Geneva sees the debut of McLaren’s 675LT
This was another supercar that we knew was coming to Geneva and we did know a bit about it based on the teasers, hints, and that one leaked image. The addition to McLaren’s Super Series range of cars, the 675LT pays homage to the iconic F1 GTR Longtail and is heavily focused on track performance.
Information that was public included the oft repeated “devilsh” 666bhp of power (at 7000rpm), a staggering 40 per cent more downforce than the 650S, its position above the 650S and Asia-spec 625C. We also knew that the 675LT gets a heavily revised 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 featuring lightweight components and new turbos, and develops 700Nm of peak torque between 5500rpm and 6500rpm. A new traction control system won’t allow more than 600Nm to be transmitted to the rear wheels in the first gear.
What has been revealed at Geneva, besides the car itself, is that the 675LT weighs a significant 100kg less than the 650S, at 1230kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 541bhp/ton . That’s 59bhp over Ferrari’s 488 GTB. Those hoping the 675LT will completely outshow the 650S will be right, but not in straight-line performance figures. It accelerates to 100kmph in the same 2.9 seconds, and hits a claimed top speed of 328kmph. However, one it gains steam, the 675LT hits 198kmph in just 7.9 seconds, half a second quicker than the 650S, and 0.4 seconds faster than the 488 GTB. The engine is about 50 per cent all-new, which has resulted in a slightly different engine code: M838TL (we assume the L stands for Longtail). McLaren has also revealed that the 675LT gets McLaren’s seven-speed seamless-shift gearbox (SSG) with steering wheel mounted paddles.
The chassis and the brakes have been considerably uprated compared to the 650S, with a track-focused suspension set up, and Proactive Chassis Control electronics. The supercar is also longer than the 650S (Longtail remember) though the carbonfibre active-airbrake that is 50 per cent bigger and a fraction lighter helps with the weight. Twin-exhaust pipes below the airbrake push out the gases via a new forged titanium crossover exhaust system that saves a further 1.1kg of weight.
More weigh has been saved due to using the P1’s carbonfibre-shelled bucket seats with Alacantra leather. If you want a serious track-only car, you can get it without a heavy AC unit, though McLaren can fit it as a free option.The brakes are, like those on the 650S, carbon ceramic discs of 394mm (front) and 380mm (rear) diameters. The showcar had the exclusive, hypercar level 235/35 19-inchers and 305/30 20-inch Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R rubber, shouting “track-day car”, though more road-friendly P Zeros are also offered as a no cost option.
All I can say is, “Looking good McLaren, looking good.” We’ll have to wait until we drive it, but based on the specifications, it will definitely outdo the 650S, and may even grab more than a few people away from the Ferrari 488 GTB. Stay tuned.
