Making a convertible out of a perfectly good hardtop supercar might seem like an unnecessary complication to some, adding weight and reducing performance. But with the McLaren MP4-12C Spider, the difference appears to be negligible.

Case in point: this speedometer video, via Sport Auto, of a run to an indicated 346 kilometers per hour. GPS-verified at 343 kph, or 213 mph, the 12C that can lose a section of its top can also apparently exceed its claimed 204 mph top speed--as well as the claimed 207 mph top speed of the coupe.

While the coupe is still likely just a notch quicker in the real world thanks to its slightly slipperier design, the MP4-12C Spider is still impressive. Note, for instance, how quickly the car continues accelerating above 155 mph (250 kph), thanks to its 616-horsepower, twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-8 engine.

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