Elite Traveler Summer 2019

INSPIRE TOP CARS

The McLaren 720S Spider's optional electrochromic glass roof turns from clear to a deep cerulean in order to offset glare and reduce UV exposure, and its geometric roof mechanism is electric rather than hydraulic, a refined improvement that will no doubt extend its life.

McLaren 720S Spider Sir Ron Dennis’ 37-year reign ended two years ago when he was unceremoniously jettisoned as chairman and chief executive of McLaren Automotive. To assuage its investors and remain both relevant and ambitious in the world of hand- assembled supercars, McLaren created the Track25 plan: a $1.6bn endeavor to launch 18 new cars or derivatives, with a promise to go full hybrid, by 2025. The latest edition comes in the form of the 720S Spider, a 3,236-lb convertible that boasts 10.4-second quarter miles and perfectly cantilevered dihedral door hinges. Weight is rather important to this English brand, as each of its products is the lightest in their respective segment. Transforming this point of pride into a business plan, McLaren is participating in a $65m joint venture dedicated to ‘lightweighting technology’ via a new McLaren Composites Technology Centre. In the meantime, though, the 720S Spider is easily one of the most exceptional vehicles the company has ever put into production. The optional electrochromic glass roof turns from clear to a deep cerulean in order to offset glare and reduce UV exposure, and its geometric roof mechanism is electric rather than hydraulic, a refined improvement that will no doubt extend its life. The gradient paint option, a McLaren Special Operations specialty, indicates airflow and takes an additional 260 hours to apply to the front air intakes, mirrors and side panels. Price from $315,000 Engine M840T twin-turbo V8 Power 710 hp