McLaren Automotive has released a convertible version of its latest model,
the 650S, at the 84th International Geneva Motor Show.
The McLaren 650S Spider is a no compromise open-top high performance sports car
offering the same performance, handling and driver enjoyment as the coupe, with
the addition of a two-piece retractable hard top. The latest model is shown in
Tarocco Orange, a new addition to the McLaren color collection, developed with
technology partner AkzoNobel.
The McLaren 650S Spider is mechanically identical to the 650S Coupé and is
fitted with the unique McLaren M838T twin turbo V8 engine, producing 641 hp and
500 lb-ft (678 Nm). This means a 0-60 mph sprint of 2.9 seconds, identical to
the Coupé, and 124 mph (200 km/h) is reached in 8.6 seconds, only 0.2 seconds
shy of the fixed-head model. Maximum speed is 204 mph (329 km/h). Fuel
consumption and emissions remain the same for the 650S Spider, returning 24.2
mpg (11.7 l/100km) on the EU combined cycle and 275 g/km.
No Changes to MonoCell Chassis
Most competitors do not offer high performance iterations as convertibles due to
the compromises that invariably plague open-roof cars. These models will be
heavier and have substantially less torsional rigidity, to the detriment of
handling and ride.
The carbon fiber MonoCell chassis at the heart of the McLaren 650S requires no
additional strengthening or reinforcing in open-top guise, and gives the 650S
Spider identical handling and ride, and virtually identical straight-line
performance figures as the coupe. The overall weight of the 650S Spider is 3020 lb (dry), an
increase of only 82 lb (40 kg) over the Coupé, with this additional mass coming
from the Retractable Hard Top and roof mechanism, and is less than any other car
in its class.
Retractable Hard Top
The two-piece retractable hard top can be automatically raised or lower in less
than 17 seconds, and can be activated while stationary or at any speed up to 19
mph (30 km/h).
As with the 12C Spider, the 650S Spider uses a heated glass rear window,
operating independently of the roof. With the roof down, the rear window acts as
a wind deflector, reducing cabin buffeting. Roof up, the rear screen can be
lowered to allow more engine noise - and driving drama - into the cabin, and for
a semi-open top driving experience even when it is raining. When down, the roof
is stowed beneath a body-colored hard tonneau cover incorporated in the twin
rear buttresses. With the roof raised, the area beneath the tonneau cover can be
used as additional luggage space.
Luxury Equippment
Rather than being a stripped out road racer, the 650S Coupé and 650 Spider
models are fitted with a high level of luxury equipment as standard. Carbon
ceramic brakes sit behind unique '650' lightweight alloy wheels shod with
Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, IRIS satellite navigation with Bluetooth telephony,
DAB digital radio in Europe (SIRIUS satellite radio in North America), wireless
tethering, audio streaming and voice control are all fitted as standard, and the
cabin is fully trimmed in Alcantara.
