McLaren 675LT Spider Test Drive Review – Video

 

Only the second McLaren to ever wear the LT badge – after the sold-out 675LT Coupé – the 675LT Spider has been created in response to worldwide customer demand. This limited edition model, restricted to just 500 examples, mirrors the 675LT Coupé in its extensive use of lightweight components, enhanced aerodynamics, increased power, and track-focused dynamics. A retractable roof adds further excitement, making the new 675LT Spider the fastest, most focused and most exhilarating open-top McLaren ever.

 

 

At the heart of the 675LT Spider is a carbon fibre MonoCell chassis, while its soul is a heavily revised 3.8-litre twin turbo V8, guaranteeing performance worthy of the LT – or ‘Longtail’ – name. The light, stiff and strong MonoCell ensures no further strengthening is needed, meaning the new 675LT Spider is only 40kg heavier than its Coupé sibling, all due to the retractable roof system. The engine, shared with the 675LT Coupé, features more efficient turbochargers, revised cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds, a new camshaft, lightweight connecting rods, and a faster-flowing fuel pump. In total, over 50 percent of the powertrain components are new, and the extensive modifications mean the twin-turbo V8 engine produces an incredible 675PS (666bhp) and 700Nm (516lb ft).

The results of all this power and torque are phenomenal. The 675LT Spider accelerates from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in the same scant 2.9 seconds as its sibling, while 200kph (124mph) is achieved in just 8.1 seconds, only two-tenths shy of the more aerodynamically optimised and lighter Coupé. The top speed is 326kph (203mph), while the two-piece retractable folding hardtop can be opened at speeds up to 30kph (19mph) for a new level of open-air exhilaration never before experienced in a McLaren Longtail.