McLaren Automotive has revealed the latest chapter in the history of the iconic ‘Longtail’ name with confirmation of the 675LT Spider. The new ‘Longtail’ will be strictly limited to only 500 examples worldwide and is only the second model to wear the LT badge.
The 675LT Coupé focused on lightweight, enhanced aerodynamics, increased power and track-focused dynamics. 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, 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 675LT Spider sits the heavily revised 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 powertrain from the coupé sibling, performance figures are worthy of the LT – or ‘Longtail’ – badge. The power output and torque figures remain unchanged, with 666bhp delivered at 7,100rpm and 516lb ft of torque available between 5,000-6,500rpm.
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 0-100kmh (0-62mph) takes just 2.9 seconds, and 200kmh (124mph) is achieved in 8.1 seconds – giving away only 0.2 seconds to the coupé. Top speed is 203mph and despite these performance figures, the 675LT Spider returns a combined 18mpg.
Staying true to the ‘Longtail’ ethos, the 675LT Spider has been developed with a focus on light weight and optimized aerodynamic performance. A three-piece retractable folding hardtop can be opened at speeds up to 30km/h (19mph). Lightweight components are also found throughout the vehicle all contributing to a dry weight of just 1,270kg. This weight is a full 100kg lighter than the already lightweight 650S Spider. The 675LT Spider is only 40kg heavier than the Coupé, all due to the retractable roof system.
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.
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 Pirelli. These are the lightest wheel and tire set ever offered by McLaren.
The lightweight theme continues throughout the interior with a pair of lightweight carbon fiber-shelled racing seats, modelled on those fitted to the McLaren P1 and save a combined 15kg over the standard seats. However the air conditioning has been removed but if you want to keep it the system can be specified to keep you cool on hot days.
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.
The price for the LT comes in at $372,600, if you decide to place an order and deliveries are set to start in 2016.
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