McLaren
675LT Spider
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. 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.
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. 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. The
power output and torque figures remain unchanged, with 675 PS delivered
at 7,100 rpm and 700 Nm available between 5,000-6,500 rpm. The changes
to the powertrain saw more than 50 percent of the components replaced to ensure
optimised levels of power, torque and drivability. These include new, more
efficient turbos, detail design changes to the cylinder heads and exhaust
manifolds, new camshaft and lightweight connecting rods, and a faster-flowing
fuel pump and delivery system.
Acceleration
from 0-100 kmh takes just 2.9 seconds, and 200 kmh is achieved
in 8.1 seconds - giving away only 0.2 seconds to the more aerodynamically
optimised and lighter coupé. Top speed is 326 km/h. Despite these blistering performance
figures, the McLaren 675LT Spider returns 24.2 mpg on the EU combined cycle,
while CO2 emissions remain at 275 g/km, the same as the coupé. A three-piece
retractable folding hardtop can be opened at speeds up to 30 km/h to
allow for a new level of open-air exhilaration.
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. Lightweight components are also found throughout the powertrain and chassis,
all contributing to a dry weight of just 1,270 kg. This weight is a full 100 kg
lighter than the already lightweight 650S Spider, and gives a power-to-weight
figure of 532 PS 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 McLaren 675LT Spider is
only 40 kg heavier than the Coupé, all due to the retractable roof system.
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
15 kg, 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 16 kg system can be specified as a
no-cost-option.
The
'By McLaren' interior themes were first introduced on the 675LT Coupé, and are
again available for the Spider model. The range is extended for the 675LT
Spider, with the addition of exclusive Xenon Yellow contrast stitch. Similarly,
the full exterior paint palette offered on the 675LT Coupé is available for the
Spider model, which includes the new Silica White, Delta Red, Napier Green and
Chicane Grey paint finishes. In addition, the newly developed deep golden
colour, Solis - which derives its name from the Latin for sun - is a bespoke
colour only available on the open-top 675LT Spider.
