McLaren MP4-12C Does 196mph Top Speed Even With Top Down
Possibly the fastest roadster around, the new McLaren MP4-12C Spider can now hit 196mph even with a retractable hard-top roof down. Even though the new MP4-12C Spider is 40kg heavier, it matches the 3.1-second 0-62mph time of 3.1 seconds. Talk about fast.
The coolest thing about the MP4-12 Spider, apart from its blisteringly fast speed, is the two-piece hard-top that is retractable. When not in use, it can be stowed behind the rear seats. Due to its compact design, it still allows the Spider to retain the coupe’s glass engine cover.
By just punching the buttons located on the driver’s door, the roof can be put up or down in just 17 seconds. The glass screen sitting in between the two buttresses is operated separately from the roof and it also acts as a windbreaker when the roof is down or even to let air into the cabin the roof is up.
The Spider also comes powered by the same 616bhp V8 3.8-liter engine found in the coupe. This is the only available power you can opt for after the revision to the MP4-12C coupe done last month.
Although the roadster manages the same 3.1-second 0-62mph time, it takes two-tenths of a second longer to hit 0-124 mph though, which brings the time up to 9 seconds. With the top down, the roadster manages a top speed of 196mph. Try bringing the roof up though, as the top speed increases to 204mph.
The MP4-12C Spider also uses the same chassis as the coupe, constructed with carbon fiber Monocell which apparently sufficient for rigidity as McLaren claims that the Spider needs no further chassis strengthening. The buttresses are also incorporated with rollover protection.
The Spider also comes with a tweaked audio system which is able to adjust volume and tone depending whether the roof is up or down. To compensate for the elements outside the car, the Spider is also equipped with an improved climate control system.
The MP4-12C Spider is available for purchase now. The price is slightly more expensive than the coupe though, with an increase of £19,500 bringing the price tag up to £195,500. Deliveries are expected to start in November.
