McLaren 675LT Spider
The iconic 675LT Spider is the purest, faster and most evolved series production McLaren super car to date.
The 675LT Spider was revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, as the latest chapter in the history of McLaren Automotive stays true to the spirit of its iconic predecessors. The McLaren 675LT encapsulates the ‘Longtail’ philosophy, emphasising the much improved advanced aerodynamics and increased downforce, with a significantly reduced weight.
‘’The LT is not only a quicker car on track, but just as with the original ‘Longtail’ F1 GTR, it allows the driver to push harder on track than was possible before. As we proved back then, it’s a winning formula.”
— Chris Goodwin, Chief Test Driver, McLaren Automotive
The ‘Longtail’ is one of the most respected race cars in modern motorsport history, derived from the McLaren F1 GTR race car. 22 years ago, McLaren became the first manufacturer to win the prestigious Grand Prix of Endurance at Le Mans on its very first attempt. Despite being one of the wettest races in the long history of Le Mans, the McLaren F1 GTR defied criticism to beat tough competition. The 675LT is the purest distillation of what McLaren stands for; a life changing driving experience.
The McLaren Spider 675LT is one of the most technologically advanced automotive showpieces to date, and is a reflection of all the qualities and high standards that the McLaren Technology group has stood for, for over 50 years. Materials innovation and pioneering engineering, as well as expertise in data management and simulation techniques developed in F1 racing are part of the McLaren Technology Group DNA, pushing the boundaries and setting new standards far and beyond the motorsport sphere.
The McLaren Spider 675LT performance is groundbreaking, exploding from 0–100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, and can achieve 200 km/h in 8.1 seconds, with a top speed of 326 km/h. What is also remarkable is that despite these fearless performance figures, the 675LT Spider returns 24.2mpg on the EU combined cycle, while CO2 emissions remain at 275g/km.
To achieve such an outstanding performance and brutal power McLaren increased the usage of its signature material, carbon fibre. Carbon fibre composite materials are used in order to further reduce the weight of the different components and enhance the overall mechanical properties and structural integrity of vehicle.
Inspired by the revolutionary lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell F1 chassis, which is at the heart of each of the McLaren Super Series models, carbon fibre is used extensively throughout the bodywork, exploiting the great advantages this powerful material can offer in a way that only McLaren can do, with technical efficiency and innovative spirit.
The state of the art lightweight carbon fiber 675LT chassis is 25% stiffer yet still much lighter compared to a traditional metal chassis. Because of the superior properties of carbon fibre, both in terms of impact and crashworthiness under impact loads of different types, the 675LT exhibits better performance and protection in a crash, acting as a safety survival cell as it does in Formula 1™.
For McLaren, every gram counts and having that in mind, composite engineers manage to reduce the 675LT weight by 100kg compared to the 650S Spider by matching the criteria of material properties and structural performance. In order to better understand the inherent strengths as well as the few weaknesses of different types of carbon fibre materials, extensive research using high scientific standards was carried out in composites design, analysis, modelling, testing, manufacturing and failure analysis.
The McLaren 675LT Spider and 675LT Coupé are the most exclusive Super Series models produced in the McLaren Production Centre, housed alongside the McLaren Technology Centre Surrey, United Kingdom. The number of 675LT Spider and 675LT Coupé supercars to be manufactured is limited and will not exceed 500 for both of them. Just two weeks after the McLaren 675 LT was revealed to the world, all 500 units were sold out. That is an indication of the level of admiration and anticipation of super car enthusiasts and collectors around the world for the iconic McLaren cars.
Following the positive response from customers and fans for the legendary 675LT Spider, McLaren Special Operations announced a practically all-carbon fibre limited Carbon Series LT. The MSO Carbon LT series has 40% more carbon fibre components than the standard 675LT Spider.
The Carbon LT has a stunning visual appearance since the painted body is replaced with exposed carbon-fibre. In addition, the carbon fibre package offers some exquisite features to make carbon fibre enthusiasts even more excited. These include a carbon fibre roof, front and rear wings, side blades, A-pillars, the fuel filler flap, bonnet and rear deck.
Once again history has proven that McLaren’s contribution to the carbon fibre world is remarkable. It dates back to March 5th 1981 when McLaren introduced the MP4/1, the first F1 racing car using a carbon fiber monocoque cabin. 36 years later McLaren continues that proud tradition by being a driving force and inspirational source not only for motorsport but also the whole world.