Complementing the 765LT ‘Longtail’ coupe unveiled last year – all of which are sold – the new Spider is McLaren’s most powerful-ever convertible supercar.
Engineered in addition with the other core attributes intrinsic to any McLaren Longtail – minimised weight, track-focused dynamics and optimised aerodynamics – the 765LT Spider has all of the class-leading abilities of the coupe and also meets the LT demand for exclusivity: just 765 cars will be available globally for customer order.
Carrying over the coupe’s dynamic and aerodynamic DNA with no structural compromise and only a minimal 49kg weight increase – primarily from the retractable hard top and accompanying operating mechanism – the 765LT Spider weighs in at just 1,388kg (DIN weight), which is 80kg lighter than a 720S Spider and circa 100kg lighter than its closest comparable competitor.
The electrically operated, one-piece carbon fibre Retractable Hard Top (RHT) enables open-top motoring in just 11 seconds and operates at speeds of up to 50kph, bringing the dramatic soundtrack of the quad-exit titanium exhaust system into the cabin to take driver engagement to a new level.
“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 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.” said McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt.
The immense performance and dynamic prowess of the new Spider – already proven in the 765LT coupe – are enhanced by three compelling factors: the stability of its MonoCage II-S structure, the design of its one-piece Retractable Hard Top roof, and the ongoing effort to build a lightened car.
The Spider version of the carbon fibre MonoCage II – designated MonoCage II-S – was developed alongside the coupe monocoque and shares most of its structural elements, including the windscreen surround.
McLaren claimed the structure was stiff and strong enough that no additional bracing was required over the coupe. At the rear of the car, carbon fibre structural supports are fully bonded into the chassis to provide rollover protection.
Like every LT, the new Spider is designed to excel on track. With the same aerodynamic package as the coupe – although with active rear wing calibration revised to reflect whether the roof is up or down and a recalibration of the dampers to account for the minor increase in weight – the Spider matches the coupe’s aero performance, with class-leading downforce 25% greater than that of a 720S Spider.
The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces 765PS – giving the 765LT Spider a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of 598PS-per-tonne at lightest dry weight – and 800Nm of torque. Transmission gear ratios have been revised for even greater engagement and performance; in-gear acceleration is 15% quicker than a 720S Spider, helping the new Longtail to achieve the fastest lap times ever posted by a convertible LT model.
The 0-100kph time often seen as a benchmark figure is 2.8 seconds, with 0-200kph taking 7.2 seconds. The new LT Spider takes 10.0 seconds to cover 400m from standstill and the car’s maximum speed is 330kph.
The most powerful McLaren convertible ever and the latest and most engaging addition to the brand’s Longtail lineage can be ordered now from McLaren retailers.
There are two MSO Defined packs available for the 765LT Spider – the Clubsport Pack and the LT Black Pack. The MSO Clubsport pack both reduces overall weight and increases circuit performance with a portfolio of lightweight options and performance upgrades. These include McLaren Track Telemetry with three cameras, Super-Lightweight Carbon Fibre Racing Seats and a track brake upgrade featuring carbon ceramic brake discs and bespoke brake pads from the McLaren Senna.
The MSO LT Black Pack gives the 765LT Spider even more of a "stealth" look, with external technical components – tonneau, front splitter, rear bumper and diffuser, air intakes and door mirror casings – all finished in Gloss Black.
Customers can also direct MSO to replace the aluminium hood with a carbon fibre hood – finished in either body colour or Gloss Finish Visual Carbon Fibre – or choose from an extensive menu of individual upgrades ranging from a Gloss Finish Visual Carbon Fibre tonneau cover to a Satin Finish carbon fibre steering wheel, a lightweight front badge, or a Gloss Finish carbon fibre ignition key.
UK pricing is from £310,500 (RM1.8mil) and availability is limited to just 765 cars for customer order worldwide, with 2021 production already all sold.
