2019 McLaren 720S Spider breaks cover

At only 49kg heavier than the Coupe, the 2019 McLaren 720S Spider is being hailed by Woking as its “most accomplished convertible supercar ever.”

Of course, McLaren has more than just an impressive 1332kg dry weight to thank for that. The same 530kW/770Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as found in the Coupe resides in the Spider's body, allowing it to match the 720S Coupe’s 2 9-second 0-100km/h sprint.

McLaren also says the 720S Spider will still go on to 200km/h in 7.9sec, and top out at 341km/h, or 325km/h with the roof down.

McLaren says a lot of this capability is possible through the use of its Monocage II-S carbon fibre structure, which allows the convertible a lightweight frame with no need for additional strengthening over the Coupe.

McLaren even says its rollover protection system (ROPS) is 6.8kg lighter than in the 650S after switching to carbon fibre over steel.

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Some aerodynamic elements of the car, such as the rear spoiler, have been altered to adjust according to the position of the roof.

Pricing for the 720S Spider in the UK starts at 237,000 pounds, but we expect the 720S to land close to AUD$560,000 in Australia.

McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt says the 720S Spider is a cut above the competition with a weight figure below them.

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“The new McLaren 720S Spider offers an unparalleled blend of extreme performance, crafted luxury, driver involvement and daily usability – all with the additional exhilaration of open-air driving whenever required.

“As the most accomplished convertible supercar ever, the new Spider delivers across a remarkable spectrum of abilities to outstandingly high levels, and as lightest in class with an increase of just 49kg over the 720S Coupé, moves us even further ahead of our competition in the weight race.”

Australian availability for the 720S Spider is yet to be confirmed.