Cars & Autos | Tuesday 11 December, 2018 1:18 am |

 

McLaren Automotive, the British manufacturer of luxury, high-performance sportscars and supercars, is expanding its Super Series product family with the introduction of a second new model under the £1.2bn Track25 business plan and its most accomplished convertible supercar ever:the new 720S Spider.

 

Revealed online on December 8, 2018 and available to order with immediate effect, the new 720S Spider delivers the exhilaration of open-air driving and levels of day-to-day usability unseen in the convertible supercar class.

 

“The new McLaren 720S Spider offers an unparalleledblend of extreme performance, crafted luxury, driver involvement and daily usability – all with the additional exhilaration of open-air driving whenever required. As the most accomplished convertible supercar ever, the new Spider delivers across a remarkable spectrum of abilities to outstandingly high levels, and as lightest in class with an increase of just 49kg over the 720S Coupé, moves us even further ahead of our competition in the weight race.”

Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive

 

The design foundations of the new McLaren Spider are the seamless and organic forms introduced in 2017 with the 720S Coupé. Combining to maximise downforce, minimise drag, enhance powertrain cooling and optimise aerodynamic performance, these shapes produce an overall appearance akin to a futuristic sculpture, formed by the air that flows over, under, around and through it. A new, electrically actuated Retractable Hard Top (RHT) is seamlessly integrated into the design, as are new buttresses.

 

Carbon fibre core for strength and light weight

Like all McLaren cars, the new 720S Spider has a carbon fibre structure at its core, in this case designated Monocage II-S. The strength, rigidity and light weight of the McLaren Monocage is the base for the dynamic excellence for which McLarens are renowned. The Monocage II-S is a development of the Coupé ’s Monocage II, without the central ‘spine’ running front to rear above the cabin. The rearmost section of the upper structure is also unique to the Spider, to accommodate the Retractable Hard Top; additionally, the header rail across the top of the windscreen has been revised, to integrate the central latching mechanism.

 

McLaren’s engineering ingenuity, underpinned by the inherent strength and rigidity of carbon fibre, means that despite the removal of the fixed roof there is no need for additional strengthening; even the unusually slim but incredibly strong windscreen A-pillars first seen on the 720S Coupé remain.  To provide enhanced rollover protection for occupants, fixed carbon fibre structural supports are integrated into the rear of the Monocage II-S, additionally providing the main anchor points for the roof system and the seatbelts. In the first-generation Super Series, steel supports featured and the switch to carbon fibre has contributed to the 

Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) in the 720S Spider being 6.8kg lighter than in the 650S.

 

Overall, the new 720S Spider is just 49kg – or less than 4% - heavier than the 720S Coupé. The increased 

weight is primarily associated with the RHT and tonneau system. With a lightest dry weight of 1,332kg the 720S Spider is comfortably the lightest car in its competitive set, at 88kg less than the 1,420kg dry weight of its closest rival. The low weight is the foundation for the dynamic, performance and efficiency benefits that McLaren is so adept at exploiting for the greater enjoyment of its customers.

 

Unique glazed flying buttresses aid rear visibility, enhance visual drama 

The canopy-like design of the 720S Coupé is recognised for the sense of 360-degree vision it provides, allowing light to flood into the cabin and setting a new benchmark for visibility.This philosophy of unrivalled vision is central to the second-generation Super Series and the new Spider moves the game on again, with unique, glazed flying buttressesfurther aiding driver visibility as well as addingvisual drama to the car. 

The leading edge of the buttress features an aerodynamic carrier to guide airflow, before dramatically tapering off to expose darkened glazing; the design and the use of glass delivers a 12% improvement in over-the-shoulder visibility compared to the previous McLaren Super Series Spider.

 

To accommodate the Retractable Hard Top, the Monocage II-S features a new carbon fibre upper structure engineered to sit as close as possible to the air charge coolers and intake plenum. This maximises luggage space; there is 58 litres of stowage available under the tonneau cover with the roof raised. The tonneau cover also sits lower than that of a 650S Spider – again by 25mm – extending visibility by 7.5m in length.

