McLaren MP4-12C Spider confirmed

The plans for a convertible version of McLaren’s  MP4-12Cseem to be confirmed after plans for the new factory revealed a Webasto area.

The headline is probably a bit of an overstatement. We’ve had no official word from McLaren on a convertible MP4-12C, although we knew it was something they were planning. After all, they are aiming to put a big hole in Ferrari’s sales, so a convertible of some description is really a must.

What we do have though is a report that plans for McLaren’s new production facility – to be built next door to their HQ in Woking – contains a section marked ‘Webasto RHT Sub Assembly Area’, which kind of gives the game away. Even though no supplier is confirmed for the droptop, the Webasto name is almost a generic one.

What we do know is  that McLaren are planning a retractable hard-top if the Spider becomes a reality – which now seems to be the case – which would give the MP4-12C Roadster / Spider all the benefits of the coupe but throw in some fresh-air motoring. Which does rather beg the question, why? Why would you produce a fixed top car and then offer a retractable tin-top? Apart from cost difference it does seem a bit odd. Why not just make the MP4-12C with a retractable tin-top; period?

The mono-tub on the MP4-12C should ensure rigidity in the car whatever McLaren do, so there will be no likelihood of compromised handling or a touch of the shake, rattle and roll often associated with chopped-top cars. And we would have thought that an MP4-12C with a folding aluminium or carbon roof would have given it a big sales plus. McLaren must also now have a bit of room for manoeuvre on price with Ferrari starting the 458 Italia at £175k.

Still, Ron knows best.

Source: Racing Puma