McLaren has announced full details of the new 600LT Spider, following a brief teaser earlier this month.
Becoming the fifth McLaren model to wear the renowned Longtail badge, this new LT joins forebearers like the Le Mans-winning F1 GTR. MR’s very own Tim Pitt pronounced the 600LT Coupe as the best driver’s car of 2018, meaning this Spider version has serious expectations to meet.
The 600LT Spider also marks an important milestone for McLaren, becoming the third car under its £1.2billion ‘Track25’ business plan. Augmented technology and hybrid power are key to Track25, but for now it’s all about the new uncompromising Spider.
No compromises with unlimited headroom
Following the formula established by recent Longtail family members, the 600LT Spider reduces weight and adds power over the 570S Spider on which it is based.
Like the Coupe version, the twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 produces 600hp, with an accompanying 457lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch ‘SSG’ transmission channels power to the real wheels, with even faster shifts with ‘Sport’ mode engaged.
Despite an additional 50kg in weight compared to the fixed-roof Coupe version, a total kerb weight of 1,297kg means those going topless will not lose out on performance. A 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds for the Spider is identical to the Coupe, whilst 0-124mph is just 0.2 seconds slower at 8.4 seconds.
With the retractable roof raised, top speed is a more than sufficient 201mph. Leave the top down and you’ll be pegged to ‘just’ 196mph. Both figures are achingly close to the 204mph terminal velocity of the Coupe.
Top-exit exhausts shoot for the sky
Just like the Coupe model, the 600LT Spider has the same impressive top-exit exhaust system aiming for the heavens. However, McLaren Chief Executive Mike Flewitt is happy to confirm that “they sound and look even better with the roof or rear window of the Spider lowered!”
The roof can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 25mph, with McLaren stating the solid three-piece construction allows it to be more secure at speed than a fabric alternative. More impressive is that the 600LT Spider requires no additional strengthening compared to the Coupe model.
Going roofless has also meant no compromises when it comes to track-focussed aerodynamics. Carbon fibre bodywork, and an identical fixed rear wing, means the Spider generates the same 100kg of downforce at 155mph as the Coupe.
How extreme do you want to go?
Opting for the Spider does not mean any compromise when it comes to interior options. Customers can choose to remove the sound system and climate control, helping save additional weight.
Buyers can also specify the Super-Lightweight carbon fibre seats as offered in the McLaren Senna. Even leaving the standard seats in place means sitting in ones initially designed for the P1 hypercar – hardly a poor compromise.
As with other McLaren products, the choice to go wild with the options list will also be available. The MSO Clubsport package can be added, bringing in more carbon fibre components.
Act now, supplies are running out!
Demand for previous Longtail McLarens has been unprecedented, with the 675LT Coupe and Spider models selling out within two weeks. Even with a starting price of £201,500, there seems little chance of the 600LT Spider not following the same trend.
Numbers built will be limited, with build slots planned around production of regular Sports and Super Series cars. The time to start hassling your closest McLaren is now if you want a chance of grabbing one.
Whether you are thinking of placing an order, or just dreaming, the online configurator is now live for the 600LT Spider. Be sure to share your own custom creations with us below!