The 675LT Spider was revealed at the end of 2015 as the latest chapter in the history of the iconic ‘Longtail’ name, and was the fifth new model debuted during a truly defining year for McLaren Automotive. Strictly limited to only 500 examples worldwide which sold out in just two weeks, it is only the second model to wear the LT badge. This latest model arrived less than a year since the first model in nearly 20 years resurrected the name, and was in response to significant customer demand. 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. Sharing these key characteristics, McLaren Automotive has added the most focused, fastest and exhilarating open top model to ever wear a McLaren badge, further strenghtening the ‘LT’ brand.

The 675LT Spider, only the second 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 Spider 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 675LT Spider is clear: to deliver maximum performance, engagement and excitement. To achieve this, weight has been reduced by 100kg 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 20mm. Under the skin sits the heavily-revised 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 powertrain from the Coupé sibling, ensuring performance figures are worthy of the LT badge. 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. 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 km/h (0-62 mph) takes just 2.9 seconds, and 200 km/h (124 mph) is achieved in 8.1 seconds – giving away only 0.2 seconds to the more aerodynamically optimised and lighter Coupé. Controlled torque delivery in first gear manages torque to 600Nm (443lb ft) to ensure maximum acceleration, and minimising wheel slip. Top speed is 326 km/h (203 mph). Despite these blistering performance figures, the 675LT Spider returns 24.2mpg on the EU combined cycle, while CO 2 emissions remain at 275g/km – the same as the Coupé. A three-piece retractable folding hardtop can be opened at speeds up to 40 km/h (25 mph) 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. The special nature of the model is supported by the extensive use of carbon fibre for the bodywork. As with the 675LT Coupé, 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 fibre. 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. 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 675LT Spider is only 40kg heavier than the Coupé, 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 fibre 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 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. This is integrated in to the design of the flowing rear wings and despite the larger size, carbon fibre construction ensures weight is actually reduced. Exposed bodywork across the rear deck and below the rear wing aids engine cooling, while louvres in the flared rear bumper optimise pressure levels.

The 675LT Spider shares the suspension set up and geometry of the Coupé, with the front end sitting on stiffer 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 tyres, developed for the 675LT models in collaboration with technical partner Pirelli. These are the lightest wheel and tyre 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 675LT Coupé.

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 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 16kg system can be specified as a no-cost-option.

McLAREN 675LT SPIDER: THE DETAILS

As with its namesake which debuted in the 1997 GT season, the 675LT Spider – alongside the 675LT Coupé – is the most track-focused model in the McLaren Super Series, with a power to weight ratio that eclipses established rivals. Embodying the ethos of the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ it focuses on five key characteristics synonymous with the LT badge: lightweight, optimised aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement.

WHEELS AND TYRES

Three designs of forged alloy wheels are offered on the 675LT Spider, shod exclusively with tyres developed specifically for the most powerful model in the Super Series with technical partner Pirelli. A newly designed Ultra Lightweight 10-spoke forged alloy wheel is fitted as standard, finished in silver or optionally available in stealth. It is the lightest design of wheel ever offered by McLaren, offering weight saving even over the design fitted to the McLaren P1™. Available as an option are a five-spoke design, again offered in silver, with stealth and gloss/diamond-machined finish or, unique to the 675LT Spider, a new optional 20-spoke Super-Lightweight wheel design, offered in liquid metal or diamond cut finishes. In all cases, the wheels are 19inch x 8.5inch at the front and 20inch x 11inch at the rear.

Tyres are unique to the 675LT Coupé and 675LT Spider, developed by McLaren with technical partner Pirelli to complement the specific handling requirements. High performance Pirelli P Zero™ Trofeo R tyres are specified as standard which have a stiffer internal structure – providing more response – and six percent more grip than the highly capable Pirellu P Zero™ Corsa tyre, widely used on ultra-high performance cars. For those planning driving in colder or wetter weather outside of a track environment, Pirelli P Zero™ tyres are offered as a no-cost option.

INTERIOR

The cabin of the 675LT Spider has been designed to offer a cocooning, well-packaged and comfortable environment. Fully focused on the driver, it is clear from clutter and distraction but, unlike many track-dedicated roadcars, the 675LT Spider retains a high level of standard equipment, albeit with a focus on saving weight. Carpet and sound deadening materials are limited within the cabin to reduce weight where possible. Lightweight Alcantara® trim with contrast stitching is standard throughout the cabin, which saves a combined 3.5kg versus leather, although a full Nappa leather interior is available at no extra cost.

