McLaren MP4-12C Spider drop top is sex on wheels

McLaren, famous for its Formula 1 team, has released images of the drop-top version of its brand spanking MP4-12C supercar. As you would expect, it’s a bit removed from a Mazda MX-5 style convertible and it looks the bomb.

The problem with convertibles is that the chassis usually has to be reinforced significantly which adds weight and changes the centre of gravity. When it comes to a supercar, this can significantly alter the performance and feel of the car. Aston Martin, for example, has suffered issues in the past with its supercars that has led to significantly different results from reviews of the drop top versions by comparison to the regular versions.

Whether or not McLaren has been able to compensate for these factors is yet to be seen, but the performance levels of the car are pretty damn close to the regular MP4-12C. And with McLaren’s expertise, you would expect nothing less.

The MP4-12C Spider will do 0-100kph in 3.1 seconds, the same time as its brother. Keep the roof up and you will be able to hit a theoretical top speed of 329kph, or 315kph with the roof down.

When it comes to the roof, that’s all automatic. It will come fully up or down in around 17 seconds so you wouldn’t want to be caught in a freak storm. But then again, to be able to listen to that twin-turbo V8 with no top on… sheer gold.

The price is yet to be announced.

Web: McLaren

Damian Francis

Damian Francis has previously edited Australian T3 and F1 Racing magazine and wrote for GQ Australia and Men’s Health. Unlike Nick and Trev, he has no kids, no mortgage and no wife, but lives happily on Sydney’s North Shore with his girlfriend.