CAR News

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 will be priced from £195,500 in the UK and 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. An overview of 12C Spider performance compared with the 12C is below:

MP4-12C Spider* (625 PS/616 bhp) MP4-12C * (625 PS/616 bhp)
0-62 mph (0-100 kph) 3.1 sec 3.1 sec
0-100mph (0-161kph) 6.1 6.0
0-124 mph(0-200 kph) 9.0 sec 8.8 sec
¼ mile (400m) 10.8 sec @ 134 mph (216 kph) 10.6 sec @ 136 mph (219 kph)
V Max 204 mph (329 kph) 207 mph (333 kph)
Fuel efficiency, EU MPG (litres/100km) 24.2 (11.7) 24.2 (11.7)
CO2 g/km 279 279
* when specified with PZero Corsa tyres

Technical specification highlights

McLaren 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: 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.

McLaren MP4-12C Spider technical specification

Drivetrain layout Longitudinal mid-engine, RWD
Engine configuration V8 twin turbo
Engine material Aluminium block and cylinder heads
Oiling Dry sump
Compression ratio 8.7:1
Valvetrain 32-valve, DOHC, dual VVT
Redline ( rpm) 8,500
Bore x Stroke (mm) 93 x 69.9
Engine displacement (cc) 3799
PS / rpm 625 / 7500
Torque Nm / rpm 600 / 3000-7000
PS per litre 164
Transmission 7 Speed SSG
Body structure Carbon fibre MonoCell with aluminum front and rear frames
Wheelbase (mm) 2670
Track, F/R (mm) 1656 / 1583
Length (mm) 4509
Width (mm) @ widest point 2093
Height (mm) 1203
DIN weight (kg / lbs) 1474 / 3249
Dry weight (kg / lbs) 1376 / 3033
Dry weight with lightweight options (kg / lbs) 1341 / 2956
Weight distribution at DIN F / R % 42 / 58
Active aerodynamics McLaren Airbrake
Suspension ProActive Chassis Control
ProActive Chassis Control modes Winter / Normal / Sport / Track
Powertrain modes Winter / Normal / Sport / Track
Brakes Cast iron discs with forged aluminum hubs (F 370mm / R 350 mm)
Wheel sizes (F / R) 19” x 8.5”J / 20” x 11” J
Tyres (F / R) Pirelli PZero 235/35 R19 / 305/30 R20
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.

McLaren Automotive has announced its second model, one that will stir the soul even more than its first: the 625PS, twin-turbo V8-engined, open roofed 12C Spider.

The 12C Spider is based on the same super stiff carbon fibre MonoCell chassis as its hardtop sibling and so will be just as dynamic to drive. But removing the roof will dial up the sensations experienced, the emotions felt and the noise heard. Especially at the speeds the 12C Spider will be capable of. And true to McLaren’s ethos of offering high performance without compromise, the 12C Spider will be more usable than any car this exciting has a right to be.

One man used to excitement behind the wheel is Jenson Button. McLaren questioned him at last weekend’s European Grand Prix about what speed means to him, the connection he feels with the machine he drives and about what he senses when driving a 300 km/h open top car. But is he talking about his MP4-27 Formula 1 car or the 12C Spider? Go to www.youtube.com/mclarenautomotivetv to find out.

More information on this new and emotive addition to the McLaren Automotive range will be released in the next few days when ordering commences across the company’s network of retailers.

McLaren Automotive, rather than resting on its laurels, has instead announced a package of enhancements that will make its 12C high performance sports car even more invigorating to drive yet even easier to live with.

Headlining the changes is a 25PS power increase. It takes the maximum output of the mid mounted, twin turbocharged V8 engine to 625PS (616hp) to give yet more vivid acceleration at track speeds with no loss in efficiency. Modifications have been made by McLaren’s engineers to the 12C’s engine and SSG transmission increasing responsiveness. Ease of use, a phrase not often associated with cars of this type, is further improved through a host of detail changes while a wider variety of paint, leather and wheel options give customers yet more scope for personalisation.

McLaren MP4-12C racing

The 12C’s unique Intake Sound Generator (ISG) system, which controls the amount of engine intake sound heard in the cabin, is now programmable across three levels in all three Powertrain modes allowing the driver to select the amount of aural drama he or she wants to enjoy,whatever the road. But one aspect that hasn’t changed is the 12C’s purposeful styling … apart from a subtle revision to the McLaren Speed Marque badge, that is.

This latest iteration of the 12C, which at launch set a new benchmark among its competitors for power, efficiency and pioneering technology, is available to order now at a price that starts from £176,000 in the UK. Customers who have already taken delivery of a 12C are not being neglected, though. Every 12C owner is being offered a package of upgrades, including the extra 25PS, at no cost, underlining McLaren’s commitment to its customers ensuring they enjoy owning their 12C as much as they do driving it.

Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director said: “Given our racing heritage, it is in our nature to continuously seek out improvements. The team at McLaren Automotive recognises that our existing and future customers deserve the very best product and service we can offer, and the launch of the enhanced 12C reaffirms its position as the most powerful luxury sports car among its competitor set.

