After months and months of spy shots, and a very special teaser, McLaren->ke284 Automotive has finally unveiled the MP4-12C Spider and boy, was it worth the wait!

Featuring all of the updates recently found on the updated MP4-12C coupe, the Spider promises to take the fight to the Ferrari 458 Italia Spyder and help reinvigorate life into the high-performance sports car market.

As you would expect, the MP4-12C Spider is essentially identical to its coupe sibling, meaning it’s also made good use out of the advanced carbon fiber monocoque, tipping the scales at just 165 lbs. Despite the added weight of the electronic systems required to open and close the hardtop, the Spider has only gained 40kg/88 lbs over the coupe, meaning no modifications to the monocoque were needed.

The new MP4-12C Spider is offered with the same engine as the updated version of the MP4-12C Coupe: a 616 HP 3.8-liter V8 twin turbo engine combined with a 7 Speed SSG dual-clutch transmission. The Spider version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and will hit a top speed of 204 mph (3 mph less than the coupe).

One of the most innovative features of the new 12C Spider is its unique RHT (Retractable Hard Top) folding roof system that may be operated while on the move at speed of up to 19 mph.

Confirmed back in 2009, the new MP4-12C Spyder will be available for sale in 22 countries worldwide. On the British market, it is priced at £195,500, about $300K at the current exchange rates. On the US market, it will be priced at $268,250, which is about $37,250 more than its coupe sibling priced at $231,000

UPDATE 11/22/12: Recently McLaren invited the world’s top auto journalists to Ascari Race Resort in Spain to introduce them to the new McLaren 12CSpider. Of course they had all the fun in the world, and today McLaren has unveiled a pretty cool video shot during the press test days! Enjoy!

UPDATE 12/31/12: The McLaren MP4-12C Spyder officially made its debut in Hong Kong earlier this month. True to its reputation, the British supercar maker decided to introduce their MP4-12C Spyder to the Hong Kong faithful in style. Hop on over after the jump to watch the video!

Hit the jump for more details on the 2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spyder.

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spyder

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spyder
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 616 @ 7500
  • Torque: 442 @ 3000
  • Transmission: 7 Speed SSG dual clutch
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The new 12C Spider will be built on the same carbon 165 lbs "MonoCell" chassis as the coupe version. Thanks to this chassis, the roadster weighs only 88 lbs more than the coupe and delivers about the same performance figures.

One of the most distinctive features of the new 12C Spider is its Retractable Hard Top which is operated using a switch in the lower section of the center console inside the cabin. It is capable of opening or closing in a mere 17 seconds up to speeds of 19 mph and slips in nicely between the mid-mounted engine and the inside of the car.

Additionally, the spider variant now features the commonly-seen retractable rear windscreen behind the passenger compartment which can be retracted with the roof still up, meaning the incredible twin-turbocharged V-8 engine can be heard in all its glory in even the worst possible weather conditions and adds an additional 52 liters to your storage capacity. This rear windscreen can also operate as a wind deflector to minimize disturbance to the 12C Spider's occupants when the roof is down.

In terms of options, the new 12C Spider will be offered with a choice of 12 exterior colors, including a new Volcano Yellow. The interior gets exclusive new trims like semi-aniline perforated leather and Alcantara. McLaren is also offering a new wheel design and "Diamond Cut" finishes plus a new Vehicle Lift system which allows the 12C Spider to be raised at the front front and rear for improved ground clearance.

Engine

The McLaren MP4-12C Spyder features all the same tech as the coupe, meaning the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine has been retained. This exciting engine delivers 616 HP at 7500 rpm and a peak torque of 442 lbs-ft between 3000-7000 rpm and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the rear-wheels.

With the additional weight, it comes as no surprise that the MP4-12C Spider is marginally slower than the coupe from 0-60 mph, but in saying that, it still conquers the sprint in 3.1 seconds, just 0.1 second behind the coupe. This rapid acceleration continues all the way up to the car’s impressive top speed of 204 mph.

Just like the coupe, the new 12C Spider will be offered with dynamic technologies like Brake Steer, ProActive Chassis Control, and the unique McLaren Airbrake.

Prices

The new McLaren MP4-12C Spider will be sold in 22 countries worldwide. On the British market, the model is priced at £195,500, about $300K at the current exchange rates. On the US market, the MP4-12C Spyder will be priced at $268,250, which is about $37,250 more than its coupe sibling priced at $231,000. The first units will arrive in US dealerships in December 2012.These prices can start adding up quick when you get into additions for the sports car. You can check out all of the toys by heading over to the online configurator at www.configure.mclaren.com.

McLaren MP4-12C Spyder Debuts In Hong Kong

Competition

The main competitor for the new McLaren MP4-12C Spider is obviously the Ferrari 458 Italia Spider. The Italian sports roadster is offered with a 4.5-liter V8 engine with a total output of 570 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 400 lb/ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. When comparing the outputs, it's clear that the 12C Spider has a 46 HP advantage over the 458 Italia Spider, but the question is: will it be enough to steal Ferrari's clients?