McLaren 720S Spider

This article is about the open-top spider variant of the McLaren 720S. For the coupé version, see McLaren 720S Coupé.

McLaren 720S Spider Performance

Car information
Year	2019
Make	McLaren
Origin	United Kingdom
Type	Limited Production
Engine	4.0 L Twin-Turbocharged V8 (M840T)
Power	711 hp (530 kW)
Torque	568 ft⋅lb (770 N·m)
Weight	3,157 lb (1,432 kg)
Layout	Mid-Engine, RWD
Front Distr.	42%
Transmission	7-speed SSG DCT
Related	McLaren 720S Coupé McLaren 650S Spider (Predecessor)

The 2019 McLaren 720S Spider (720S Spider) is an open-top spider variant of the McLaren 720S Coupé, introduced in December 2018 as the Woking exotic car marque's open top flagship supercar.^[1]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Design details[edit | edit source]

Like with the 720S Coupé, the 720S Spider is built on a lightweight and strong carbon fiber structure, removing the need to add any additional strengthening to accomodate the Spider's Retractable Hard Top (RHT). This results in a weight increase of only 108 lb (49 kg) over the Coupé with all lightweight options fitted, subsequently yielding a minimum dry weight of 2,937 lb (1,332 kg) and a maximum curb weight of 3,236 lb (1,468 kg).^[2] The 720S Spider's RHT is retractable with a button press, fully folds in under 11 seconds, and can operate at speeds of 50 km/h (31 mph).

The 720S Spider's modified carbon fiber monocoque, dubbed the Monocage II-S removes the spine running from the front to the rear of the car. McLaren engineers and designers shrink-wrapped the body of the 720S Spider around the Monocage II-S structure and its M840T twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The advanced carbon fiber composite structure creates extremely slim A-pillars and compact buttresses, the latter of which also direct air over the tonneau, improving engine cooling and downforce.

Unlike the Coupé, the Spider uses traditional dihedral doors, much like the 650S Spider it replaces. They also have an even smaller opening footprint, allowing for them to be opened in tight parking spaces. For the 720S Spider, the doors use an enhanced soft-close feature.^[3]

The 720S Spider also introduces 10-spoke alloy wheels and many new exterior colors, including Belize Blue (Elite). The 720S Spider featured in Forza Horizon 4 uses 10-Spoke Lightweight Platinum wheels with McLaren Orange-colored carbon ceramic brakes and calipers.

Technical specifications[edit | edit source]

The 720S Spider retains the M840T from the 720S Coupé, with unchanged specifications of a 3,994 cc displacement, 711 hp (720 PS; 530 kW) at 7,000 rpm, and 770 N·m (568 ft·lb) of torque at 5,500 rpm.^[2]

Performance[edit | edit source]

The 720S Spider retains the Coupé's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering different characteristics with each driving mode offered in the car. In Sport mode, the gearbox momentarily cuts the ignition spark during gear shifts, improving gear change times. Track mode features McLaren's Inertia Push technology, which employs built-up kinetic energy to deliver torque as each next forward gear is engaged.^[4]

The 720S Spider is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds, 161 km/h (100 mph) in 5.7 seconds, and 200 km/h (124 mph) in 7.9 seconds, all the way to a maximum top speed of 341 km/h (212 mph).^[2]

Gameplay[edit | edit source]

Forza Horizon 4[edit | edit source]

The 720S Spider is available in Series 14's Horizon Spring Season as the reward car for the McLaren Cup event.

The 720S Spider is almost identical to the Coupé it is based on, including its available upgrades, but unlike the Coupé, the Spider can go down to Class S1. In addition, it has a lower top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).