Video: McLaren 12C Spider First Drive by Inside Line
Edmunds European Correspondent Alistair Weaver heads to Ascari Race Resort in Spain to sample the latest version of Woking's masterful 12C, still prefers the Ferrari 458 Spider.

As he notes for the 2013 model year, the McLaren 12C got an "injection of soul". The bespoke 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 now churns out 616 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 442 pound-feet of torque from 3,000-7,000 rpm, an increase of 24 hp. 0-60 mph takes just in 3.1 seconds, and tops out at 204 mph for cars fitted with the softer-compound Corsa option tires, according to McLaren.

The last line of his video is one that was reminiscent of many journos when the 12C hardtop was first tested by the press. Alistair states, "....in the real world on real roads, and at real speeds, the 458 spider remains more entertaining, better looking, its just more...theatrical."

We'll all be anxious to try the new spider out ourselves in due time but for now hop on over to Inside Line for the video test here and gobs of great images -> 2013 McLaren 12C Spider First Drive

 

There have been a bunch of other first drives:

-Drive:
it wasn't a test drive, at least not the video, but its something

-Car and Driver:

-Autocar:
First drive review: McLaren MP4-12C Spider Review | Autocar

-Top Gear:
First drive: McLaren MP4-12C Spider - BBC Top Gear

-GT Spirit:
Road Test: 2013 McLaren 12C Spider


It seems like the general reception was really good, really glad for McLaren!

 

And his test for the Sunday times:

 

From Jalopnik by Mike Spinelli (the test drive this time): 2013 McLaren 12C Spider: The Jalopnik Review