New McLaren 765LT Spider revealed

McLaren has revealed the much-anticipated 765LT Spider, which the firm claims is the fastest convertible it has ever produced and offers the "highest-ever levels of driver engagement" for a model in its line-up of track-focused ‘Longtail’ models.

• McLaren 765LT Spider powered by a 765hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8

• Roof can be raised or lowered in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50kph

• 765LT Spider is 49kg heavier than the Coupe but, 80kg lighter than the 720S Spider

McLaren 765LT Spider: engine

The new drop-top is based on the Coupe version of the Woking firm’s flagship Super Series model; it shares that car’s 765hp and 800Nm tune of McLaren’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, driven through a 7-speed sequential gearbox. As with the sold-out Coupe, the 765LT Spider will be limited to 765 units, with prices starting from £3,10,500 (around Rs 3.2 crore). McLaren claims the 765LT Spider is capable of 0-100kph in 2.8sec and 0-200kph in 7.2sec, both of which match the coupe version.

McLaren 765LT Spider: roof mechanism

The 765LT Spider is a lighter, sharper and more focused version of the convertible version of the 720S. Its retractable hard top – which can be raised or lowered in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50kph – makes it 49kg heavier than the Coupe, but at 1,388kg, it is still 80kg lighter than the 720S Spider. As with all McLaren LT models, the new car makes extensive use of carbon fibre to reduce weight where possible.

The single-piece convertible roof features a carbon-fibre frame with a noise-reducing foam core built in, which McLaren claims creates a full carbon shell when closed. The resulting lack of central seal has allowed the firm to improve headroom and extend the roof panel, allowing the A-pillars to be pushed further forward. The folding system is powered by eight electrical motors, and McLaren claims occupants will experience a sound no louder than 60dBA while in use.

The rear window is lowered by a separate motor, which allows it to be lowered independently of the roof, allowing users to hear the note of the quad titanium exhaust system.

McLaren 765LT Spider: exterior design and body

The 765LT Spider features the same aerodynamic carbon-fibre bodywork as the Coupe version, including a front splitter and bumper, lower door blades and side skirts, and a wraparound rear bumper. The convertible retains the active ‘Longtail’ rear wing; although, this has been recalibrated from the Coupe model to optimise performance with the Spider’s roof up and down, and account for the car’s revised rear profile.

The 765LT Spider uses McLaren’s Monocage II-S structure, which is identical to the one used for the Coupe, save for an extra carbon-fibre upper structure around the engine bay, and two new structural supports bonded into the chassis to add rollover protection.

McLaren 765LT Spider: interior

Other design features from the Coupe remain, including the lightweight cockpit design with carbon-fibre, Alcantara-covered race seats, door nets in place of pockets. The floor carpet, air-conditioning and audio system have all been removed to save weight; although, as with the Coupe, the latter two are offered as options.

As with the Coupe, the Spider features McLaren’s Active Dynamics Panel, with three settings for the transmission and suspension. The doors of the Spider do not feature an upper carbon-fibre frame, so they are smaller and lighter than those on the Coupe, requiring only a single hinge to operate.

McLaren 765LT Spider: optional extras

McLaren’s Special Operation division will also offer a range of personalisation options for the new model, including a Clubsport Pack that features further weight reductions, including carbon ceramic brakes and a track telemetry systems. An LT Black Pack features exterior design details finished in gloss black.

McLaren in India

Earlier this year, McLaren finally confirmed its entry into the Indian market. The British supercar maker has appointed the Infinity Group as dealer partners and official aftersales support, and will offer the GT, the 720S Coupe, the 720S Spider and the Artura in India. Ex-showroom prices for these aforementioned models have also been revealed.