The McLaren 720S Spider Arrives in Japan Sooner Than Expected | McLaren

McLaren 720S Spider | McLaren 720S Spider

McLaren 720S Spider Arrives in Japan Sooner Than Expected

McLaren Automotive held the Asian premiere of the "720S Spider" in Tokyo. This is the second public unveiling since the world premiere at the McLaren Technology Centre in December last year. Prices start from ¥37,888,000, with deliveries scheduled to begin in March 2019.

Text & Photographs by UCHIDA Shunichi

Weight Increase Limited to +49kg Without Reinforcement

The most distinctive feature of the McLaren "720S Spider" is likely its lightweight construction. Typically, when developing an open-top model, reinforcement is required compared to the base model, often resulting in a significant weight increase. However, the 720S Spider has only increased its weight by 49kg compared to the720S Coupe, achieving a dry weight of 1,332kg).

This is because the inherent strength and rigidity of carbon fiber eliminate the need for additional reinforcement. This is evident from the fact that it uses the same A-pillars as the 720S Coupe. As a result, it achieves the class-leading lightest weight among open-top models in its segment, weighing 88kg less than its competitors.

The 49kg weight increase is primarily attributed to the retractable hardtop (RHT). This opening and closing mechanism employs an electric system, making it the fastest in its category at 11 seconds for operation, six seconds faster than the "650S Spider." Furthermore, it can be opened or closed while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h (compared to 30 km/h for the 650S Spider).

The quietness during operation has also been improved, achieving twice the silence compared to the first-generation Super Series, reportedly comparable to the ambient sounds heard in a quiet library.

When the RHT is open, the rear window automatically lowers to an optimal position to minimize airflow into the cabin. Simultaneously, the rear window itself can be opened or closed independently. The glass flying buttresses are 25mm lower than those on the 650S Spider even at their highest point, allowing air to flow over the cabin top and minimizing turbulence.

The glass flying buttresses and the glass roof provide excellent visibility in the 720S Spider.

According to Mr. Kazuki Hirata, Regional Sales Manager of McLaren Automotive Japan, "The roof can optionally be equipped with an electrochromic function, allowing the roof to be cleared or tinted at the touch of a button. Combined with the low bulkhead, the glass flying buttresses, and the slim A-pillars of the 720S Coupe, this provides visibility and space levels that surpass other spiders in this segment."

McLaren 720S Spider | McLaren 720S Spider

McLaren 720S Spider Arrives in Japan Sooner Than Expected (2)

Performance Nearly on Par with the Coupe

The M840T engine is a 4-liter V8 twin-turbo, shared with the 720S Coupe. It produces a maximum output of 720ps and a maximum torque of 770Nm. The 0-100 km/h acceleration is 2.9 seconds, and 0-200 km/h is 7.9 seconds, a mere 0.1-second difference from the 720S Coupe.

With the roof up, the top speed is 341 km/h, and even with the roof down, it boasts a top speed of 325 km/h. The performance difference from the 720S Coupe is attributed to the different aerodynamics and the 49kg weight increase.

McLaren Continues to Grow Its Business Steadily

Last year, McLaren Automotive set a new record by selling 4,800 units worldwide. This represents a significant growth of 44% compared to the previous year. "Since launching the business in 2010, McLaren Automotive has continued to grow steadily each year, achieving rapid growth in just seven years. It is currently one of the most relevant and dynamic automotive brands," commented Mr. Yoshihiro Masumoto, Representative Director of McLaren Automotive Asia Japan.

This growth is not unique to Japan; "Japan is currently the fourth largest market globally, following the US, UK, and China, with a year-on-year increase of 44%. Sales have finally surpassed the 200-unit mark (222 units). We anticipate exceeding a cumulative total of 1,000 units in sales by the first half of this year," he indicated, suggesting further growth.