Complementing the 765 LT “Longtail” coupe revealed last year, McLaren has followed up with the new 765 LT Spider. Just 765 units will be available for sale.
With the one-piece carbon fibre retractable hardtop, that opens in just 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h just like the 720S, McLaren says it only adds 49 kg to the 765 LT’s overall weight of just 1,388 kg. That’s about the weight of a Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Despite being a convertible, the strength and stiffness of the body means no additional strengthening was needed, which would add more weight. Carbon fibre structural supports are bonded into the chassis for rollover protection.
The roof mechanism of the 765LT Spider is among the world’s quickest and quietest. It’s twice as quiet as the roof of the 675LT Spider, the first convertible LT supercar.
Under the hood, the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 sings through quad-exit titanium exhausts. It makes 765 hp, hence the name and 800 Nm which allows for a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 2.8 seconds! Top speed of the 765 LT Spider is 330 km/h.
Generous use of lightweight materials is the main reason for the 765 LT Spider’s performance. Exterior bits such as the front splitter, front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper, rear wing are all made of carbon fibre and is unique to the 765 model. Wheels are made of ultra-lightweight forged alloy while the wheel bolt are made of titanium. You get the idea, don’t you?
The meticulous weight-saving measures continue inside. The carbon fibre-shelled seats are 18 kg lighter than the ones in the 720S while the Alcantara upholstery used on the steering wheel and dashboard is also of a lightweight kind.
Carbon fibre is also used on the interior floor and centre tunnel of cabin. If more lightness is required, one can also request for the air-con to be removed, along with the audio system and floor carpets – to save up to 15 kg of weight. One can even opt for the same carbon fibre race seats first used in the McLaren Senna, weighing just 3.5 kg!
The doors of the Spider differ from those of the coupe. They have no upper carbon fibre frame and are physically smaller and lighter. They require only a single hinge (compared to the coupe’s double hinge fitment). When opened, the Spider’s doors extend further than the coupe’s by 120 mm each side – the only difference in dimensions between the two models.
The interior differences between coupe and Spider are minimal as well. The 765 LT Spider features an extra element of carbon fibre upper trim which ‘flows’ from interior to exterior.
There are two McLaren Special Operation (MSO) packages 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 lightweight options and performance upgrades. These include McLaren Track Telemetry with three cameras, carbon fibre racing seats and brake upgrades featuring carbon ceramic brake discs and bespoke brake pads from the McLaren Senna.
Meanwhile, the MSO LT Black Pack gives the 765LT Spider an even more stealth look, with external components such as the front splitter, rear bumper and diffuser and air intakes finished in gloss black.
GALLERY
