THE most powerful convertible McLaren to date, the 765LT Spider will go from 0 to 100 km / h in 2.8 seconds and leave an approximate half a million dollars in your wallet when it arrives Down Under, though the exact timing isn’t yet is confirmed.
It seems that the 765LT Spider is so attractive that money can’t play a role – especially since the allotment of 765-unit production for 2021 has already been exhausted and 2022 orders also fill out quickly.
The drop-top version of the 765LT (sold out) enjoys the same performance as the Coupé with the same 563 kW / 800 Nm of power achieved thanks to a 4.0-liter V8 with twin turbocharging.
Live in a country with open speed limits and the Spider will take you from standstill to 200 km / h and accelerate to 330 km / h in 7.2 seconds.
The carbon fiber convertible reflects the capabilities of the coupé with no structural compromises – including no additional struts – and only a minimal weight gain of 49 kg.
The retractable hardtop and operating mechanism mean that the 765LT Spider weighs 1,388 kg – 80 kg lighter than a 720S Spider and around 100 kg lighter than its closest comparable competitor.
James Warner, chief engineer at McLaren Automotive, said “the weight delta between the 765LT Coupe and Spider” has been kept to “an absolute minimum”.
“The sophisticated development of the RHT and the lack of stiffening of the chassis make the Spider a real driver’s car in every respect – extremely route-oriented and dynamic on a par with the Coupé,” he said.
Balance the weight against the engine power and the 765LT Spider has a power-to-weight ratio of 440 kW per ton, which McLaren says is a leader in its class for a convertible.
Speaking of the roof: The electrically operated, one-piece carbon retractable hardtop (RHT) can be opened or closed in just 11 seconds and is ready for use at speeds of up to 50 km / h.
Leave the roof up and occupants can still hear the open-air sound of the exhaust thanks to the Spider’s electric rear window.
A four-pipe titanium exhaust system is said to be 40 percent lighter than a steel equivalent with weight-saving measures such as Formula 1-grade transmission materials and thinner glass in the windows and windshield.
The Spider also uses the same carbon fiber aerodynamics package as the Coupe, but adds an active rear wing that is matched to the position of the roof.
According to McLaren, the 765LT Spider generates 25 percent more downforce than a standard 720S Spider.
Remnants of the coupe include improved chassis dynamics with bespoke LT springs and dampers, larger front track, lower front ride height and unique software programming for the coupled Proactive Chassis Control II hydraulic suspension.
It rides on ultra-light, forged 10-spoke alloy wheels that save 22 kg and are wrapped in custom-made Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires.
The comfort and convenience features include a motorsport-inspired interior with carbon racing seats developed from the Senna, a center tunnel made of carbon, a carbon fiber floor and light Alcantara upholstery throughout.
However, air conditioning and audio system are not standard – to save weight – but are available at no extra charge.
The company first adopted the name “Long Tail” about 25 years ago when its ultra-light version of the Le Mans-winning McLaren F1 GTR racing car with a stretched body won the 1997 FIA GT Championship.
McLaren said the principles behind this car, “ultra-light weight, improved aerodynamics, extreme performance and total driver engagement” were revised in 2015 with the 675LT.
“Like its predecessors, the new 765LT Spider remains true to these ‘long tail’ principles and puts the driver at the center of the sensory, dynamic and – especially in this case – acoustic experience Company statement.
