MP4-12C Spider

Make
McLaren
Segment
Compact

After McLaren Automotive revealed their one-off bespoke X-1 Concept, many wondered whether the automaker completely lost its mind or was nothing short of being a design genius. The word is still out on that one. Fortunately, McLaren also brought something else with them to this year's Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach: the 12C Spider. Debuting alongside the equally impressive 12C GT3 Can-Am edition concept, the 12C Spider is set to go on sale globally in the coming months.

Like its coupe counterpart, power comes from a 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 that produces 616 horsepower. Mated to a 7-speed SSG dual-clutch transmission, the Spider can go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 204 mph. Just for comparison, the 12C coupe has the exact same 0 to 62 time and a 205 mph maximum speed.

Its three-piece Retractable Hard Top folding roof system closes in only 17 seconds and it doesn't obstruct the view of the engine bay when it's down (we're referring to you, Ferrari 458 Spider). Displayed at the Gooding & Company Auction last Friday, the 12C Spider was shown for the first time in public wearing a new volcano yellow paint job. US pricing is expected to start at $268,250.