McLaren MP4-12C Spider 3.8 V8 (625 Hp) SSG
Overall Rating
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.
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:
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.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

4.6 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 5 discussions
Read What Owners Say
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 Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | SSG |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/35 R19; 305/30 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 19; 11J x 20 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |











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