McLaren 675LT revealed

The McLaren 675LT has been revealed prior to its debut at the Geneva motor show. This is a lighter and more powerful version of the 650S. The LT, in the coupé-only 675LT's name, refers to its long-tail aerodynamic design, something first used on the 1997 F1 Longtail.

The 675LT features a more powerful and significantly modified 666bhp version of the 650S’s twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8. McLaren says 50 percent of the parts in the V8 engine are new, including new turbos, new camshafts and connecting rods, a faster-flowing fuel pump and delivery system, and detail changes to the cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds. Power rises 25bhp over the 650S to 666bhp, while torque is up from 69.1kgm in the 650S to 71.33kgm in the 675LT. Like the 650S, the engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Extensive use of carbonfibre for the bodywork and aerodynamic features, and other lightweight elements in the engine, chassis and body, give the 675LT a dry weight of 1230kg, which is 100kg less than that of the 650S. As a result, the power-to-weight ratio has improved from the 650S’s 493bhp per tonne to 541bhp per tonne in the 675LT. The combination of lighter weight and new engine outputs result in a 0-100kph time for the rear-drive 675LT of 2.9sec, and a top speed of 330kph.

The 675LT’s look is significantly altered and reprofiled from that of the 650S, sporting many aerodynamic features and more aggressive style overall. The Longtail Airbrake is a key part of the new design, being 50 percent larger than on the 650S. Other new features are the polycarbonate rear screen, the carbonfibre rear wings and twin circular exhaust pipes made from titanium. The new rear bumper and diffuser are both made from carbonfibre. At the front, there is a larger carbonfibre splitter and new front bumper design aimed at improving cooling and downforce, channelling the air to the rear of the car through several aerodynamic features.

The interior of the car is yet to be revealed, but the sportscar manufacturer has promised a driver-focused interior with P1-inspired lightweight carbonfibre bucket seats wrapped in Alcantara leather.