2019 McLaren 720S Spider Combines A Retractable Hard Top With 710 HP

The Mclaren Super Series lineup is growing as the company has dropped the top on the all-new 720S Spider.

Following in the footsteps of the coupe, the roadster features a familiar front fascia with distinctive headlights. Bigger changes occur aft of the A-pillar as the 720S Spider has a retractable hard top that consists of a single carbon fiber roof panel. McLaren says the hard top is the “fastest-operating convertible roof in the supercar class” as it can be raised or lowered in 11 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h).

Customers looking to fully embrace the open air experience can order an optional electrochromic glass panel for the hard top. It transitions from transparent to tinted at the touch of a button and the panel will automatically tint itself when the engine is shut off.

Besides the high-tech roof, the 720S Spider comes equipped with aerodynamic buttresses and an active rear spoiler which automatically adjusts itself depending on whether the roof is opened or closed. Last but not least, the model has unique 19- and 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels that come with either Pirelli P Zero or Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires.

Like all McLarens, the 720S Spider has a lightweight carbon fiber structure that is extremely strong and rigid. The car is so rigid that engineers didn’t need to add additional supports despite the removal of the roof.

However, McLaren did add fixed carbon fiber structural supports for added rollover protection. They replace the steel supports used on the 650S Spider and the change enables the rollover protection structure to be 15 lbs (6.8 kg) lighter than its predecessor.

Speaking of weight, the 720S tips the scales at 2,937 lbs (1,332 kg) and this means the model only weighs 108 lbs (49 kg) more than the coupe. That’s a modest gain and it enables the roadster to weigh 194 lbs (88 kg) less than its “closest competitor” which McLaren declined to name.

The 720S Spider is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 710 hp (529 kW / 720 PS) and 568 lb-ft (769 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a seven-speed sequential shift transmission which enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.8 seconds and 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) in 7.9 seconds. Given enough room, the model can eventually hit a top speed of up to 212 mph (341 km/h). However, when the roof is lowered, the model tops out at 202 mph (325 km/h).

The McLaren 720S is currently available to order and the first deliveries are slated to begin in March 2019. Pricing starts at $315,000 in the United States, £237,000 in the United Kingdom and €273,000 in Germany.