“We designed and engineered the 12C from a clean sheet of paper, and I am delighted with the innovative technology package created for our first sports car. Our customers love driving a car with technologies and systems that have proved successful in Formula 1 and which create an incredible driving experience in a unique new high performance sports car. New and existing customers will now enjoy an even better experience thanks to the upgrades.”

THE DETAIL: enhanced 12C overview The suite of upgrades to the 12C specification from October 2012 includes enhancements to the 12C’s engine and transmission, in addition to other functional attributes.

A focus on drivetrain development has given McLaren Automotive’s engineers the opportunity to increase the 12C’s 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 output from 600PS to 625PS. The redesigned engine mapping has not altered the remarkable efficiency of the M838T engine, with 12C CO2 emissions remaining at just 279 g/km, and fuel economy recorded at 24.2 mpg (combined).

Modification of the 7-Speed SSG transmission to which the 12C’s high-powered engine is mated has resulted in crisper throttle response and improved clutch control for gear changes that are both faster and smoother.

The 12C features an innovative Intake Sound Generator (ISG). This system works by controlling engine intake noise within the cabin at differing levels, depending on the Powertrain mode selected for the car. Moving up through Normal, Sport and Track Powertrain modes enhances the aural drama and driving experience of the 12C, with engine noise in the cabin changing when throttle power is applied and revs increase. With the 2013 specification 12C, the driver will be able to select the level of engine noise delivered in each mode through an electronic menu accessible via the instrument cluster.

Improved usability and occupant comfort A new door entry system is a feature of the new 12C. A small button mounted on each door replaces the 12C’s touch sensor system. In line with customer feedback, this modification is intended to simplify the user experience. The ability to unlatch each door using the 12C key fob will be retained.

To improve safety, an enhancement will be made to the headlight activation settings of the 12C. With the ‘AUTO-lights’ mode selected, the 12C’s headlights will be automatically switched on when rain is detected by the windshield-mounted rain sensor.

The 12C’s Climate Control System will be modified exclusively for 2013 models. In addition to the standard ‘AUTO’ function of the system; new cars will be supplied with systems inclusive of ‘AUTO LO’ functionality. This new setting enables the desired cabin temperature to be reached in the quietest way possible, using lower fan speeds.

New options to personalise the ultimate McLaren 12C McLaren Automotive is committed to innovating through technology and design, and presenting customers with an exciting range of opportunities to specify their ultimate 12C. Along with the power upgrade and technical revisions announced for the 2013 model year 12C, comes a selection of tempting aesthetic and functional options which may be added to the comprehensive standard 12C specification.

A stunning new high quality paint finish will be added to the options list for the new 12C. Volcano Yellow joins the ‘Elite’ set of paint finishes available for the revised model, and promises to be as spectacular as the popular Volcano Orange and Volcano Red finishes selected by many 12C customers since the car was launched in 2011.

A new wheel design and wheel finish available on multiple wheel designs will be offered to future 12C owners. A new 5-spoke lightweight-forged wheel may be specified for the 12C and is available in multiple finishes. Standard Silver, optional Stealth and eye-catching Diamond Cut finishes are available on this new wheel design, as well as forged wheel designs available to order from the existing range. The Diamond Cut wheel finish is first finished in Graphite Grey, then diamond cut to reveal the forged metal surface. The entire wheel is then finished in a protective coat, which adds a high quality gloss to the appearance.

An exclusive new 12C interior trim has been developed by McLaren Automotive for 2013 model year 12Cs, which is a higher quality and more naturally textured leather than that in the current 12C options list. If selected, exclusive semi-aniline leather is applied to all major interior surfaces including doors, seats, dash and the centre console. The new interior option includes flat piping around the perimeter of the seat and along the edge of the door card insert. The piping finish will be in Carbon Black unless requested in McLaren Orange, Harissa Red or Stone Grey. Three levels of this new interior trim will be available to order from June:

Full Semi-Aniline Leather: Carbon Black Leather on all surfaces, along with optional colour-matched flat piping
Semi-Aniline Leather with Colour Perforated Inserts: As Full Semi-Aniline, with the addition of colour perforated door inserts, seat inserts and matching piping
Semi-Aniline Leather with Alcantara Inserts: Carbon Black Leather to all major surfaces, with black Alcantara seat inserts and optional Alcantara door inserts, along with optional colour-matched flat piping

Racing Green, which to date has been an option for 12C buyers, and ‘Driver Zone’ interior options, will now be reserved for clients of McLaren Special Operations (MSO). Selecting the ‘Driver Zone’ option will see a customer meet with MSO stylists to create a colour and trim scheme in the area immediately around, and including, the driver’s seat. This is specified in contrast to the interior trim specified elsewhere in the cabin.

One Touch Seat Return is an added function of optional heated and electric seats for new cars, and will be available as an update to existing vehicles. With the pull of a lever, the seat will return to its position when the driver last exited the 12C. Easy-Exit – whereby the seat retracts to its most rearward position to allow for unhindered exiting of the 12C – will remain a feature.

Vehicle Lift will be available as an option on 2013 model year vehicles. The system allows the 12C 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, and may remain in position at up to 60kph.

