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Spider cocks a snout at Ferrari

The innovative new McLaren 12C Spider is making its Italian debut at the 37th Bologna auto showShow that runs until December 9 2012.

It's the first appearance by McLaren Automotive at the Italian wheels event.

Italians are among the most dedicated and passionate fans of F1 and sports cars and more than 800 000 of them will see, and discover more about, the groundbreaking 12C Spider.

SPORTS CAR / CONVERTIBLE

The light, mid-engined, open-top 12C Spider is mechanically identical to the 12C. It has the upgraded 470kW engine, part of the 2013  model upgrade that launches to 100km/h in 3.1sec, the same as the coupé.

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions remain the same at, respectively, 11.7 litres/100km and 279g/km, much better than most high-performance convertibles - in keeping with McLaren’s commitment to class-leading fuel efficiency.

Top speed is 330km/h.

As with the mechanically identical 12C, the Spider is a mid-engined, two-seat, rear-drive, high-performance sports car. Unlike rivals, it uses a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, the MonoCell., which confers major benefits in weight, strength and torsional rigidity – all improving handling, ride comfort and performance.

The MonoCell is a unique one-piece molded chassis that weighs just 75kgs (165lbs). It is 25 per cent stiffer than an equivalent all-metal structure and 25 per cent lighter than a comparable aluminum chassis (the difference with a steel chassis is even greater). It is also stronger and safer in a crash, acting as a safety survival cell, as it does in an F1 car.

RETRACTIBLE HARD TOP

The cars folding hard-top was designed specifically for the 12C Spider: lightness combined with strength as, McLaren says, with all areas of the 12C.

The auto mechanism raises or lowers the roof in less than 17sec and can operate at up to 30km/h from a two-position switch on the centre console.

Also as with the 12C, the Spider has the unique McLaren air brake – a moveable rear wing that increases its angle to boost downforce and improve stopping power and stability through corners. It's another of McLaren's F1-derived innovations – although now banned in competition as it confers a substantial performance advantage.

Ado Fassina, MD of McLaren Milan (pictured), said: "We're delighted to introduce such a prestigious sports car to the Italian market. It's a real satisfaction to see the McLaren range growing year after year and we're confident that the introduction of exciting models such as this can reply to the needs of fans in this exclusive sector."

McLaren Milan, operated by Gruppo Fassina Spa, is the only McLaren retailer in Italy, chosen for its outstanding record in providing outstanding customer service. Visitors to McLaren Milan will have the opportunity from now to see the groundbreaking 12C and 12C Spider at the luxurious showroom on Corse Sempione, Milan.
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