Rumor: McLaren MP4-12C Spider to receive a carbon fiber folding roof
By Andrew, 12 Jan, 2012. 0 Comments
McLaren MP4-12C
The roofing system of Ferrari’s new 458 Spider will be slightly different from the MP4-12C Spider by McLaren. Ferrari had recently launched a ground-breaking folding roof system that comprises mostly aluminum. Meanwhile, McLaren will probably use carbon fiber, which is lighter and sturdier. Months ago, a prototype of the MP4-12C Spider was spotted while testing. It appears slightly different from its hard-top cousin so that it could bear the new roof mechanism.
Auto Motor und Sport said that similar to the system used on the 458 Spider, the roof on the McLaren MP4-12C Spider will flip backwards initially. It will then retract vertically into a small recess positioned between the engine bay and passenger compartment. Ferrari pioneered the mid-engined car with a retractable hard-top but McLaren is slated to be first to accomplish the same with carbon fiber, says MotorAuthority.
If not for this difference, the MP4-12C Spider would be essentially identical to its hard-top counterpart. However, there may be some slight engine and suspension changes to guarantee an excellent performance when the top is down. The car’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine is expected to sustain a peak output of 592hp and 440 pound-feet of torque. In addition, drive is still expected to go to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.
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