If you want to build anticipation for the summer’s hottest convertible, follow the leader. McLaren’s latest drop-top hit our inbox like a ton of bricks, but the new 720S Spider is actually lighter than most coupes.
Starting with the already potent 720S, they developed an all-new type of carbon fiber roof. The “RHT” or retractable hardtop will open or close in 11 seconds up to 31 mph. An optional glass insert is electrochromatic, going from clear to dark at the flick of a switch. Adding the necessary electronics for the roof and its fancy glass add weight, right?
Well, McLaren builds every car as a spider, so the roof adds additional stiffness to the new Monocage II-S. The new chassis incorporates room for the top mechanism without sacrificing strength or weight. The new car is only 4% heavier, with a dry weight of 2,937 lbs, their press release claims it is 194 lbs lighter than its closest competitor.
Ford GT vs McLaren 720S
What hasn’t changed is the performance of their 4.0-liter twin turbo V8. It offers 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque with a top speed of 202 mph with the top down. Leaping to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds you will be at 124 mph in only 7.8 ticks. You will pass the quarter-mile in 10.4, only 0.1 seconds behind the coupe. Leaving the top up will allow it to reach the same 212 mph as the coupe. Our dealers