In car entertainment is to be enhanced without any charge to customers of new and used 12Cs, through upgrades to the Meridian audio equaliser settings. The Meridian audio equaliser will be offered with Pure, Expanded and Extreme settings, progressively enhancing levels of bass and treble.

From race to road: McLaren Speed Marque The McLaren badge, which carries the official moniker ‘Speed Marque’, will be modified and available in two different new finishes. Mounted on the front luggage lid, rear deck, steering wheel and wheel centre caps, the subtly revised Speed Marque may be specified in Rocket Red/Silver as standard, or Stealth/Silver as an option.

McLaren Automotive Sales and Marketing Director Greg Levine said: “The ‘Speed Marque’ is an important symbol of McLaren’s successful heritage in motorsport, and we are very proud that it features prominently on the 12C. The ‘Speed Marque’ has evolved significantly through the last five decades, from its origin as the ‘Speedy Kiwi’ on Bruce McLaren’s race cars in the 1960’s, through to the 1980’s and 90’s where the McLaren name featured a red chevron symbol alongside it on our Formula 1 cars. Now displayed on the new 12C, it embodies our core product value of fast, streamlined movement and represents the pedigree of a multiple World Championship-winning Formula 1 team.”

Specification revisions a reward for existing 12C owners Refinements to the 12C technology package will also be made available to McLaren’s valued existing 12C customers.

To date, McLaren Automotive has appointed 38 world-class retailers in 22 countries across the globe. Each McLaren retailer in the new global retail network is now contacting existing 12C owners to offer each the opportunity to upgrade their current cars to a revised specification. Enhancements to existing 12Cs include the 625PS power increase introduced for the new 12C, and will be scheduled for application to cars later this year.

Antony Sheriff said: “A revised performance and technology package for the 12C highlights our determination and ability to enhance a vehicle that is already a benchmark sports car, and underlines our desire to reward customers that have shown commitment to McLaren. I believe this action will reinforce existing customer relationships and I look forward to building long-term relationships with McLaren customers of the future.”

The following package of specification upgrades will be offered to every current 12C owner at zero cost to the customer:

M838T engine power increased to 625PS*
Revised calibration for 7-Speed SSG transmission
Programmable Intake Sound Generator
Headlights linked to rain sensor when in automatic mode
Easy-Exit electric seat function incorporating Seat Return (if specified)
New Meridian audio equaliser settings (if specified)

A groundbreaking sports car inspired by Formula 1 Performance and practical refinements will enhance the 12C’s innovative standard technical specification, in which Formula 1 DNA runs through every component.

With a one-piece moulded carbon fibre ‘MonoCell’ weighing just 75kg at its heart, the 12C features advanced vehicle dynamics technology including Brake Steer and Proactive Chassis Control. Brake Steer is a technology McLaren introduced to Formula 1 in the 1997/98 MP4-12 race car and defines the 12C’s ability to set incredible lap times, by braking the inside rear wheel of the car through corners so that the 12C may retain the perfect ‘racing line’ on track. ProActive Chassis Control is a suspension technology lauded by 12C owners due to its unique ability to provide executive car ride quality at any speed and on uneven road surfaces, yet its network of interconnected suspension hydraulics modify the amount of grip and roll control available when the driver adjusts the 12C’s ‘Handling’ settings through ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes. The 12C is the only sports car among its competitor set that allows the driver to select ‘Powertrain’ and ‘Handling’ settings completely independently of each other, so that the driving experienced is optimised to their preference and environment. With a combined fuel consumption figure of 24.2mpg achievable from the car’s lightweight 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine, the 12C offers owners the option to enjoy driving a high performance sports car over greater distances and in a multitude of environments more than ever before.

To see the new Mc-Laren MP4-12C in the wild is an unusual and rare phenomenon. Whenever the viewer at the sight of such a super athlete has to catch their breath, the luxury refiner Wheelsandmore takes a deep breath and starts their work.

The Mc-Laren newly developed 3.8 liter V8 biturbo engine isn´t missing enough horsepower, but Wheelsandmore followed the exclusive sales order “create something diabolical” and increased the factory output of 600 hp to a whopping 666 hp and 640 Nm of torque. Responsible for the proper performance is a handcrafted exhaust system with remote-able exhaust valves and the optimized control electronics. Currently Wheelsandmore is testing a turbo and intercooler upgrade up to 800hp.
World-exclusive Wheelsandmore lowered the PCC complex electronic hydraulic suspension system, that controls body roll and the roll-permanently, to another 25mm and improves handling and steering of the MP4-12C. Even more attention was paid to the development of the customized forged wheels for the MC Laren MP4-12C. To avoid a negative effect of the unsprung masses the 6Sporz ² ultralight-forged wheels were additionally weight-optimized and individually constructed sizing 9.0×20″ and 12,0×21″. Continental Sport Contact 5P tires ensuring the ideal contact to the road, rotating in size 245/30/20″ on the front and in size 325/25/21on the rear axle.

Completion of the skilful refining of this super sports car is the color matched Trim-Line-Design stripe with the logotype of the german luxury car tuner.