McLaren 675LT
The McLaren 675LT,
which debuted in production form at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, is the
lightest, most powerful, fastest and most track-focused, yet road legal, model
in the McLaren Super Series, and resurrects one of the most revered names in
modern-day GT racing - the 'Longtail'. It is also the most exclusive in the
range, with confirmation that 500 coupés will be produced, all of which are now
sold.
The 675LT, the first
McLaren in nearly two decades to wear the LT - or 'Longtail' - name, stays true
to the spirit of its iconic predecessor with aerodynamically optimised,
dramatically enhanced styling that results in 40 percent more downforce than
the 650S which it sits alongside in the McLaren Super Series.
'The Longtail is a
famous name in the history of McLaren, first used on the fastest version of the
iconic McLaren F1,' explains Mike Flewitt, McLaren Automotive Chief Executive
Officer. 'The McLaren F1 GTR 'Longtail' was the final highly successful
iteration of the F1, and it is an appropriate name for the most exhilarating
and driver-focused version of the Super Series. The 675LT is the purest
distillation of what McLaren stands for - pure driving pleasure.'
The main focus for the
McLaren 675LT is clear: to deliver maximum performance, engagement and
excitement. To achieve this, weight has been reduced by 100 kg through the
increased usage of carbon fibre - the signature material of McLaren - and by
lighter components throughout, including newly developed suspension geometry
derived from the McLaren P1, resulting in an increased track of 20 mm. Power of
the newly-developed M838TL 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine is 675 PS
(666 bhp) at 7,100 rpm, with a torque figure of 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) at
5,500-6,500 rpm.
These extreme weight
saving measures see the 675LT with a dry weight of just 1,230 kg (2,712 lb),
meaning a power-to-weight ratio of 549 PS per tonne. The sprint from 0-100 km/h
(0-62 mph) takes 2.9 seconds, with controlled torque delivery ensuring optimised
traction off the line. Acceleration continues at relentless pace with the 200
km/h (124 mph) barrier broken in 7.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 330 km/h (205
mph). Despite these remarkable performance figures, the 675LT returns 24.2 mpg
(11.7 l/100 km) on the EU combined cycle, and CO2 emissions remain the same as
the other Super Series models, at 275g/km.
New carbon fibre
bodywork minimises weight and optimises aerodynamic performance, with the
addition of a newly designed front splitter, Formula 1-style nose end-plates
and larger 'Longtail' Airbrake. The rear deck is also new. These bodywork
changes contribute to a significant increase in downforce levels, up 40 percent
over the already extremely aerodynamically-efficient 650S.
The McLaren 675LT is
fitted with adjustable settings for both Handling and Powertrain through the
Active Dynamics Panel rotary switches. While a system shared with other models
in the McLaren range, the Normal, Sport and Track settings are uniquely
calibrated to the 675LT, and are designed to provide the most engaging and
track-focused experience.
The body changes, all
driven by aerodynamic needs, increase the design drama. Front ride height is
reduced while the track is wider. Handling is optimised through a stiffer and
lighter suspension setup, which includes uprights and wishbones derived from
those fitted to the McLaren P1. The adjustable suspension settings have been
recalibrated, boosting driving engagement, road holding and agility.
Standard-fit Ultra Lightweight 10-spoke forged alloy wheels are the lightest
design ever offered by McLaren, saving a combined 800g over the lightest wheel
design previously offered.
Though noticeably
faster, the 675LT also retains much of the 650S' astonishing usability and
practicality. While designed to be even more at home on the track, it is still
a highly usable road car with compromise to comfort levels kept to a minimum.
The cabin is upholstered in lightweight Alcantara, and features a four-speaker
Meridian hi-fi, DAB digital radio (Sirius satellite radio in North America) and
a satellite navigation system as standard. In the pursuit of minimal weight,
and to suit its purposeful intent, air conditioning has been removed, but can
specified as a no cost option.
The driver-focused and
minimalist environment is designed to be ergonomically optimised with minimal
distractions for the driver. The uncluttered driver zone is void of steering
wheel-mounted switches, with clear and concise displays either side of the
larger rev counter. Extended carbon fibre gearshift paddles are mounted on a
rocker behind the steering wheel. Inspired by those fitted to the McLaren P1,
these are produced from carbon fibre for the first time on the Super Series.
A pair of lightweight
carbon fibre-shelled bucket seats, upholstered in Alcantara and embossed
leather are modelled on those in the McLaren P1. These reduce weight by 15kg
and improve the connection between car and driver. Carpet and sound deadening
materials are limited within the cabin, further reducing weight.
'The 675LT is the closest
thing there is to a McLaren P1,' explains Mike Flewitt. 'It is always so
engaging and dramatic, and alongside the McLaren P1 it's the most extreme
expression yet of McLaren road car engineering.
'Though brilliant on
the track - and likely to be extensively used on track days - the extra
engagement and performance is immediately obvious when driving on the road,
even at low speeds.'
The McLaren 675LT is
offered as a coupe only, and limited to only 500 examples worldwide. Priced at
£ 259,500, all have now been sold, with first deliveries scheduled to begin in
July.