McLAREN 600LT SPIDER LONGTAIL CONVERTIBLE
- New 600LT Spider combines acclaimed track-honed dynamic excellence of 600LT Coupé with added exhilaration of open-air driving
- Third model under the £1.2bn McLaren Automotive Track25 business plan and fifth car to carry the Longtail (LT) name
- Maintains McLaren Longtail ethos of increased power, reduced weight, optimized aerodynamics, absolute driver engagement, track-focused dynamics and limited availability
- Top-exit exhausts introduced with Coupé also feature on Spider, further amplifying aural and visual excitement, especially when the roof or rear window are down
- At least 176.4lbs lighter than competition, with just 110.2lbs premium over 600LT Coupé for lightest dry weight of 2,859.4lbs; no additional strengthening required to maintain full structural rigidity
- 220.5lbs weight reduction over 570S Spider at DIN weight evidences determination to minimize weight of an LT model, benefitting dynamic finesse and overall performance
- 592bhp and 457lb ft of torque from 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine; power-to-weight ratio of 457bhp/ton at lightest dry weight underpins remarkable performance
- Acceleration on par with 600LT Coupé: 0-60mph identical at 2.8 seconds; 0-124mph in 8.4 seconds is just 0.2 seconds slower. Top speed of 201mph
- Bespoke Pirelli P Zero™ Trofeo R tires for track-focused dynamics and enhanced engagement
- Limited volume; all cars hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey, England
- Available to order now; priced from $256,500 (USD)
McLaren Automotive today releases first images and details of the third new model in its £1.2bn Track25 business plan – the McLaren 600LT Spider. The fifth car to carry the Longtail name, the new convertible fully embodies the McLaren Longtail philosophy of increased power, reduced weight, optimized aerodynamics, track-focused dynamics and limited availability. In addition, it brings a new dimension of excitement over the 600LT Coupé, without compromise to the dynamic purity of the most performance-focused car in the Sports Series line-up: a retractable hardtop to give the choice of open-air driving.
“The McLaren 600LT Spider adds a new dimension of excitement to the most extreme model in the Sports Series family, while losing none of the Longtail focus. Taking full advantage of the strength of the carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis has ensured that the new Spider has dynamic abilities and performance on par with the 600LT Coupé, for a weight premium of just 110.2lbs and with no additional structural strengthening required. In addition to our weight advantage over competitors, we have also retained the top-exit exhausts that debuted on the Coupé – and I’m pleased to report that they sound and look even better with the roof or rear window of the Spider lowered!”
Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive
Like its 600LT Coupé sibling, the Spider records a significant weight saving over the model on which it is based, with McLaren’s engineers achieving a reduction of 220.5lbs* at DIN weight over the 570S Spider. Furthermore, thanks to its lightweight but incredibly strong carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis, the convertible 600LT retains the structural rigidity of the Coupé with none of the strengthening that is usually required with conventional steel or aluminum structures. The result is a weight penalty of only 110.2lbs over the Coupé, which contributes to a lightest dry weight of just 2,859.4lbs for the Spider. This is at least 176.4lbs less than any direct competitor and the equivalent power-to-weight ratio of 457bhp-per-ton underpins astonishing levels of performance and dynamic prowess.
Enhancing the Sports Series Longtail experience with open-air motoring is as easy as pushing a button to lower or raise the three-piece, powered retractable hardtop roof at speeds of up to 25mph. With the roof lowered, occupants benefit not only from wind in their hair, but also the memorable aural and visual drama provided by the top-exit exhausts that are unique to the 600LT. An electrically-operated, glazed wind deflector can be activated independently of the hardtop, to reduce buffeting or increase ventilation – or simply to allow more of the exhaust sound into the cabin.
Incorporating technology proven in the 650S, 675LT and 570S Spiders, the hardtop roof is more secure and wear-resistant than a fabric alternative would be, as well as offering Coupé-like cabin refinement when in the raised position. Equally importantly, it allowed McLaren’s design team to maintain the focused design language and silhouette of the 600LT Coupé. When lowered, the roof stows elegantly with the assistance of soft-close technology beneath a tonneau cover located behind the seats; with the roof raised, this tonneau storage area provides an additional 1.8 cubic feet of luggage space.
