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I have just spend several hours test driving a 12C Spider in a range of different conditions and environments. We started in heavy London traffic, cleared that for a short run on a very damp highway, then headed into the country for a bit of B road experience, before heading back into the city. During this period we had sun, moderately heavy rain, and intermittent showers. When it is just doing the last of the list, having the roof up with the rear window down is a terrific set up. Unlike other supercars, the 12C Spider was extremely well behaved in traffic. Crawling and stop and go did not faze it in the least. Traction on the wet road surface was also highly impressive and the rear stayed perfectly planted even when pushing on a bit. In a couple of cases I expected a bit of tail movement and there was none. The dual clutch gearbox takes about a minute to get used to, the paddles are nicely weighted, and shifts almost too smooth. I kept looking any signs of turbo lag and never found it. Unlike a lot of turbo cars, the power on the 12C-S is easy to modulate. While the McLaren is both hugely quick and very fast, it communicates very well and you do have a sensation at how fast you are going which is very reassuring. Handling is excellent, the nose goes right where you point it and the car is easy to place on the road. With both the powertrain and handling setting set to "Normal" the 12C-S is a nice GT cruiser that soaks up crappy road surfaces and is easy to drive for an extended period. Flip both over to track and the car really transforms and comes alive. In the track settings, it hardens up and pancakes itself to the road. Shifts are quicker and now have a bit of kick to them. In fact everything becomes sharper and quicker. What is great though on a poorly surfaced back road is being able to soften up the handling while still keeping the powertrain in "track". With the powertrain in "sport" or "track" the 12C-S feels like a true drivers car that they harder you push it, the better it will get. On the flip side, I can easily see how this would make a great daily driver which would not be even the least bit punishing to live with on the daily commute.
Overall, hugely impressive package and I found it hard to give the 12C Spider back.
Overall, hugely impressive package and I found it hard to give the 12C Spider back.
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