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McLaren 675 LT Spider Officially Unveiled, Production Limited to 500 Units

McLaren Automotive has officially unveiled the new 675 LT Spider just a few hours after the model had leaked in a short promotional video on YouTube.
McLaren 675 LT Spider 5 photos
Photo: McLaren Automotive
McLaren 675 LT SpiderMcLaren 675 LT SpiderMcLaren 675 LT SpiderMcLaren 675 LT Spider
Woking's newest convertible is described by its makers as "the most focused, fastest and exhilarating open-top" McLaren ever built. The British brand will only make 500 units of its new convertible, and the starting price is set at £285,450.

The convertible version of the 675 LT was developed in response to an unexpected consumer demand, which made the guys and gals at McLaren change their mind regarding a convertible version of the 675 LT, a version which they initially denied building when the Coupe was unveiled.

The new 675 LT Spider is fitted with a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, which has been borrowed from the Coupe. Therefore, the power and torque figures remain unchanged, delivering 675 PS (666 BHP) at 7,100 rpm and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm.

That said, the powerplant was apparently revised before being fitted to the Spider, the new unit being equipped with more efficient turbos and a different design for the cylinder heads and the exhaust manifolds. Moreover, the twin-turbo V8 has new camshafts and connecting rods, while the fuel delivery system has been improved with a faster-flowing pump and with other components.

The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint is achieved in 2.9 seconds, and reaching 200 km/h (124 mph) from a standing start takes only 8.1 seconds. While the 0-62 mph time is unchanged from the Coupe, the 0-124 mph time is weaker by 0.2 seconds. The only transmission available in the range is a 7-speed SSG (sequential shift gearbox). Top speed is 326 km/h (203 mph). The new 675 LT Spider is rated at 24.2 mpg in the EU combined cycle and its CO2 emissions stand at 275 grams/kilometer, just like the Coupe.

The three-piece retractable folding hardtop of the new 675 LT Spider can be operated at speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph). A dry weight of 1,270 kilograms means the power-to-weight ratio of McLaren's fifth model launched in 2015 is of 532 HP per ton.

By using a carbon fiber tub and operating specific weight reducing improvements, McLaren managed weight savings of 100 kilograms, meaning the Spider is 40 kg heavier than the Coupe but 100 kilograms lighter than the 650S Spider. Weight distribution is 42/58 front/rear. The length of the body is of 4,546 mm, its width is 2,095 mm and it measures only 1,192 mm in height.

The new drop-top from Woking is available in an exclusive paintwork called Solis (pictured) and can be fitted with 20 spoke forged alloy wheels, available in liquid metal or diamond cut finishes. In standard form, the car has 10-spoke forged alloy wheels equipped with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires.

The springs have been improved, the new 675 Spider being fitted with the most track-focused springs of the Super Series models. McLaren claims stiffness has increased by 27 percent at the front and 63% at the rear. These changes provide a more rearward balance and ensure a 40% increase in downforce compared to the 650S Spider.

McLaren's new drop-top has an interior covered in Alcantara and bare carbon fiber. Despite being a road-focused car, it is fitted with carbon fiber shelled racing seats, inspired by those of the McLaren P1. They feature "675 LT" embossed in leather. Just like the McLaren P1 and the Coupe version of the 675 LT, the ventilation controls are found on the touch screen mounted on the central console.

The British-built convertible is fitted with a four-speaker Meridian audio system. For weight saving purposes, the air conditioning system has been removed, but can be fitted at no extra cost if desired. McLaren considered that the 16 kilos of this system might be too much for some users.

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About the author: Sebastian Toma
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Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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