New McLaren 720S Spider: Drop Top Gorgeous

• New McLaren 720S Spider weighs just 1,332kg (dry weight)
• Features light, stiff and extremely strong Monocage II-S carbon fibre core
• Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 which makes 720PS
• Does 0-100kmph in a mere 2.9 seconds
• Deliveries to start in March 2019 in UK

Christmas seems to have come early this year as the British marque McLaren has taken the wraps off its drop dead gorgeous convertible, the 720S Spider. Based on the 720S Coupe, the new Mclaren is meant to combine the thrill of open-air driving with great handling and performance.

Featuring a light, stiff and extremely strong Monocage II-S carbon fibre core, the new 720S Spider is a convertible without any compromises on safety, handling or performance. With a bespoke carbon fibre body structure and new Retractable Hard Top (RHT), the 720S Spider weighs a mere 1,332kg – lightest in class at just 49kg more than the 720S Coupe and 88kg less than the dry weight of its closest competitor (Ferrari 488 Spider at 1,470kg).

All that light weight is complemented by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 engine which produces 720PS and 770Nm of torque, with a power-to-weight ratio of 540PS/tonne on dry weight.

Acceleration from 0-100kmph is same as the 720S Coupe at 2.9 seconds. Meanwhile, the convertible can hit 0-200kmph in an eye watering 7.9 seconds; with the maximum speed limited at 341kmph (212mph) with the roof raised and 325kmph (202mph) with the roof lowered. The folding hard top gets a one-piece carbon-fibre roof panel which can be electrically operated up to speeds of 50kmph and takes just 11 seconds to fully retract or detract. Additionally, it also gets a recalibrated active rear spoiler, which now works differently to the Coupe.

Just like the Coupe, the new Spider also gets ample visibility due to the unique, glazed flying buttresses that also accentuate aerodynamics and increase downforce.

Being the second new model under £1.2 billion (Rs 1.09 lakh crore) McLaren Automotive Track25 business plan, the all new 720S spider will go up against the Ferrari 488 Spider. With prices starting from £237,000 (Rs 2.15 crore), the new 720S Spider will be available in three trims: Standard, Performance and Luxury. There will be a gamut of 23 colours to choose from and deliveries will commence in March 2019 in the UK. While there are no current plans on the India launch, we expect the 720S Spider to eventually reach our shore in the latter half of 2019, as the British marque plans to set up shop here by then.
So what do you think about this drop top from McLaren, do let us know in the comments below.