The 600LT Spider benefits from the same portfolio of performance enhancements that has proved irresistible to 600LT Coupé buyers. The electronic control systems of the twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V8 engine have been revised, the cooling system uprated and the shorter exhausts tuned to liberate more power. The engine produces the same 592bhp and 457lb ft of torque in the Spider as it does in the Coupé.
The uprated powertrain enables the driver to exploit the 600LT Spider’s carbon fibre monocoque chassis to the full, aided by a dual-clutch, Seamless Shift seven-speed Gearbox (SSG) that features Ignition Cut in Sport mode to facilitate faster changes whilst delivering a dramatic aural crack from the top-exit exhausts, plus Inertia Push in Track mode to optimize acceleration. The 600LT Spider will reach 60mph from a standstill in 2.8 seconds, with 124mph achieved in just 8.4 seconds – a near-indistinguishable 0.2 seconds slower than the Coupé. The maximum speed is 201mph with the roof raised, or 196mph with it lowered.
Performance is further enhanced by the lightweight carbon fibre bodywork that creates the Longtail silhouette and the same design of fixed rear wing as the Coupé which – despite the aerodynamic challenges posed by a convertible body – generates the same 220.5lbs of downforce at 155mph. Ultra-precise, track-focused handling is supported by a forged aluminum double-wishbone suspension system with recalibrated dampers, firmer engine mounts and a lightweight braking system. The 600LT Spider is fitted with bespoke, track-focused Pirelli P- Zero™ Trofeo R tires and the driving experience is further enhanced with quicker steering and sharpened responses from throttle and brake pedals.
Lowering the roof of the 600LT Spider showcases the performance-orientated interior, which features lightweight Alcantara® trim and Carbon Fibre Racing Seats from the McLaren P1™ as standard. The Super-Lightweight Carbon Fibre Racing Seats designed for the McLaren Senna are available as an option, either on their own or within the MSO Clubsport Pack. Further weight-saving options and measures – including deletion of the audio and climate control systems – are available to buyers determined to shave off every kilogram possible.
The new 600LT Spider is the fifth model to carry the coveted LT badge, joining the illustrious bloodline that began in 1997 with the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’, of which only a development prototype and nine examples were built. Victorious in five of the 11 rounds of the 1997 FIA GT Championship, the original Longtail also finished first and second in the GT1 class at Le Mans, almost 30 laps ahead of the opposition. McLaren Automotive revived the legendary Longtail name at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show, with the launch of the 675LT Coupé, a limited-volume model that rapidly sold out. In response to customer demand, a 675LT Spider followed, all 500 examples of which were sold within two weeks. The fourth model to bear the Longtail name, the 600LT Coupé, was revealed in July 2018 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and has since been hailed by critics as one of the finest cars in its class – an accolade that will now be challenged by its new Spider sibling.
Like the Coupé, availability of the 600LT Spider will be limited, with build slots scheduled around other Sports and Super Series models. Available to order now from McLaren retailers, each car will be hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey, England.
The 600LT Spider is priced from $256,500 (USD).
*220.5lbs difference is with optional MSO Clubsport Pack, comprising Super Lightweight Carbon Fibre Racing Seats; Carbon Fibre Interior Upgrade; MSO Defined Gloss Visual Carbon Fibre Front Fender Louvres; Titanium Wheel Bolts. Pack is priced at $22,090 (USD).
- MSO Bespoke expression of the fifth chapter of the Longtail to debut at the Geneva Motor Show
- Exterior in MSO Bespoke Dove Grey contrasted by highlights in Napier Green, one of the original colors for the McLaren 675LT
- Exterior accents applied using new technique derived from GT race cars by McLaren
As the new McLaren 600LT Spider enters production, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) is aiming to inspire prospective owners at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show with a specially curated design, adding visual excitement in the form of an accented bespoke treatment in a tribute to the car’s 675LT predecessor.
