McLaren 720S Spider 2019 revealed

McLaren has lifted the lid on its 720S Spider hardtop convertible that pairs a mid-mounted 537kW/770Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 with unlimited headroom.

Based on the 720S coupe revealed at last year’s Geneva motor show, the Spider matches the outputs of its fixed-roof sibling while also equalling the 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 2.9 seconds.

However, the sprint to 200km/h is knocked down in 7.9s and the standing quarter mile is achieved in 10.4s, both 0.1s slower than its Coupe sibling.

Meanwhile, top speed is a Coupe-matching 341km/h with the roof up, while open-air motoring will only allow a terminal velocity of 325km/h.

Built around the brand’s 'Monocage-II-S' carbon-fibre core, the 720S Spider requires none of the additional strengthening usually required when removing the roof.

However, rollover protection is still afforded thanks to carbon-fibre structural supports embedded into the Moncage-II-S and rear flying buttreses, which are now positioned higher to reduce turbulent air intruding into the cabin.

As such, the 720S Spider is just 49kg heavier than its fixed-roof sibling, at 1332kg.

From the front, the Spider largely mirrors the Coupe in design including signature dihedral doors, contoured bonnet, slimline headlights and a thin windscreen.

However, the rear is tweaked to accommodate the one-piece retractable hardtop, which can open and close in 11 seconds at speeds up to 50km/h.

The rear has been tweaked to accommodate the one-piece retractable hardtop.

The roof can also be optioned with a glazed glass component, which is electrochromic and can be turned opaque or transparent with the push of a button.

Mirroring the interior of the 720S Coupe, the Spider is equipped with a centrally mounted 8.0-inch multimedia system, dual-zone climate control, sports bucket seats and three handling modes – ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’.

The Spider's interior will mirror that of the 720S Coupe.

In-cabin noise, vibration and harshness levels have also been improved, according to McLaren, compared with the former Super Series convertible, the 650S Spider.

Australian availability, timing and pricing are yet to be revealed, but for comparison, the 720S Coupe costs $515,080 before on-roads.

Has McLaren created the ultimate drop-top supercar with the 720S Spider? Tell us what you think in the comments below.