We already knew that McLaren->ke284 was planning a roadster version for their new MP4-12C model, but now it has been confirmed: an official debut will be made by the end of 2012. The new MP4-12C Spyder will be identical to its coupe brother, except of course, for its drop top appeal.

Just like the coupe version, the future Spyder will be offered with a V8 engine, as will every other model from the British company, because there will be no V12 engine offered in any McLaren models in the near future. This, however, doesn't mean that the upcoming successor for the legendary F1->ke1159 will only deliver 593 HP. McLaren said that the V8 engine has been built to be very flexible and can be tuned to any desired level.

The next F1 supercar will have conventional side-by-side seating (unlike the 1+2 layout of the original McLaren F1), a V8 engine coupled to a dual-clutch transmission, and plenty of lightweight carbon fiber. It will be unveiled sometime in 2013.

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