Later this year we can expect the launch of an open-top variant of the McLaren 570S, McLaren has confirmed. A spider version of the entry model McLaren 540C has been ruled out by the supercar brand.
The 570S convertible packs the very same 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 570 hp and 600 Nm of torque. Like the 650S spider that was revealed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the 570S Spider will get a folding hard-top roof. The final weight difference between the 650S and 650S Spider was 40 kilograms. If a similar weight difference can be achieved with the 570S and its open-top variant, we are looking at a curb weight of just 1,350 kg for the 570S Spider.
Given McLaren’s track record in building convertibles we can expect the 570S Spider’s performance to be nearly identical to that of the normal McLaren 570S. This means a 0-100 km/h acceleration of around 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h.
At the same time a McLaren 540C Spider has been ruled out by the company’s CEO Mike Flewitt. He commented that a 540C Spider doesn’t make sense for economies of scale. Put a few options on the 540C and it could cost the same as the McLaren 570S, which is why the 540C is only offered in certain markets. “Therefore it doesn’t make sense to do a 540C Spider. There will never be a 540GT either.”
Prices for the upcoming McLaren 570S Spider are for now still based on speculation, but traditionally McLaren convertibles are priced about £20,000 higher than the coupé models. With a starting price of £143,250 for the 570S in the UK, it’s reasonable to expect a £160,000+ tag for the 570S Spider.
