McLaren Formula 1 DNA meets the thrill of open top driving in the new 12C Spider.

McLaren Automotive have finally dropped curtains on the long-awaited MP4-12C Spider; a car that's said to revolutionise the world of convertible supercars.

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As with the original 12C, this new Spider is built around McLaren's cleverly designed carbon 'MonoCell' chassis; a design that maintains the car's awesome rigidity, sportiness and agility of the original model without compromising performance or needing any kind of extra structural strengthening.

This then, results in the 12C Spider's performance being almost identical to its non-convertible predecessor; with minor differences understandably stemming from the Spider's extra 40kgs of weight.

The unique Retractable Hard Top (RHT) is operational at up to speeds of 30 km/h and takes no more than 17 seconds to open and close.

There is also a rear windscreen which can be operated by the driver to limit the amount of turbulence within the cockpit when its roof is retracted. With the roof raised, drivers can still lower the rear windscreen if they wish to have their eardrums rung by McLaren's very own twin turbo 3.8L V8 engine.

McLaren's vehicle dynamics technology, which include systems such as Brake Steer, ProActive Chassis Control, and the McLaren Airbrake, make driving comfortable and easy in this powerhouse of a supercar without losing any of its performance characteristics and handling on a race track.

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.

Technical Specs:

1. Engine configuration: V8 twin turbo 3.8L (616hp)
2. 0-62 mph (0-100 kph): 3.1 sec
3. Valvetrain: 32-valve, DOHC, dual VVT
4. Fuel efficiency, EU MPG (litres/100km): 24.2 (11.7)
5. Torque: 600nm @ 3000-7000rpms
6. Transmission: 7-Speed Seamless Shift Gearbox
7. Body structure: Carbon fibre MonoCell with aluminum front and rear frames
8. DIN weight (kg. / lbs.): 1474 / 3249