McLaren has revealed the much-anticipated 765LT Spider, which the firm claims are both the fastest convertible it has ever produced and will offer the ‘highest-ever levels of driver engagement for a model in its line-up of track-focused ‘Longtail’ models.
The new drop-top is based on the Coupe version of the Woking firm’s flagship Super Series model, and shares that car’s 754bhp and 590lb-ft tune of McLaren’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, driven through a seven-speed sequential gearbox. As with the sold-out Coupe, the 765LT Spider will be limited to 765 units, with prices starting from £310,500.
The 765LT Spider is a lighter, sharper, and more focused version of the convertible version of the 720S. Its retractable hardtop – which can be raised or lowered in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph – makes it 49kg heavier than the Coupe, but at 1388kg it is still 80kg lighter than the 720S Spider. As with all McLaren LT models, the new car makes extensive use of carbon fiber to reduce weight where possible.
The firm claims the 765LT Spider is capable of 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds and 0-124mph in 7.2 seconds, which both match the coupe version.
The single-piece convertible roof features a carbon fiber frame with a noise-reducing foam core built-in, which McLaren claims creates a full carbon shell when closed. The resulting lack of a central seal has allowed the firm to improve headroom and extend the roof panel, allowing the A-pillars to be pushed further forward. The folding system is powered by eight electrical motors, and McLaren claims occupants will experience a sound no louder than 60dBA while in use.
The rear window is lowered by a separate motor, which allows it to be lowered independently of the roof, allowing users to hear the note of the quad titanium exhaust system.
The 765LT Spider features the same aerodynamic carbon fibre bodywork as the Coupe version, including a front splitter and bumper, lower door blades and side skirts, and a wraparound rear bumper. The convertible retains the active ‘Longtail’ rear wing, although this has been recalibrated from the Coupe model to optimize performance with the Spider’s roof up and down, and account for the car’s revised rear profile.
The 765LT Spider uses McLaren’s Monocage II-S structure, which is identical to the one used for the Coupe said for an extra carbon fiber upper structure around the engine bay, and two new structural supports bonded into the chassis to add rollover protection.
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Other design features from the Coupe remain, including the lightweight cockpit design with carbon fiber, Alcantara-covered race seats, door nets in place of pockets. The floor carpet, air-conditioning, and audio system have all been removed to save weight although, as with the Coupe, the latter two are offered as options.
As with the Coupe, the Spider features McLaren’s Active Dynamics Panel with three settings for the transmission and suspension. The doors of the Spider do not feature an upper carbon fiber frame, so they are smaller and lighter than those on the Coupe, requiring only a single hinge to operate.
McLaren’s Special Operation division will also offer a range of personalization options for the new model, including a Clubsport Pack that features further weight reductions including carbon-ceramic brakes and track telemetry systems. An LT Black Pack features exterior design details finished in Gloss Black.
-by Amaan Attar
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