Version review

McLaren 720S Spider V8 Performance 2dr SSG Auto Review

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The 720S Spider can blast from 0-62mph in 2.9sec (just a tenth of a second slower than the coupé), while top speed is 212mph (or ‘just’ 202mph with the roof down). Even these numbers don’t do justice to how savagely fast it feels, though, and the engine sounds amazing – particularly when you drop the roof or lower the rear screen.

Sports

To many, McLaren will always be best known for its motorsport activities, but it also has a growing range of high-performance cars designed to challenge the likes of Ferrari and Porsche.

Most McLaren models share two key components: a central tub made out of carbonfibre and a powerful V8 petrol engine. And with cars ranging from the entry-level 540C to the hardcore (but still road legal) Senna, McLaren cars rival everything from the Jaguar F-Type to the Porsche 911 and Ferrari’s 488 Pista.

MCLAREN

Contrary to what its name suggests, this model doesn’t make the 720S any faster. Instead it takes the standard spec and adds carbon-fibre exterior and interior detailing, ambient interior lighting, and the same engine bay ambient lighting that you get with the Luxury model.

Performance

V8 Performance 2dr SSG Auto

v8-performance-2dr-ssg-auto

Electrically folding heated door mirrors (with dip in reverse functionality)

Electric adjustable and heated sport seats with memory

Rear view camera includes front and rear parking sensors

Manual adjustable sports seats with power height adjust on driver side

MSO defined exterior carbon fibre pack 4 - 720S

McLaren 720S Spider

Like it’s coupé sister, the McLaren 720S is staggeringly fast and involving, yet perfectly usable every day. Unlike most convertibles, its handling doesn’t feel in any way compromised by the removal of the fixed roof.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

The Mazda MX-5 embodies sports-car spirit without wearing an exotic price tag, and has deservedly gained a strong following over the years. Much newer to the scene is the mid-engined Alpine A110. It may carry a name from the past, but this potent, mid-engined sports car was designed with the very latest lightweight thinking.&nbsp;

Rounding off our shortlist, though, is a name that'll be familiar to even those to whom sports cars hold little interest. The Porsche 911 was born an icon in 1964, and the latest generation bridges the gap between sports car and supercar. Yet, somehow, it manages to preserve a distinctly civilised character.

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McLaren 720S Spider V8 Performance 2dr SSG Auto Review

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23.1

150

litres

276

g/km

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