2012 The McLaren MP4-12C convertible comes to market

Our sources have suggested the top will be power-operated and made from lightweight carbon fiber or aluminum. A cloth top might require less work, at least from an engineering standpoint. Yet with the standard MP4-12C coupe starting at $229,000, a high-tech top is pretty much a necessity in this rarefied market – and a pretty good idea in a sports car capable of exceeding 200 mph.

The mechanicals will remain the same as the coupe’s. This means you’ll find a 592-bhp twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine nestled behind the cockpit. A 7-speed twin-clutch Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG) is the only choice when it comes to swapping gears. Shifting is controlled via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

During our time with the MP4-12C coupe, we noted the sensation of speed was sometimes lacking since the car “provides the utmost confidence-inspiring ride calmness for the driver.” With the top down and V-8 engine at full revs, the upcoming MP4-12C convertible should counter these (modest) criticisms.