The McLaren 765LT Spider

Renowned worldwide for the exclusive, luxury, high-performance supercars on which it has built its reputation over the past decade, McLaren Automotive recently revealed another landmark model: the 765LT Spider, McLaren’s most powerful-ever convertible supercar. 

The new Spider brings the highest-ever levels of driver engagement to the McLaren LT experience. It complements the sold-out 765LT ‘Longtail’ coupe unveiled last year.

The 765LT Spider has all of the class-leading abilities of the coupe. It has been engineered with the other core attributes intrinsic to any McLaren Longtail. These include minimised weight, track-focused dynamics and optimised aerodynamics. It also meets the LT demand for exclusivity: just 765 cars will be available globally for customer orders.

The Spider carries over the coupe’s dynamic and aerodynamic DNA with no structural compromise. The 765LT Spider weighs in at just 1,388kg (DIN weight). The minimal 49kg weight increase is primarily from the retractable hardtop and accompanying operating mechanism. It is 80kg lighter than a 720S Spider and circa 100kg lighter than its closest comparable competitor.

The Retractable Hard Top

The electrically operated, one-piece carbon fibre Retractable Hard Top (RHT) enables open-top motoring in just 11 seconds. It operates at speeds of up to 50km/h. The dramatic soundtrack of the quad-exit titanium exhaust system in the cabin takes driver engagement into another dimension.

“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,” says Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive.

The MonoCage II-S

Three compelling factors enhance the immense performance and dynamic prowess of the new Spider – already proven in the 765LT coupe. Firstly, the stability of its MonoCage II-S structure. Secondly, the game-changing design of its one-piece Retractable Hard Top roof. And lastly, the ongoing determination of McLaren engineers to pursue the company’s philosophy of super-lightweight engineering.

They have called the Spider version of the carbon fibre MonoCage II “MonoCage II-S”. McClaren developed it alongside the coupe monocoque and it shares most of the structural elements, including the windscreen surround. The strength and stiffness of the structure obviate the need for additional bracing over the coupe – another weight-optimising factor. At the rear of the car, carbon fibre structural supports bond fully into the chassis to provide rollover protection.

The convertible roof design plays an integral role in the structure. The carbon fibre frame within the Retractable Hard Top panel creates a full carbon fibre shell when closed. There are also additional comfort benefits for occupants. The fact that it is a single-piece panel with no central seal means improved headroom. The extended length of the roof panel allows the tops of the A-pillars to be further forward. This enhances the sense of space and eases ingress and egress.

Dynamics

Like every LT, the new Spider excels on the track. However, the extra dimension of theatre and drama offered by the convertible roof makes it an even more immersive and compelling car to drive on the road.

The Spider boasts the same highly evolved aerodynamic package as the coupe, with a few minor adjustments. McLaren revised the active rear wing calibration to reflect whether the roof is up or down. They also recalibrated the dampers to account for the minor increase in weight. The Spider matches the coupe’s outstanding aero performance in every respect, with class-leading downforce 25% greater than that of a 720S Spider.

McLaren 765LT Spider Performance

Performance is ferocious. 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 the lightest dry weight – and 800Nm of torque. Revised transmission gear ratios deliver 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 0-100km/h time often seen as a benchmark figure is 2.8 seconds (0-60mph in 2.7 seconds), with 0-200km/h (124mph) taking 7.2 seconds. The new LT Spider takes 10.0 seconds to cover 400m (¼ mile) from standstill and the car’s maximum speed is 330km/h (205mph).

 “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 also be enjoyed with the retractable roof in place,” says Jamie Corstorphine, Director of Product Strategy, McLaren Automotive.

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. The McLaren 765LT Spider can be yours from just £310,500. McLaren has limited availability to just 765 cars for customer orders worldwide, with 2021 production already all sold.

For more information visit: https://cars.mclaren.com/en/super-series/765lt.