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MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider Review

OUR TEST CAR: 2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider

 
The Background
MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider  - Page - 1
Just like a feminine presence knows how to generate attraction by getting one confused, the McLaren MP4-12C stirs interest thanks to its totally unconventional place in the supercar world.

This is one of the few machines of its kind that comes with an important name, but doesn't have a history. The MP4-12C didn’t care about this, as it came to the market as a no-compromise promise. However, things become a bit more complicated when talking about the Spider.

It’s easy to get confused when trying to understand who the McLaren MP4-12C Spider works. Ask an engineer about putting “no compromise driving” and an open top in the same sentence and he’ll slap you. However, McLaren’s alchemists brag that they have found the formula that allows the two to mix.

And there’s more to the MP4-12C Spider. Developing a supercar from scratch also meant that McLaren missed a few spots with the Coupe and it seems that the company has found a very sweet way of fixing this - the 12C Spider.

This isn't just an MP4-12C that has blown its top off, it also features a number of revisions that make up a full-size facelift. This is McLaren's way of saying "we actually listened when the customers had something to say and now we've changed things". If you look closely, you'll notice the McLaren has even revised the name of the car. Yes, its official designation is the MP4-12C Spider, but they call its the 12C Spider on most occasions.

Thrill seekers will only have eyes for the 25 hp boost, but there are also more practical additions, such as the optional vehicle lift system. While owners of MP4-12C around the world won't be entirely pleased to hear that only a part of these changes are retrofitable, those who buy a Coupe built after the Spider was launched will benefit from the complete list of additions.

Armed with the memories from the McLaren MP4-12C test drive, we invited the Spider over for a drive in order to see if the Brits were lying when they said they could build a driver’s convertible.
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Our MCLAREN Testdrives:

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Photo gallery (65)
MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider driving2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider driving with top down2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider 2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider air brake in action2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider handling2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider top speed2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider braking2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider 2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider acceleration2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider at speedMCLAREN MP4-12C Spider in the desert2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider desert adventure2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider at dusk2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider at night2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider front fascia2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider detailsMCLAREN MP4-12C Spider 2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider front closeupMCLAREN badge on MP4-12C Spider 2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider pantograph wiper2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider side air intakes2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider wheels2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider rear wheel2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider 2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider with roof down2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider roof in motion2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider rear2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider 2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider exhaust2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider roof in action2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider brake light on rear wing2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider 2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider with dihedral doors upMCLAREN MP4-12C Spider with doors open2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider handling2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider gripMCLAREN MP4-12C Spider handling2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider 2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider 2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider autocross driving2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider brakingMCLAREN MP4-12C Spider boot2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider Meridian Audio SystemMCLAREN badge on MP4-12C Spider door entry sill2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider door struts2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider buttons on door2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider pedals2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider manul door release2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider interior - wide sillMCLAREN MP4-12C Spider seats2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider interior2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider steering wheel2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider center consoleMCLAREN MP4-12C Spider powertrain and handling modes2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider interior air ventMCLAREN MP4-12C Spider floor mat2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider climate control systemMCLAREN MP4-12C Spider rev counter and speedometerMCLAREN MP4-12C Spider interior2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider interior spaceMCLAREN MP4-12C Spider glass engine coverMCLAREN MP4-12C Spider fuel filler cap2013 MCLAREN MP4-12C Spider in city