The open-top version of McLaren’s MP4-12C supercar will be unveiled next week and the Woking-based firm has served up a pair of tantalizing snippets on the Internet, including the first official picture of the MP4-12C Spider and a related video showing McLaren F1 driver Jenson Button enthusing over the thrill of roof-down motoring.
The MP4-12C Spider will be powered by the same twin-turbo 3,8-litre V8 as the McLaren we tested in our May 2012 issue, but will reportedly feature a three-piece folding hard-top similar to that of the Ferrari 458 Spider. Although more of targa configuration than an out-and-out convertible, this roof arrangement (hewn from lightweight composites) will help to retain more torsional rigidity than the latter – a boon for those seeking to make the most of the McLaren’s razor-sharp dynamics while taking in the aural delights of that engine.
A short video trailer starring McLaren F1 driver Jenson Button has also been released (you can view it by clicking on the VIDEO tab above the featured image at the top of this article) showing the British racer sharing his thoughts on the visceral nature of open-top driving before being drowned out by the MP4-12C’s engine revving and a launch date of July 3 2012 being shown.
We’ll keep you posted as soon as more information appears on the ‘web.