After the success of the 570S Coupe and GT, McLaren has made the natural next step unveiling the 570S Spider, the newest vehicle in their Sports Series line.
McLaren says the 570S Spider will combine the same refined and dynamic characteristics of the 570S Coupe, with the added thrill of open-air motoring.
It should do, the only change between Coupe, GT and Spider model's is the retractable hardtop roof.
The 570S Spider is built on the same carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis as all Sports Series cars so, theoretically, shouldn't suffer any loss in strength or stiffness after chopping the roof off.
McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt says the new 570S model adds a new dimension to the Super Series range and is "the most attainable McLaren Spider to date."
The two-piece roof uses the same mechanism in the McLaren 650S and 675LT Spider models and is constructed with lightweight composite panels.
The roof is electrically operated using one control and folds away into a crafted tonneau cover that rises automatically to accommodate the panels. The roof can be opened or closed in 15 seconds whilst stationary or on the move at under 40km/h.
A wind deflector can be raised or lowered at the push of a button; reducing wind-buffeting when the roof is down and, if desired, can also be lowered when the roof is raised to allow more sound into the cabin.
As an all-year supercar, the retractable hardtop is designed to withstand severe conditions and is more weather and fade-resistant than fabric. The roof operating mechanism adds 46kg to the weight of the Spider.
The twin-turbocharged McLaren M838TE V8 engine produces 570PS (425kW) at 7,500rpm and 600Nm of torque between 5,000rpm and 6,500rpm.
In combination with a seven-speed gearbox and launch control, the 570S Spider accelerations from standstill to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds and to 200km/h in 9.6 seconds.
Top speed is 328km/h with the roof in place – identical to the 570S Coupe – but even with the roof lowered, the new Spider can reach 315km/h.
Despite this extreme performance, the 570S Spider has an official fuel economy of 10.7 litres/100km combined.
The Spider uses racecar-style, double-wishbone suspension all-round, with steel springs, twin-valve adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars calibrated to the same exacting specification as the 570S Coupe.
Driving modes can be changed with the Active Dynamics Panel, allowing the driver to choose from Normal, Sport or Track modes, catering for everyday or track day use.
Electro-hydraulically assisted power steering, carbon-ceramic brakes, Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, and the latest chassis software are all standard in the 570S Spider.
Brake Steer, originally developed for Formula 1, aids cornering and reduces understeer by applying braking to the inside rear wheel as the driver turns in to a corner.
Performance Traction Control calibrated by McLaren looks after the driver in extreme situations, while the Electronic Stability Control system includes a ‘Dynamic’ mode with reduced intervention and, in McLaren's own words, increases ‘driftability’.
The 570S Spyder is also fitted with a new rear spoiler, 12mm taller than the rear spoiler of the 570S Coupe.
Inside the cabin there’s hand-stitched leather on the seats, door casings, dashboard, centre console, as well as 10-inch main instrument cluster and a centrally mounted, 7-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Customers can choose from standard six-way-adjustable or optional eight-way adjustable electric memory seats, with Nappa leather or performance-oriented Alcantara trim available.
Lightweight carbon-fibre-shelled sports seats, the same as those fitted to the McLaren P1, can also be specified.
Three new exterior colours celebrate the Spider’s introduction, with Curacao Blue, Vega Blue and Sicilian Yellow joining the existing Sports Series palette, giving Spider customers a choice of 20 colours in total.
An all-new 10-spoke lightweight forged alloy wheel design is also offered, as well as a new brake caliper colour, Liquid Black.
The new McLaren 570S Spider will make its public debut on 29th June at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, West Sussex, UK and the first cars are scheduled to be delivered to customers in August.
The new 570S is now available for order online and through dealerships, though an official price list for New Zealand is yet to be released.
