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.

Checkout the McLaren MP4-12C Spider photos

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.