McLaren-675LT_Spider-2017 (800x701)

McLaren reveals its 675LT Spider with just 500 to be made world-wide

McLaren Automotive has revealed the latest chapter in the history of the iconic ‘Longtail’ name with confirmation of the McLaren 675LT Spider. Strictly limited to only 500 examples worldwide, it is only the second model to wear the LT badge.

This latest model comes less than a year since the first model in nearly 20 years resurrected the name, and is in response to significant customer demand.

The McLaren 675LT Spider, priced at £285,450, is the fifth new model debuted by McLaren Automotive in 2015 in what has become a defining year for the British brand. This latest model joins the McLaren P1™ GTR, 570S Coupé and 540C Coupé, and the fixed-head 675LT Coupé as new to the line-up, and further strengthens the Super Series range.

Under the skin of the McLaren 675LT Spider sits the heavily revised 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 powertrain from the coupé sibling, ensuring performance figures are worthy of the LT – or ‘Longtail’ – badge.

Acceleration from 0-100kmh (0-62mph) takes just 2.9 seconds, and 200kmh (124mph) is achieved in 8.1 seconds – giving away only 0.2 seconds to the more aerodynamically optimised and lighter coupé.

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.

Despite these blistering performance figures, the McLaren 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 30km/h (19mph) 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.

Lightweight components are also found throughout the powertrain and chassis, all contributing to a dry weight of just 1,270kg. This weight is a full 100kg lighter than the already lightweight 650S Spider, and gives a power-to-weight figure of 532PS per tonne.

The dramatic styling and purposeful stance of the 675LT is retained with the Spider variant, with the extended front splitter flanked by front wing end plates, each working the airflow harder and increasing downforce.

The retractable hard top stows below a colour-coded tonneau cover, and the engine remains visible through a lightweight vented polycarbonate engine cover.

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.

The McLaren 675LT Spider shares the suspension set up and geometry of the Coupé, with the front end sitting on new lightweight springs and a wider track – increased by 20mm. Spring rates are the most track-focused of the Super Series models, with stiffness increased 27 percent at the front and 63 percent at the rear, providing a more rearward balance and allowing for a 40 percent increase in downforce over the 650S Spider.


McLAREN 675LT SPIDER TECHNICAL STATISTICS

PERFORMANCE

0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 2.9 s
0-200 km/h (0-124 mph): 8.1 s
Top speed : 326 km/h (203 mph)
Power-to-weight: 532PS per tonne

ENGINE & POWERTRAIN

Engine Configuration: V8 Twin Turbo / 3799cc
Power; 675PS (666 bhp) @ 7,100 rpm
Torque: 700Nm (516 lb ft) @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
Transmission: 7 Speed SSG
CO2: 275g/km

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Dry weight: 1,270kg
Weight distribution: 42 / 58
Length: 4,546 mm
Width: 2,095 mm
Height: 1,192 mm