2013 McLaren MP4-12C

A year after re-launching its road-car business with the MP4-12C Coupe, McLaren has announced its second model, the MP4-12C Spider. The Spider’s power-retractable hard top can be raised or lowered in 17 seconds at speeds up to 19 mph. Also new this year: a power boost that increases the output of the turbocharged V-8 from 592 hp to 616 hp.

As expected for vehicles in the price range of $242,000-$268,000, sleek, sporty, luxurious, and efficient are just a few of the words to describe this one-of-a-kind vehicle. Even after considering the commanding price range for this vehicle, the consumer must realize that the rarity of this vehicle, along with its glamour value and beauty will hold its value for years to come. Including large air intakes that define a racecar look for an on road vehicle is only part of the McLaren Spider’s rip-roaring appeal. No one will be able to question the elegance and beauty of a car which has vertical-opening doors to add to its overall barely street legal charm. From the unusually long bi-xenon headlights to the above the bumper mounted exhaust system; this vehicle will steal the heart of even the most persnickety operator. 19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels are standard issue for this vehicle.

Being able to maneuver gracefully in and out of this vehicle is a learning process all on its own. Once inside the McLaren MP4-12C, the car leaves very little space for extra amenities, but can still be quite comfortable for a car of its class. Being a mid-engine vehicle means that interior space is extremely limited. A cool feature of this mid-engine vehicle is a glass panel that allows viewing of the McLaren’s awesome heart. Some consumers may completely overlook passenger and cargo space altogether. However, there is a very limited cargo shelf behind the seats and a small cavity close to the bumper in the front of the vehicle. The designing of the instrumentation with the large oval look will be reminiscent of racing vehicles rather than road supercars. The extremely thin console stretches from back to front and contains the electronic monitoring system. It squeezes in a seven-inch touch-screen monitor and a Meridian four-speaker sound system boasting AM/FM/USB/hard drive and iPod connectivity. Dual-zone climate control is also available as a standard feature. Some extra custom features include extra sporty trim packages, an upgraded audio system with satellite navigation and other audio and electronic features for the 21st century computer savvy drivers and passengers.

In addition to front airbags, the 2013 McLaren MP4-12C has aluminum crash structures bolted on the front and rear. These are accentuated with ultra-strong carbon-fiber monocoque for extra protection. Standard anti-lock brakes are combined with a rear air brake control with transmission fluid pressure. A very expensive upgrade of carbon ceramic brakes can add extended safety with faster braking and shorter stopping lengths. The safety aspect of this vehicle will be solely with the driver since there is a top-out speed of over 200 miles per hour. Extra consideration will be the responsibility of the owner when dealing with a car of this magnitude.

The 2013 McLaren MP4-12C was not meant for a drive down to the grocery store. This magnificent vehicle was meant for winding mountain roads and long expanses of highway. It was not intended for the light of foot or the faint of heart. The over $200,000 price tag alone will separate the men from the boys. The power of the 3.8-liter, twin turbo, V-8 engine that screams a roaring 616 horsepower, and commands 443 lb-ft of torque is breathtaking. Howling with a seven-speed transmission that can be shifted manually or automatically, the biggest concern is keeping this monster between the lines. Being able to hit 62 miles per hour at just barely over three seconds is enough to nail even the most experienced driver to the back of his seat. Add the top-down convenience of a convertible with exquisite handling, power, cruise control, and a luxury riding experience, this vehicle was still breath away from the driver and passenger alike. As would be expected from a vehicle with racing on its mind, gas mileage is incredibly low at 15/22 mpg city/highway. A $13,000 add-on of carbon ceramic brakes, an upgraded exhaust system, and other custom features can make this already unique vehicle even easier to handle and a pleasure to drive. Even though this car was built for the highway, a driver will almost want to grab a helmet whenever they take this superlative vehicle out for a spin.

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