McLaren has revealed full details of its new 675LT Spider, the fastest open top McLaren model ever built.
Strictly limited to 500 examples, the 675LT Spider was revealed at the end of 2015 as the latest chapter in the history of the ‘Longtail’ name, and was the fifth new model debuted in a ‘defining year’ according to McLaren. It completely sold out within two weeks.
Only the second model to wear the LT badge, the Spider arrived less than a year after the first model in nearly 20 years resurrected the name, and was in response to ‘significant customer demand’. The 675LT Coupé focused on light weight, enhanced aerodynamics, increased power and track-focused dynamics, and this limited-run model quickly sold out before the first deliveries commenced.
Sharing these key characteristics, McLaren added the ‘exhilarating’ open top model, further strengthening the ‘LT’ brand. Weight in the Spider has been reduced by 100kg through the increased usage of carbon fibre and by lighter components throughout, including newly developed suspension geometry derived from the McLaren P1, resulting in an increased track of 20mm. Under the skin sits a ‘heavily-revised’ 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 powertrain from the Coupé sibling, ensuring performance figures are worthy of the LT badge. The power output and torque figures remain unchanged, with 675PS (666bhp) delivered at 7,100rpm and 700Nm (516lb ft) available between 5,000-6,500rpm. The changes to the powertrain saw more than 50 percent of the components replaced to ensure optimised levels of power, torque and drivability.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes just 2.9 seconds, and 124 mph is achieved in 8.1 seconds – giving away only 0.2 seconds to the more aerodynamically optimised and lighter Coupé. Controlled torque delivery in first gear manages torque to 600Nm (443lb ft) to ensure maximum acceleration, and minimising wheel slip. Top speed is 203 mph. Despite these performance figures, the 675LT Spider returns 24.2mpg on the EU combined cycle, while CO2 emissions remain at 275g/km – the same as the Coupé. A three-piece retractable folding hardtop can be opened at speeds up to 25 mph to allow for a new level of open-air exhilaration.
Staying true to the Longtail ethos, established by the McLaren F1 in the late 1990s, the 675LT Spider has been developed with a focus on light weight and optimised aerodynamic performance. The special nature of the model is supported by the extensive use of carbon fibre for the bodywork. As with the 675LT Coupé, the front bumper with larger splitter and end plates, front under body, side skirts, side intakes, lower side intakes, rear bodyside lower, rear fenders, rear deck, rear bumper, diffuser and Longtail Airbrake are all carbon fibre. Lightweight components are also found throughout the powertrain and chassis, all contributing to a dry weight of just 1,270kg - 100kg lighter than the already lightweight 650S Spider, resulting in a power-to-weight figure of 532PS per tonne.
Due to the inherent strength of the carbon fibre MonoCell chassis, no further strengthening – and associated weight increase – has been added through the removal of the roof, and the 675LT Spider is only 40kg heavier than the Coupé, all due to the retractable roof system.
At the rear, the lightweight titanium crossover twin exhausts exit below the active Longtail Airbrake which is 50 percent larger than other Super Series models. This is integrated in to the design of the flowing rear wings and despite the larger size, carbon fibre construction ensures weight is actually reduced. Exposed bodywork across the rear deck and below the rear wing aids engine cooling, while louvres in the flared rear bumper optimise pressure levels.
As standard, the 675LT Spider is fitted with 10-spoke Ultra-Lightweight forged alloy wheels – 19-inch at the front, 20-inch at the rear – and P Zero Trofeo R tyres, developed for the 675LT models in collaboration with technical partner Pirelli. These are the lightest wheel and tyre set ever offered by McLaren. Two Super-Lightweight wheel options are optionally available; a new 20-spoke design, offered in liquid metal or diamond cut finishes, and the five-spoke Super-Lightweight design which debuted on the 675LT Coupé.
The lightweight theme continues throughout the interior with Alcantara and bare carbon fibre used extensively. A pair of lightweight carbon fibre-shelled racing seats, modelled on those fitted to the McLaren P1, save a combined 15kg, and feature ‘675LT’ embossed leather to provide enhanced levels of support and grip. As seen in the McLaren P1 and 675LT, heating and ventilation controls are located within the portrait-orientated, centrally-mounted touchscreen, which also operates the four-speaker Meridian audio system, while air conditioning has been removed. The 16kg system can be specified as a no-cost-option.