When I got an email from McLaren inviting me to come out to test drive the new 570S Spider, I was excited. Having driven a number of supercars before I was eager to see how it compared to the Audi R8, Lamborghini Superleggera and Ferraris I have driven.
The official Press info below sums up the car.
The new McLaren 570S Spider combines the exceptional dynamism and refinement of the 570S Coupé with the extra exhilaration of open-air motoring. Hand-assembled in Woking, England, the 570S Spider is the most attainable McLaren Spider ever and brings supercar attributes such as carbon fiber construction, a mid-engined layout and extreme performance for the first time to the luxury sports convertible segment.
The two-seat, rear-wheel drive 570S Spider is the third bodystyle in McLaren’s Sports Series portfolio, lining up alongside the Coupé and the GT. Compared to the Coupé, the 570S Spider adds a neatly integrated, retractable hardtop that when lowered delivers an even more immersive and exhilarating driving experience. The two-piece roof – which is engineered using technology proven in the McLaren 650S and 675LT Spider models – is constructed of lightweight composite panels and creates a purposeful, sleek appearance whether closed or lowered.
Most importantly, there are no performance compromises versus the 570S Coupé, with the Spider maintaining the same electrifying pace, dynamic excellence and impressive refinement. The carbon fiber MonoCell II chassis at the heart of all Sports Series cars does not suffer any reduction in strength or stiffness in convertible guise, or require any additional structural actions. This has allowed McLaren engineers to design and develop the 570S Spider without concerns that are potentially a significant issue with steel or aluminium structures.
“The McLaren 570S Spider is the most attainable McLaren Spider to date and adds yet another dimension to the McLaren Sports Series family. This is a convertible without compromise; its mid-engined layout and carbon fiber MonoCell II chassis guarantee the same thrilling dynamic performance and exceptional driver involvement enjoyed in a 570S Coupé, but with the added attraction of a retractable hardtop that delivers the extra exhilaration of roof-down motoring...”
The official press statement is very, very long so I will summarize it for you. The new McLaren 570S Spider is just 100lbs more than the coupe, just as fast, and more fun to drive. Drop the top, listen to the 562 bhp 3.8liter twin-turbo V8, and enjoy driving one of the most exclusive cars in the world.
Check out the photos and video below for my day with the McLaren.
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