A pair of lightweight carbon fibre racing seats, first seen on the McLaren P1™, save a combined 15kg and provide optimised connection for the driver to the characteristics of the car due, in part, to deeper side bolsters. The new titanium exhaust, including a new exhaust manifold, provides a more inspirational engine note into the cabin.

‘We wanted a more animate driving experience, to convey some sound through the structure of the car,’ says Haydn Baker, Head of Vehicle Line. ‘These stiffer mounts offer improvements on two fronts. Not only do they emphasise the connection between car and driver, but they also act to improve handling and agility minimising any “pendulum effect” when changing direction.’

Heating and ventilation (HVAC) is now controlled via the centrally-mounted touchscreen IRIS screen, rather than through door mounted controls to save weight. The air conditioning unit is removed, saving 16kg, but can be specified as a no-cost option.

Carbon fibre is used extensively in the cabin, including the steering wheel clasp, gearshift paddles, lower centre console and HVAC shroud, echoing the lightweight MonoCell chassis. All visual carbon fibre is satin finished as standard, rather than gloss.

UNIQUE ‘BY McLAREN’ 675LT SPIDER THEMES

The ‘By McLaren’ designer interior themes were first introduced on the 675LT Coupé, representing the pinnacle of the range of trims available, and are again available for the Spider model. each specification has been carefully developed to compliment the exterior paint colour with recommended upholstery and trim detailing, cabin stitching, wheels and brake calliper colours.

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.

THE STORY OF LT

The story of the McLaren F1 is one of the most famous in automotive history, with the all conquering GTR moving the game on further, worthy of a place in the motorsport hall of fame. After a successful season in 1995 and 1996, McLaren set about raising the bar once more in order to stay ahead of the competition. While the name and basic architecture remained the same, the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ – or LT – was completely re-engineered from the ground up, and was the ultimate version of the iconic McLaren F1. With enhanced levels of downforce through extended bodywork, and dramatic weight savings, the end result was the most track-focused derivative of all 106 models to wear the McLaren F1 badge.

The McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ raced successfully during the 1997 sports car racing season, including most prominently in the FIA GT championship against specially developed racing ‘prototypes’, and went within a whisker of winning the world title. Notable achievements included victory in the Silverstone 4 hours, the Hockenheim 4 hours, the Spa 4 hours and a 1-2 class finish – 2-3 overall – at the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans. Despite racing against the much quicker LMP cars, only one lap separated the #41 McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ from outright victory. The nearest opposition in the GT1 class finished nearly 30 laps behind.

With the 675LT Coupé and 675LT Spider, McLaren has done it again. ‘LT’ is now the ultra high-performance brand, re-establishing the McLaren ‘Longtail’ heritage. With two models now wearing the iconic badge, the 675LT Coupé and 675LT Spider embody the ‘Longtail’ ethos, with a focus on light weight, enhanced aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement.

MANUFACTURING

Only 500 examples of the 675LT Spider will be built, alongside the 675LT Coupé, and all are sold. These are the most exclusive models in the Super Series, and will be produced in the McLaren Production Centre, alongside the McLaren Technology Centre, near Woking, England.

McLAREN 675LT SPIDER TECHNICAL STATISTICS

PERFORMANCE

0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 2.9 seconds

0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) 8.1 seconds

0-300 km/h (0-186 mph) 23.6 seconds

Top speed 326 km/h (203 mph)

Power-to-weight 532PS per tonne

BRAKING

100-0 km/h (62 mph) 3.0 seconds, 30.4 m (100 ft)

200-0 km/h (124 mph) 4.5 seconds, 116 m (380 ft)

300-0 km/h (186 mph) 7.0 seconds, 256 m (840 ft)

ENGINE & POWERTRAIN

Engine Configuration V8 Twin Turbo / 3799cc

Power 675PS (666 bhp) @ 7,100 rpm

Torque 700Nm (516 lb ft) @ 5,500-6,500 rpm

Transmission 7 Speed SSG

CO 2 275g/km

Fuel consumption combined – 24.2mpg (EU), 11.7l/100km

urban – 16.1mpg (EU), 17.5l/100km

extra urban – 33.2mpg (EU), 8.5l/100km

Engine lubricant Mobil 1 New Life™ 0W-40

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Dry weight 1,270kg / 2,800lb

Weight distribution 42 / 58

Length 4,546 mm

Width 2,095 mm

Height 1,192 mm