McLaren MP4-12C Spider launched.

By -

McLaren Automotive has launched its second model, the 616bhp, twin-turbo V8-engined, open roofed 12C Spider.

Based on the same super stiff carbon fibre MonoCell chassis as its hardtop sibling, the all-new McLaren MP4-12C Spider will be capable of 315kph with its innovative retractable hard-top roof down. Seen in these official pictures for the first time, the new open-top McLaren can match its coupé sibling from zero to 100kph - taking 3.1sec - despite having a 40kg weight penalty.

The MP4-12C Spider features a two-piece retractable hard-top that is stowed behind the seats when not in use. The compact design of the system lets the Spider keep the glass engine cover of the coupé. The roof can be positioned up or down in 17 seconds and at road speeds of up to 35kph using buttons mounted on the inside edge of the driver’s door. A glass screen between the two buttresses can be operated independently of the roof. This can act as a windbreak with the roof down, or for ventilation with the roof up.

McLaren supplies two soft bags with the MP4-12C Spider that are designed to fit in the 52-litre storage space behind the seats when the roof is up. McLaren managing director Antony Sheriff briefed the Woking outfit to ensure that the MP4-12C lost none of its usability in becoming a Spider.

Power for the Spider comes from the same 616bhp 3.8-litre V8 as the coupé, the only power output you can get for the MP4-12C after last month’s revisions to the coupé. The Spider matches the coupé’s 0-100kph time but takes 0.2sec longer to get from zero to 200kph (9.0sec). The top speed of 315kph with the roof down increases to 328kph with the roof up.

Other tweaks for the Spider include an audio system that adjusts its volume and tone according to whether the roof is up or down, and a revised climate control system that also adjusts to compensate for the outside elements.

The MP4-12C Spider is now on sale at a premium of £19,500 over the coupé, with deliveries starting from November.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

All new Ambassador makeover by Hindustan Motors in 2012 .

By -
Image
Sixty years back, the word ‘car’ in India literally meant the Ambassador for most Indians. A lot has changed since then, with horde of automobile manufacturers active in the Indian market, sales figures for Hindustan Motors have hit an all time low 5,510 units in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year. Over the years, it has been the Indian political class that has been keeping Hindustan Motors rolling. The latest blow to Hindustan motors came from the Govt. of India itself, which replaced the Ambassador with cars like the  Maruti SX4  and the  Tata Indigo CS considering safety and performance issues. The next-gen Ambassador will feature structural, aerodynamic and aesthetical chages. Changes on board the 2012 Ambassador include new engine calibrations, an anti-lock brake system and aluminium alloy wheels. For comfort, there will be new leather seats coupled with wood grain interiors. For the first time, there will also be an integrated music system and redesigned instrument c
Read more

NEW CR-V

By -
Image
These are the first official images of Honda’s all-new CR-V. Honda had released the first official picture of the CR-V concept last summer, and was due to unveil the production car at next month's Los Angeles motor show. However, the latest images appeared without explanation on the Honda’s Japanese website at the weekend. The CR-V is based on an all-new platform. The most prominent changes are at the front, where the CR-V features a wraparound lower front bumper that is better integrated into the rest of the front fascia than on the current car. The three-bar horizontal front grille is also much more dominant than the current CR-V’s, with slimmed-down headlights flanking it on either side. Honda claims the front-end styling changes result in much improved aerodynamics over the current car. Sculpted bodywork features on the sides, which also get more pronounced side sills. The large alloy wheels featured on the concept have been exchanged for more practical-looking variants.
Read more

Maruti S-cross facelift: What to expect

By -
Image
Maruti revealed a facelift for the S-cross at the Paris motor show earlier this year. The automaker’s premium crossover now gets a more distinctive front end with a new larger upright grille, new headlamps and a new bumper. The rear gets minor cosmetic tweaks as does the cabin with revised upholstery and new trim options. Maruti is planning to bring the refreshed S-cross to India late next year, and expects that the more crossover-like design of the facelift may boost sales of the slow seller. Engines While the international model received two new turbocharged Boosterjet petrol engines, for India, the facelift will continue to offer the current line-up of 1.3 and 1.6-litre diesel engines. Maruti is also working on a petrol variant for the S-Cross which could be launched with the facelifted model. Features In terms of equipment, we can expect features such as the parking camera, Maruti’s Smartplay infotainment system, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, auto climat
Read more