 

Ferocious acceleration on par with 720S Coupé; 202mph with the roof down…

The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 engine that powers the 720S Spider is unchanged from the Coupé. Mid-mounted for exceptional handling and purity of response, it produces 720PS and 770Nm and –given the lightest-in-class weight of the 720S Spider and resulting power-to-weight ratio of 540PS-per-tonne at lightest dry weight – it is no surprise that performance is extreme.

 

Acceleration is nothing short of phenomenal, with 0-100km/h (0-62mph) covered in 2.9 seconds and 0-200km/h (0-124mph) achieved in just 7.9 seconds – just 0.1 seconds off the pace of the Coupé. The standing quarter mile sprint is dispatched in 10.4 seconds – again, only 0.1 seconds slower than the Coupé –

and where conditions allow, the 720S Spider will continue accelerating to a Coupé-matching top speed of 341km/h (212mph) with the roof raised. Even with the roof lowered, maximum speed remains extraordinary at 325km/h (202mph). The minor variations in performance arise from differing aerodynamics and the 

additional 49kg the Spider carries.

 

The 720S Spider has the same dramatic ‘eye sockets’ cut deep into the front fenders and double-skinned 

dihedral doors immediately obvious on the Coupé – just two of the body design elements that play an integral role in delivering the extraordinary aerodynamic efficiency and balance the 720S possesses. Beyond this, the front splitter and contoured bonnet, for example, dictate and control the airflow through, over, around and under the rest of the vehicle, while behind the front splitter, the underfloor aerodynamics have been revised to work in harmony with the new rear bodywork and full-width active rear spoiler of the 720S Spider.

 

The rollover protection technology brings an advantage in respect of size as well as weight, the compact system having allowed McLaren’s design and engineering team to create incredibly slim tonneau buttress. This improves over-the-shoulder visibility for the driver and contributes to a sensation of exceptional space overall, while also increasing aerodynamic downforce. 

 

Patented, one-piece Retractable Hard Top is fastest-operating supercar convertible roof 

The Retractable Hard Top (RHT) of the 720S Spider is a completely new design, with a one-piece, carbon fibre roof panel as standard. The hardtop maintains the distinctive silhouette and aerodynamic purity of the 720S Coupé and provides a full carbon fibre upper structure when the roof is closed.  The folding mechanism for McLaren’s new RHT is electrically rather than hydraulically driven and the system is the fastest-operating convertible roof in the supercar class, with the retractable hard top lowered or raised in just 11 seconds – six seconds quicker than the 650S Spider. The combination of e-motors and the strength and light weight of the carbon fibre RHT enables a maximum vehicle speed during operation of 50km/h (31mph) – a significant increase from the 30km/h (18.5mph) of the 650S. With these performance statistics, it is no surprise that McLaren has registered three worldwide patents for the roof system.

 

The new RHT is twice as quiet in operation as the first-generation Super Series convertible, with occupants experiencing additional sound on par with background noise in a quiet library when the roof is operating. This serenity is indicative of exceptional refinement overall, with noise levels inside the cabin of the Spider with the roof raised measurably less than those experienced in a 650S Coupé – true testament to the engineering precision pursued throughout the development of the second-generation Super Series.

 

A rear window lowers automatically when the RHT is opened, moving to the optimum position to minimise airflow intrusion into the cabin. The window is also independently controllable, allowing occupants to lower it when the roof is closed and invite the sound of the powertrain into the cabin. The fact that the buttresses at their highest point are 25mm lower than those of a 650S Spider allows air to flow over the cabin, reducing turbulence to a bare minimum.

