MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider Review

“A real man drives a coupe.” Until recently, this was a reality, but if we’re talking about the McLaren MP4-12C Spider, it becomes a myth. A busted one. The British company’s hyper-technical approach means that the 12C Spider doesn’t bring any disadvantage whatsoever when compared to the MP4-12C Coupe.

McLaren itself tells us that the Spider will take charge of the MP4-12C sales now that it’s folding hard top is among us. Usually when an automaker makes a claim of this kind, it should be taken with more than a grain of salt, but this time we fully believe the Brits.

The McLaren MP4-12C Spider’s folding roof addresses two issues of the Coupe. The biggest problem with this British supercar is that it’s not all that thrilling when you’re driving it in a moderate manner. This may be the worst part of the car, but when you’re bathing your hair in the wind, this issue becomes less important.

In real life though, you don’t want to put on sun lotion when you get in your fancy supercar, so you’re only going to be driving with the roof folded for a limited time. Even so, the sheer thought of having the possibility to stow the roof is enough to bring a smile on your face.

The MP4-12C Spider also comes with more visual drama, another area that needed to be improved on the Coupe. Roof up or down, the Spider outshines its brother by a mile.

And while the retractable roof is obviously the best past of the McLaren MP4-12C Spider, you’ll have to pay about $24,000 extra for it, as the supercar comes with a MSRP of $268,250 (including $2,500 destination charge). In Europe, the open-air MP4-12C comes with a price of EUR240,000 (VAT included).

We wouldn’t call this a drawback, but when buying an MP4-12C, you’ll have to keep an open mind and learn how to work with the Formula One-derived technology when it comes to full throttle cornering.

In its current form, the McLaren MP4-12C doesn’t exactly target the Ferrari 458, as the two appeal to different audiences. The McLaren uses its electronics to keep its bottom well in check through the bends, while the 458’s systems are there to make the slides controllable. The British machine enjoys the benefits of a superior power to weight ratio, but loses in front of the Italian when emotions are needed.

However, the McLaren MP4-12C’s performance allows it to bite cars that play on a whole different level and this all comes in a package that’s easy to drive, slow or fast. Add a Spider to the end of its designation and you won’t regret it.