McLaren MP4-12C Spider. FIRST DRIVE

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As you can see then, there’s no ambiguity. The new convertible has proven itself to be a car one can drive for hundreds of kilometres to the track, without the need to raise your voice to continue a conversation with your passenger, drive several Pirelli-blistering laps at your limit, and then drive the same distance home again in comfort. And with ease. Any complaints? Well, the passenger foot well is a bit short. Um. That’s about it.

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The Spider’s design may not be quite as outlandish as many believe a supercar should sport, but the boys and girls at Woking have made a strong statement with the Spider. There’s grace and elegance but at the same time a little mischievousness. Add to that speed that will have you grinning like an idiot, comfort that will make you want to sleep in the car, and performance unlike anything I could have imagined from a convertible.

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Over the years McLaren has garnered the reputation for cold calculation, but the 12C Spider does a solid job turning that ethos on its head. Having spent a very enjoyable time with the gentlemen behind the new 12C Spider, the group is certainly not lacking warmth or character. If budget is not an option, perhaps you would be tempted to buy a supercar for the badge alone, but that’s not the case here: anybody who buys a McLaren 12C Spider knows they are buying precision engineering, timeless design and – in short – a proper sportscar.

I absolutely love the McLaren 12C Spider, and I’d buy one tomorrow if given the chance. And someone else’s wallet.

pics – Patrick Gosling