 

Glazed retractable roof panel, with electrochromic glass able to be transparent or tinted 

Owners wanting to experience the open-air nature of the 720S Spider even with the roof closed can specify 

a carbon fibre-framed, glazed RHT option to allow even more light into the cabin if they so choose: the glass is electrochromic and can switch rapidly between a transparent or tinted state at the touch of a button. When the ignition is off, the glass reverts to its tinted setting, helping keep the cabin of the 720S Spider cool during hot days. The electrochromic technology has a memory function that recalls the previous setting selected when the vehicle is next started. 

 

The interior is the samewelcoming and luxurious supercar cabin enjoyed by 720S Coupé drivers. Opening a door – which is now a frameless design to accommodate the RHT system - provides access to a truly sophisticated environment, with an extraordinary perception of space and the finest materials in evidence. A new door hinge system and gas strut position was possible without issue because from the outset the 720S programme included both Coupé and Spider bodystyles.

 

A centrally-mounted 8.0-inch high-resolution Central Infotainment Screen remains the primary hub for the 

vehicle’s functions. The interface displays audio, media, navigation, climate control and other convenience features, with all the key applications shown on a vertical carousel as well as being available via quick-access ‘hard’ keys below the screen. 

 

The dual-zone climate control and air conditioning system has been recalibrated for the 720S Spider and is 

able to detect if the RHT position changes from raised to lowered or vice versa. The temperature and airflow is automatically adjusted, warming or cooling occupants according to the ambient settings already selected by increasing airflow into the cabin and moving more air to the footwell or upper cabin areas.

 

Full-width active rear spoiler deploys according to position of Retractable Hard Top

The active rear spoiler, which automatically activates to either decrease drag or increase downforce and also acts as an airbrake to enhance vehicle balance under heavy braking, can rise at lower speeds and to a higher position overall in the Spider application, optimising downforce and balance to ensure that performance and driver engagement is on par with the 720S Coupé.  And while the rear spoiler is identical on both Coupé and Spider, the deployment mapping is bespoke to each bodystyle, the aero settings differing depending on whether the Retractable Hard Top is raised or lowered and the vehicle electronics being automatically aware of which condition it is in.

 

McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control II hydraulic suspension – already renowned for challenging convention by delivering the usually incompatible combination of precise body control and a compliant ride – is complemented by an electro-hydraulic steering system widely acknowledged for providing exceptionally pure precision and feedback. As with the Coupé, a Spider driver can choose between three Handling modes – Comfort, Sport, or Track – each focused on a different driving experience according to personal preference and conditions. These proven attributes combine to ensure that the 720S Spider possesses the same depth of dynamic abilities and breadth of capability as Coupé ably demonstrates.

 

A new 10-spoke, Lightweight forged alloy wheel design has been developed for the new Spider. Tyres are Pirelli P ZERO™, designed in conjunction with McLaren Technology Partner, Pirelli, to provide the optimum balance of performance, grip, handling and comfort over a wide range of road conditions. A more track-focused Pirelli P ZERO™ CORSA tyre can be specified instead, at no additional cost, while Pirelli SOTTOZERO™ winter tyres and Pirelli TROFEO R ultra-high performance tyres are available from McLaren retailers.

Three specifications, two new exterior colours, return of one heritage colour 

The new 720S Spider is available in the same three specifications as the Coupé, with Performance and Luxury trims extending above the standard model. Two new exterior colours – Belize Blue and Aztec Gold – have been introduced for the new Spider among a palette of 23, one of which is Supernova Silver, a Heritage colour that was first available on the McLaren 12C.  

TheMcLaren 720S has established a reputation in Coupé guise for its ground-breaking design, cutting-edge technologies and ferocious pace, complemented by a breadth of ability and sophistication that delivers everyday usability belying its extreme performance status. The new 720S Spider, which is available to order now from £237,000, is the equal of the Coupé in every respect.

 

For further information and film of the car, visit: cars.mclaren.com/super-series/720s-spider.

