McLaren Automotive has revealed the latest chapter in the history of the iconic ‘Longtail’ name with confirmation of the 675LT Spider. Strictly limited to only 500 examples worldwide, it is only the second model to wear the LT badge, nearly 20 years McLaren resurrected the name, and is in response to significant customer demand. The 675LT Coupe 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 Automotive now presents the most focused, fastest and exhilarating open top model to ever wear a McLaren badge.
The 675LT Spider, priced at $372,600 USD, 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 Coupe. 540C Coupe and the fixed-head 675LT Coupe as new to the line-up, and further strengthens the Super Series range.
Under the skin of the 675LT Spider sits the heavily revised 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 powertrain from the Coupe sibling, ensuring performance figures are worthy of the LT – or ‘Longtail’ – badge. The power output and torque figures remain unchanged, with 666 hp (675PS) delivered at 7,100 rpm and 516 lb-ft (700Nm) available between 5,000-6,500 rpm. The changes to the powertrain saw more than 50 percent of the components replaced to ensure optimized 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 0-62 mph (0-100km/h) takes just 2.9 seconds, and 124 mph (200km/h) is achieved in 8.1 seconds – giving away only 0.2 seconds to the more aerodynamically optimized and lighter Coupe. Controlled torque delivery in first gear manages torque to 443 lb-ft (600Nm) to ensure maximum acceleration, and minimizing wheel slip. Top speed is 203 mph (326km/h). Despite these blistering performance figures, the 675LT Spider returns an EPA-rated 18 mpg in combined city/highway driving, while CO2 emissions remain at 275g/km – the same as the Coupe. A three-piece retractable folding hardtop can be opened at speeds up to 19 mph (30km/h) 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 optimized aerodynamic performance. The special nature of the model is supported by the extensive use of carbon fiber for the bodywork. As with the 675LT Coupe, 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 fiber. Lightweight components are also found throughout the powertrain and chassis, all contributing to a dry weight of just 2,800 lbs (1,270kg). This weight is a full 220 lbs (100kg) lighter than the already lightweight 650S Spider, and gives a power-to-weight figure of 4.2 lbs per hp. Due to the inherent strength of the carbon fiber MonoCell chassis, no further strengthening – and associated weight increase – has been added through the removal of the roof, and the 675LT Spider is only 88 lbs (40kg) heavier than the Coupe, all due to the retractable roof system.
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. Sculpted carbon fiber door sills run along the lower edge of the bodywork, flowing in to a smaller air intake ahead of the rear wheels. This sits below the more pronounced side intake, with both feeding clean, cool air into the side radiators which are more prominent to offer increased cooling. The retractable hard top stows below a color-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. This is integrated into the design of the flowing rear wings and despite the larger size, carbon fiber construction ensures weight is actually reduced. Exposed bodywork across the rear deck and below the rear wing aids engine cooling, while louvers in the flared rear bumper optimize pressure levels.
The 675LT Spider shares the suspension set up and geometry of the Coupe, 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.
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 tires, developed for the 675LT models in collaboration with technical partner Pirelli. These are the lightest wheel and tire 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 Coupe.
The lightweight theme continues throughout the interior with Alcantara® and bare carbon fiber used extensively. A pair of lightweight carbon fiber-shelled racing seats, modelled on those fitted to the McLaren P1™, save a combined 33 lbs (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 35 lb (16kg) system can be specified as a no-cost-option.
The ‘By McLaren’ interior themes were first introduced on the 675LT Coupe, 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. Simialrly, the full exterior paint palette offered on the 675LT Coupe 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 color, Solis – which derives its name from the Latin for sun – is a bespoke color only available on the open-top 675LT Spider.
Further enhancements can be made through the Club Sport Professional Pack, which adds further visual carbon fiber and stealth detailing. Available in Titanium Silver, Storm Grey, Onyx Black and Chicane Grey, the Ultra-Lightweight wheels are stealth finished, while a satin carbon fiber finish is applied to the front wing end plates, lower side air intake and the center of the rear bumper, along with the side intakes, wheelarches, wing mirrors and ‘Longtail’ Airbrake. McLaren Orange detailing is then applied both externally and internally, with brake callipers, embossed leather and stitching all in the heritage color made famous by the Formula 1™ and Can-Am racers of Bruce McLaren.
Another key characteristic of any Longtail is exclusivity, and the 675LT Spider is no exception. As with the Coupe, production of the 675LT Spider will be strictly limited to only 500 examples, with first deliveries in summer 2016.
