McLaren MP4-12C Spider Revealed With Retractable Hard Top

With the MP4-12C coupe already established as a success by McLaren, the British sports car maker has just released the new 12C Spider model for those who prefer a their performance with more vitamin D.

Adding considerably practicality to the drop top is a power retractable folding hard top, which can be operated at speeds of up to 19 mph.

Using the same 616 hp twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 and based on the same carbon monocell chassis as the coupe, the 12C Spider weighs roughly 150 lbs more than the hard top, tipping the scales at 3,033 lbs in its dry weight form or 3,249 ready-to-roll.

Thanks to the minor weight gain, performances has been impacted only slightly with the Spider model retaining the same 3.1 second 0-62 mph time and losing just one-tenth of a second to 100 mph at 6.1 seconds versus 6.0 seconds for the coupe. The top speed has only been compromised slightly as well and still sits above the 200 mph mark at 204 mph compared to 207 mph for the coupe.

Other highlights include a rear window that can be raised or lowered, as well as a Roll Over Protection System with buttresses to protect passengers in the case of an accident. And making the MP4 more functional as a daily driver is an optional Vehicle Lift system that can raise the front by 40mm and the rear by 25mm to help clear obstacles like speed bumps.

Launched in a new Volcano Red, both the MP4-12C coupe and spider will also be available in a Volcano Yellow for 2013, while new interior trims have been added as well.

On sale now through 38 retailers in 22 countries, McLaren also lets you spec our your very own model at their online configurator here.

Priced at $265,750, the first deliveries are planned for late December to early January.