McLaren MP4-12C Spider 3.8 V8 (625 Hp) SSG


Overall Rating

8.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.9 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 5.0 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion 4.6 / 5

McLaren MP4-12C:

The McLaren MP4-12C, later rebranded as the McLaren 12C, is a sports car produced by the British carmaker McLaren Automotive. Manufactured between 2011 and 2014, the MP4-12C was available as both a coupe and a retractable hard-top convertible, the latter known as the "Spider".
The 12C marked McLaren's return to production car sales for the first time since 1998, when the F1 ceased production. Development began in 2005, and the car made its online debut in September 2009 as the MP4-12C. McLaren began series manufacturing the car in February 2011 at the company's facility in Woking, Surrey. The 12C Spider debuted in July 2012....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Spider Overview:

McLaren MP4-12C (Spider). With 600 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1474 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 3.3 s). The top speed reaches 329 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The McLaren MP4-12C Spider, like many low-volume supercars, was not subjected to Euro NCAP crash testing. However, it features a robust carbon fiber MonoCell chassis designed for exceptional structural rigidity and occupant protection.

3.8 V8 (625 Hp) SSG Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

The M838T 3.8L twin-turbo V8 delivers breathtaking acceleration (0-100km/h in 3.3s) and a broad powerband, making it incredibly responsive and thrilling for both road and track use. The SSG gearbox provides lightning-fast shifts.

Fuel Economy

While not a primary concern for a supercar, the 11.7 l/100 km combined fuel consumption is respectable given its immense 625 Hp output, reflecting efficient engineering for its class.

Best Use Case: Performance Driving / Track Days / Weekend Enthusiast

reddit Community Verdict

This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

Allowed: 80% Neutral: 20% Issues: 0%
rating
4.6 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 5 discussions

Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
I feel the looks of this car have aged very well as cars have gotten more and more sharp/angular in bodystyle. I remember when it first came out and thinking it looked kinda bland and boring compared to its competition. Beautiful.
👍 POSITIVE
Guy brings an orange one to my cars and coffee fairly regularly and I’ve seen it drive it in the area since new! Always liked this model
👍 POSITIVE
One of the most reliable and trouble-free cars on the planet.
👍 POSITIVE
Beautiful car but whenever I see it I can’t help but mentally say it’s name in Jeremy Clarkson’s adenoids voice.
😐 NEUTRAL
I used to see an MP4-12C driving around my neighborhood every other day, not sure what happened to it but it I haven’t seen it in years. I live in a lower middle class neighborhood so I’m assuming they couldn’t afford it anymore.


Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional performance and handling dynamics
  • • Innovative ProActive Chassis Control offers superb ride comfort for a supercar
  • • Retractable hardtop provides open-air exhilaration
  • • Relatively understated design compared to some rivals, appealing to a specific taste
  • • Advanced carbon fiber MonoCell chassis

Cons:

  • • Engine sound can be less characterful than naturally aspirated competitors
  • • High running and maintenance costs typical of exotic cars
  • • Some early models experienced minor electronic glitches
  • • Less dramatic styling might not appeal to all supercar buyers

Specifications:

General:
Brand:McLaren
Model:MP4-12C
Generation:Spider
Modification (Engine):3.8 V8 (625 Hp) SSG
Start of production:2011
End of production:2014
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Roadster
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:625 Hp @ 7500 rpm.
Power per litre:164.5 Hp/l
Torque:600 Nm @ 3000-7000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M838T
Engine displacement:3799
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Twin-Turbo, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC, VVT
Engine oil capacity:8 l
Engine layout:Middle, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:93 mm mm
Piston Stroke:69.9 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.7:1
Maximum engine speed:8500 rpm.
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:11.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:3.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:3.3 sec
Maximum speed:329 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:2.4 kg/Hp, 424 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:2.5 kg/Nm, 407.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 200 km/h:9.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:3.1 sec
100 km/h - 0:30.7 m
200 km/h - 0:123.5 m
Space:
Kerb Weight:1474
Fuel tank capacity:72 l
Size:
Length:4509 mm mm
Width:1908 mm mm
Height:1203 mm mm
Wheelbase:2670 mm mm
Width including mirrors:2093 mm
Front track:1656 mm
Rear (Back) track:1583 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):120 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):12.3 m
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears7
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeSSG
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesVentilated discs
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size235/35 R19; 305/30 R20
Wheel rims size8.5J x 19; 11J x 20
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionDouble wishbone

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