Under the hood of the new Spider is a M838TE 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 mated to a seven-speed transmission just like the coupe. Power-to-weight ratio stands at 380hp per tonne, which is less than the coupe, but more than Porsche’s 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. In terms of performance, the Spider can sprint from 0-100kph in 3.2sec and can go on to hit a maximum speed of 328kph.
The 570S is built on the ubiquitous Monocell II carbon-fibre tub, and the carmaker says that it retains the same structural rigidity and identical aerodynamic performance as the coupé.
The car comes with a configurable electronic chassis and drivetrain control systems, including the Active Dynamics Panel with three drive modes: Normal, Sport and Track. The car’s steering is electrohydraulically controlled and features McLaren’s brake steer technology. The car sits on all-new 10-spoke forged alloy wheels, 19-inchers at the front and 20-inchers at the rear with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.
The Spider uses an electrically operated, two-part folding roof mechanism, just like the one fitted to the 650S and 675 LT spiders. There’s a centre console-mounted 7.0in touchscreen, which houses the infotainment system and can control features such as cabin climate settings and audio system. Six-way adjustable sports seats are standard, and McLaren’s carbon-fibre shelled sports seats are optional.
The car will debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and McLaren will introduced three new body colours as well - Curacao Blur, Vega Blue and Sicilian Yellow. The first 400 cars will be produced in a special launch-edition guise.