One year after the McLaren 720S Coupe made its global debut, McLaren Automotive has pulled off the wraps to its convertible twin, the McLaren 720S Spider. Like its class-leading Coupe twin, the Spider version boasts some of the best in class numbers and innovations ensuring a convertible without compromise on dynamic agility and performance.
Let’s get the numbers out of the way, adopting a bespoke carbon fibre MonoCage II-S (S for Spider) monocoque and a new carbon fibre Retractable Hard Top (RHT), the 720S Spider tips the scale at 1,332 kg dry, only a scant 49 kg more than the Coupe variant. This makes the McLaren the lightest in class, being 88 kg lesser than the 1,420 kg dry weight of its closest competitor, the Ferrari 488 Spider. On that note, the 720S Spider is also 48 kg lighter than the stripped out, track focused 488 Pista Spider. Amazing.
The new MonoCage II-S monocoque and RHT have been designed to provide enhanced rollover protection and maintains high levels of chassis rigidity without the need for additional strengthening. Attention has been given to the glazed flying buttress to give a smoother airflow through the cabin, 12 per cent better over-the-shoulder visibility compared to the 650S Spider and maximum luggage space.
The Retractable Hard Top is a completely new design and comes with a one-piece, carbon fibre roof panel as standard. The folding mechanism is the fastest-operating convertible roof of any supercar – able to be lowered or raised in just 11 seconds – six seconds quicker than the 650S Spider– at rolling speeds of up to 50 km/h. It also boasts improved refinement compared to its predecessors.
Should the passengers want some natural light into the cabin without being exposed to the elements, the optional carbon fibre-framed, glazed RHT features electrochromic function that can change its opacity from transparent or tinted at the touch of a button.
All these innovations come together to ensure that the 720S Spider will share the same key performance figures as the Coupe – 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 7.9 seconds (0.1 seconds slower) and a top speed of 341 km/h with the roof raised. With the roof lowered, top speed is also lowered to 325 km/h.
The M840T 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powerplant continues to serve 720 hp and 770 Nm of torque that is channelled exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The active rear spoiler has also been tweaked to automatically adapt to closed- or open-roof driving for maximum aerodynamic performance.
As with the Coupe, the Spider variant also features familiar items such as rotating LCD instrument cluster, 8.0-inch touchscreen Central Infotainment Screen, dual-zone automatic climate control, sport seats and the option to customise every stitching and material with McLaren Special Operations (MSO). Options unique to the Spider variant include two new exterior colours – Belize Blue and Aztec Gold, as well as new 10 spoke lightweight forged alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubbers.
Prices for the McLaren 720S Spider starts from £237,000 (RM1.25 mill) with customer deliveries to commence in March 2019.
IMAGE GALLERY
McLaren 720S Spider
