Woking’s new droptop weighs significantly less than its Maranello counterpart.
McLaren has updated its Ultimate Series with the track-focused Senna, and the three-seater Speedtail earlier in the year. Now McLaren will introduce the 720S Spider to the Super Series. The coupe’s incredible performance has been demonstrated in a number of drag races. The droptop version is identical at 62 mph (100 km/h) and takes only 2.9 seconds.
McLaren has found a way to reduce the weight penalty caused by the more complicated roof to 49 kg (108 pounds). The 720S Spider is a light car, weighing in at 1,332 kilograms (2,937 lbs), which makes it 88kg (194 lbs) lighter than its closest competitor.
The 720S Spider takes 7.9 seconds to sprint to 124 mph (200 kph). The 720S Spider will reach a maximum speed of 212 mph (341 km/h) with the roof on. The velocity will drop to 202 mph (325 km/h), or about the same as the rival from Italy, if the roof is folded in.
How was McLaren capable of keeping weight under control? A new retractable hardtop that is electrically activated. The carbon fiber roof panel is one-piece and takes only 11 seconds to lower/raise. This makes it six seconds faster than the 650S Spider’s. It also has a higher speed limit than its predecessor – 31 mph (50 kph), compared to 18.5 mph (30 kph), of the 650S Spider.
McLaren continues to say that the hardtop is quieter when it is in use, up to the point where it is just like “background noises in quiet libraries.” The RHT has made improvements in all areas of the cabin, including the interior. The glazed flying buttresses improve visibility by 12 percent over the shoulder compared to the Super Series Spider model. Visibility should not be an issue.
The 720S Spider is available with a glazed RHT. This frame has a carbon fiber frame that allows more light through the roof. Drivers will be able switch between transparent and tinted glass by pressing a button, as the electrochromic glass can be easily switched between.
The familiar twin-turbo V8 engine of 710 horsepower and 568 pounds-feet (7770 Newton-meters), drives the motivation. It is channeled to the 20-inch rear wheels via a seven-speed SSG through which there are selectable Comfort, Sports, and Track modes.
McLaren’s new convertible will be available in Standard, Performance and Luxury versions, as it is with the coupe. There are 23 color options available, including the beautiful new Belize Blue and a Supernova Silver shade, as a nod towards the 12C.
McLaren has already accepted orders for the 720S Spider, and is asking $315,000 U.S. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in March 2019.