McLaren reveals most powerful-ever 765LT Spider
- Only 765 will be built to customer order
- 0-60 in just 2.7 seconds
- Powered by a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8
McLaren Automotive has finally unveiled their long-promised Super Series missing puzzle piece – the McLaren 765LT Spider – which will be available in only 765 samples for a staggering price of £310,500 per piece.
The new landmark model made by the English based motor racing giant which is aimed to bring enthusiasts extreme heights of driver satisfaction is an upgrade of the 765LT ‘Longtail’ Coupé that the company released in 2020.
Enhanced by three compelling factors such as the stability of its MonoCage II-S structure, the game-changing design of its one-piece Retractable Hard Top roof, and the super lightweight details, label the new Spider as the most engaging and most powerful addition to the brand’s Longtail lineage.
The astonishing effort of the McLaren experts resulted in a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which generates 765PS and makes it possible to burn 0-100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds (0-60mph in 2.7 seconds), whilst it only takes 7.2 seconds to reach 200 km/h (124 mph).
The new Spider takes 10.0 seconds to cover 400 metres and reaches a maximum speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). Weighing in at 1388kg, it is 80kg lighter than its predecessor – the 720S Spider.
McLaren Automotive reported that the sportscar’s one-piece retractable carbon fibre roof can be operated at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph). The panel vanishes behind the car’s seats in just 11 seconds and plays an integral role in the vehicle’s structure.
The high-density and noise-reducing foam core between the panel and the internal headlining removes mass from the upper section of the car thus contributing to a calmer and more pleasant environment inside the cabin with a sound quieter than 50 dBA during operation and a peak of 60 dBA during latching.
McLaren Automotive Global Product Manager Ian Howshall said: “Lowering the convertible roof of the 765LT Spider opens up another level of driver engagement. The coupe is impressive in its own right, but when you lower the roof of the Spider, there is a step-change in character – almost a theatrical element, like experiencing a live orchestra from right in front of the stage.”
As the single-piece panel without a central seal improves the headroom, the elongated roof panel allows the tops of the A-pillars to go further forward thus bettering the sense of space and easing entering and exiting.
Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive, Mike Flewitt said: “As we continue to build the LT sub-brand with the introduction of the new 765LT Spider, it’s clear that our customers are increasingly attracted to the Longtail supercar proposition of the exhilarating, extreme performance and limited availability. With all 765 examples of the 765LT coupe sold, it’s no surprise that as we publicly announce our new LT Spider, production capacity for 2021 is already filled.”
In contrast to the coupe, the Spider’s doors which require only a single hinge, lack an upper carbon fibre frame and extend to over 120 millimetres each when open.
McLaren Automotive Director of Product Strategy, Jamie Corstorphine added: “A McLaren ‘Longtail’ is engineered to deliver not only incredible performance, but also the highest levels of driver engagement. The 765LT coupe set new benchmarks in maximising a driver’s connection with the car and the Spider builds on this, adding the additional engagement factor of open-air driving to give direct access to the scintillating sound of the titanium exhaust – a pleasure that thanks to the electrically operated rear window can be enjoyed with the retractable roof in place.”
The fastest accelerating LT Spider ever offers a 15 percent faster in-gear acceleration and a 25 percent greater aerodynamic downforce than the 2017 McLaren 720S with a convertible class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 598PS-per-tonne at lightest dry weight.
Its standard-fit 10-spoke-Ultra-Lightweight forged alloy wheels and bespoke P Zero™ Trofeo R tires were developed by multinational tire manufacturer Pirelli.
As it belongs to the ‘Longtail’ series, the model’s rear profile is prolonged, while its ‘tail’ is equipped with a retractable spoiler, as well as carbon aerodynamic appendages such as side skirts, splitters and an extractor in order to provide rollover protection.
Since McLaren’s mechanical engineers left the cockpit unmodified as with the 600LT Spider, it is lacking several frills such as air conditioning and an audio system.
However, interested fanatics can turn to McLaren Special Operations (MSO) regarding individual requests and convert the £310,500 convertible into their ‘dream vehicle’.
Raymond is the quintessential car enthusiast. Motorsports and sports-cars have played a prominent role since a young age. He can now be found tinkering with his Japanese sports cars, at local car meets or out on a track-day.