 

 

Ends

 

McLaren 720S Spidertechnicalspecification and performance data

 

Engine configuration

M840T engine, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, 3,994cc

Drivetrain layout

Longitudinal mid-engined, RWD

Power PS (bhp/kW) @ rpm

720 (710/537) @ 7,500rpm

Torque Nm (lb ft) @ rpm

770 (568) @ 5,500-6,500rpm

Transmission

7 Speed SSG. Comfort, Sport and Track modes

Steering

Electro-hydraulic; power-assisted

Chassis

Carbon fibre MonoCage II-S monocoque, with aluminium front and rear crash structures

Suspension

Independent adaptive dampers, dual aluminium wishbones, Proactive Chassis Control II (PCC II). Comfort, Sport and Track modes

Brakes

Carbon Ceramic discs (Front: 390mm Rear: 380mm); aluminium calipers (6-piston front; 4-piston rear)

Wheels (inches)

Front: 9J x 19; Rear: 11J x 20

Tyres 

Front: 245/35/R19 93Y; Rear: 305/30/R20 103Y

Length, mm (inches)

4,543 (179)

Wheelbase, mm (inches)

2,670 (105)

Height, mm (inches)

1,196 (47)

Width, with mirrors, mm (inches)

2,161 (85)

Width, mirrors folded, mm (inches)

2,059 (81)

Width, without mirrors, mm (inches)

1,930 (76)

Track (to contact patch centre), mm (inches)

 

Front: 1,674 (65.9); Rear: 1,629 (64.2)

 

Lightest dry weight, kg (lbs)

1,332 (2,937) 

 

DIN weight, kg (lbs) [fluids + 90% fuel]

1,468 (3,236)

 

Luggage capacity (DIN)

Front: 150l; Rear: 58l

ACCELERATION

0 -97km/h (0-60mph)

2.8 seconds

0-100km/h (0-62mph)

2.9 seconds

0-200km/h (0-124mph)

7.9 seconds

0-300km/h (0-186mph)

22.4 seconds

0-400m / ¼ mile

10.4 seconds

Maximum Speed (RHT raised/RHT lowered)

341m/h (212mph)/325km/h (202mph)

 

200 – 0km/h (124mph – 0) braking

4.6 seconds/118 m

100 – 0km/h (62mph – 0) braking

 

2.8 seconds/30.3 m

EFFICIENCY

CO2 emissions [WLTP]

276 g/km

Fuel consumption – (l/100km/UK MPG)

Combined

Urban

Extra urban

 

11.6/100km (24.4mpg**)

16.8/100km (16.8mpg**)

8.6/100km (32.8mpg**)

*All figures subject to confirmation. **MPG (UK) is not a homologation requirement therefore converted figure. 

 

Notes to Editors:

A selection of high resolution images accompanying this release is available to download from the McLaren Automotive media website – cars.mclaren.press

 

About McLaren Automotive:

McLaren Automotive is a creator of luxury, high-performance sportscars and supercars.

Every vehicle is hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in Woking, Surrey, England.

Launched in 2010, the company is now the largest part of the McLaren Group.

 

The company has three defined product families: Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series which are retailed through over 80 retailers in 30 markets around the world.

McLaren is a pioneer that continuously pushes the boundaries. In 1981, it introduced lightweight and strong carbon fibre chassis into Formula 1 with the McLaren MP4/1. Then in 1993  it designed and built the McLaren F1 road car - the company has not built a car without a carbon fibre chassis since. As part of the Ultimate Series, McLaren was the first to deliver a hybrid hypercar, the McLaren P1™.

Announced at Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2018, the company’s Track25 business plan will see it invest £1.2billion in research and development to deliver 18 new cars or derivatives by the end of 2025.

2017 saw the company launch further models including the second-generation Super Series, the 570S Spider and the McLaren Senna. In 2018, the company launched the 600LTand the McLaren Speedtail, the next Ultimate Series and McLaren’s first ever Hyper-GT, of which only 106 will be produced.

To support the development, engineering and manufacture of its range of innovative sportscars and supercars, McLaren Automotive partners with world leading companies to provide specialist expertise and technology. These include AkzoNobel, Kenwood, Pirelli and Richard Mille.