The McLaren 720S Spider is here: taking open air driving to the next level!
Hooray! McLaren's most accomplished convertible supercar ever is here. And it's everything we wanted from the Spider version of the 720S.
We already knew from the 720S coupe that it would look glorious, but the clever bods over at McLaren have also blessed the topless version with an almost identical performance level. It shares the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine as its hard-topped cousin producing the same phenomenal 710bhp and 568 lb-ft of torque at 5,500-6,500rpm. This gives it a face-warping 0-62mph time of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 212mph with the top up (again identical to the coupe) and 202mph with the roof down. That's extraordinary for a convertible.
Maintaining this level of performance has a lot to do with the use of McLaren's light, stiff and strong Monocage II-S Carbon Fibre core which features an integrated rollover protection structure (ROPS), doing away with the need for additional strengthening and therefore extra weight. This combined with a bespoke carbon fibre body and new Retractable Hard Top (RHT) means the Spider weighs in at just 49kg more than the coupe version. What's even more impressive is that it is 88kg lighter than its closest convertible competitor.
The carbon fibre roof system is an engineering masterpiece in itself: lowering or raising in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. For comparison, that's half the time of the Audi R8 Spyder's roof. It's also available with an optional electrochromatic glass panel which quickly shifts between tinted and transparent. Very, very cool.
It also features unique, glazed flying buttresses which give unparalleled visibility and add to the sleek look of the 720S as well as increasing downforce. An Active Rear Spoiler automatically adjusts depending on whether the roof is up or down to ensure optimum aerodynamics.
The McLaren 720S is one of the most technologically-advanced and exciting supercars to hit the market in recent years. And the Spider version does not disappoint. UK prices start from £237,000 and deliveries to customers begin in March 2019. However, if you can't wait that long, we currently have the coupe version available for sale here.
