McLAREN has lifted the lid on its new open-top supercar the 12C Spider.

Seen as a rival to the Ferrari 458, this second model in the Woking company's MP4-12C family boasts a hard top folding roof that can be lowered on the move at up to 19mph.

Beneath the bonnet is a 616bhp V8 twin turbo engine capable of blasting the McLaren from 0-62 in 3.1 seconds, to 100mph in a mere 6.0 and 124mph in 8.8, while top speed is 207mph.

That power is transmitted to the car's rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with lightning-fast gear changes through rocker-mounted shift paddles on the steering wheel.

And the full glory of the lightweight 3.8-litre engine can be seen through a glass screen behind the tonneau cover.

The rear windscreen can also be electronically raised and lowered, the latter position acting as a wind deflector or - with the roof in place - allowing the V8 engine soundtrack to flood the cabin.

With the roof raised the area under the tonneau can be used as an additional luggage area which provides 52 litres of storage space, and of course bespoke luggage has been designed specifically for it.

The 12C Spider also features a Roll Over Protection System along with technology like Brake Steer, ProActive Chassis Control and the McLaren's unique Airbrake to deliver race car performance and handling on track - in comfort.

Price is a princely £195,500 and deliveries are due in November.