Here are some of the first official pictures of McLaren’s MP4-12C Spider.

The new vehicle, which is identical mechanically to the recently updated MP4-12C Coupe was fitted with a retractable folding metal hard top by the British sueprcar maker, that is unique to the vehicle and can fold away in under 17 seconds, according to McLaren.

What makes the retractable roof unique to the McLaren MP4-12C Spider is that it can be manoeuvred while on the move, more specifically at speeds of up to about 29km/h. In addition the rear window/wind deflector can also be lowered when the roof is in position.

The new Spider also features new lightweight alloy wheel designs with a diamond-turn finish, a vehicle lift system to make travelling over speed bumps smoother and new interior and exterior finishes.

Under the hood, all 12C Spiders will be fitted with the newly uprated version of the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine found in the coupe, now developing 616bhp. Weighing in at 1474kg, the Spider can reach 100km/h in 3.1sec hitting a top speed of about 326km/h.

The McLaren Spider is expected to launch in the UK in November 2012 starting at a price of at £195,500.

Source: Car Magazine; Images: Auto Evolution