new 458 Speciale, which has proven to be significantly faster than the stock 458 and comes close to rivaling the much more powerful F12 Berlinetta in the performance stakes. That looks set to change in the coming year as McLaren is reportedly working on its own hardcore 12C variant.

Autocar is reporting that McLaren will launch a hardcore 12C variant later this year and, based on information from a McLaren source, the car will outperform the 458 Speciale. It will utilize the 12C’s basic structure, including the carbon fiber MonoCell, but will get a host of upgrades including a version of the company’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 delivering close to 650 horsepower.

The Ferrari 458 Speciale develops 597 horsepower from its 4.5-liter V-8 engine and will sprint to 62 mph in 3.0 seconds flat and hit a top speed of 202 mph. The vehicle’s dry weight is an impressive 2,843 pounds.

Expect a number of weight-saving mods on the McLaren as well as beefed-up suspension, carbon ceramic brakes and new aero aids. No doubt lessons learned in developing the P1 flagship will be applied to the new hardcore 12C variant.

“The 12C is already incredible, but the P1 was designed as the ultimate car aerodynamically, and those lessons can help every car in the range,” the source is claimed to have said.

McLaren’s 12C GT Sprint pictured above hints at what’s possible. Stability and dynamics on the track special are further enhanced through a drop in ride height of 40 millimeters, while a more aggressive front bumper, GT3-inspired hood with radiator exit ducts and front wing louvers improve downforce.