The Geneva Motor Show car has been designed by MSO to demonstrate how the 592bhp (600PS) convertible can match its single-minded dynamic purpose – shouting to the world through its top-exit exhausts – with a truly individual look that accentuates all the design elements that distinguish a Longtail from other Sports Series variants. With all 600LTs hand-assembled and available only for a limited time, MSO is providing owners with the opportunity to commission a car that will remain not just rare but unique.
The McLaren 600LT Spider by MSO combines colors, finishes and materials that express in heightened form the drama of the 600LT’s aerodynamically-optimized body. The latest MSO creation follows in a tradition of spectacular MSO Bespoke supercars that have made their debut in Geneva over the past few years.
The car’s striking color palette centers on a Dove Grey body with flashes of Napier Green outlining key design elements of the Longtail concept, from the more pronounced front splitter to the larger rear diffuser. Dove Grey, a solid color to save weight, provides the perfect canvas on which the shimmering metallic Napier Green accents can stand out. The choice of Napier Green provides a link back to the 600LT’s predecessor, the 675LT, for which Napier Green was one of the original hues. It has been available only as an MSO Bespoke color since then.
In a first for McLaren road cars, the Napier Green accents are applied using a new technique that sees the paint applied onto a light and flexible film which ensures a premium quality bespoke color match. The film has previously been used on McLaren 720S GT3 and 570S GT4 race cars and this application typifies MSO’s commitment to new and innovative techniques. The contrast-color film will be available as a bespoke option in the future.
For the 600LT Spider, the film is applied to the splitter, sills and door inserts as well as the rear diffuser, where the four outer vertical ribs create a highly distinctive look.
The car features the full suite of carbon fibre options, including the MSO Defined Visual Carbon Fibre Front Fender Louvres, the ‘gills’ that have rapidly become one of the most popular options for the 600LT. In another homage to the 675LT, all the Visual Carbon Fibre exterior elements feature a satin finish. The retractable hard-top is MSO Bespoke Carbon Black while the 10-spoke Ultra Lightweight forged alloy wheels have a gloss black finish.
Napier Green is the MSO Bespoke choice for the brake calipers and this provides the inspiration for contrasting stitching and the 12 o’clock mark on the steering wheel inside the cabin. Unique among Sports Series models, the 600LT is also optionally equipped with super-lightweight carbon fibre racing seats, originally developed for the McLaren Senna.
MSO Bespoke additions on show include 600LT headrest embroidery, Alcantara® headlining and steering wheel and a range of MSO ‘surprise and delight’ features for owners to find. These include an accelerator pedal etched with 600LT branding and an MSO dedication plaque.
In addition, the car has been equipped with many of the most popular features from across the Sports Series range including carbon fibre interior upgrade with interior components, door inserts and tunnel sides trimmed in the material, and McLaren Track Telemetry (MTT) with lap time function and three cameras.
Like any Longtail, the 600LT Spider by MSO has been honed for track driving with increased power, reduced weight and optimized aerodynamics for absolute driver engagement, attributes inherited without compromise from the 600LT Coupe.
Endowed with 592bhp from its 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the 600LT Spider is lighter than any rival ensuring remarkable performance, with 0-60mph available in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 201mph with the retractable hard-top in place. With the roof open, top speed falls by just 5mph while the driver’s connection with the car at any speed is made all the more visceral by the V8 engine’s top-exit dual exhausts close behind the occupants’ heads.
“Almost half of 600LT Coupé buyers have benefitted from MSO’s services, so it makes perfect sense to curate our own 600LT Spider to mark its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Our design team relished the opportunity to accentuate the 600LT’s cutting-edge looks and with painstaking attention to detail, including the use of innovative materials, we’ve showcased our craftsmanship too. Few cars deserve MSO’s personalization more than a McLaren Longtail and we can help our clients realize their visions with a car of their own making.”
Ansar Ali, Managing Director, McLaren Special Operations.
Prospective McLaren owners can also employ MSO’s expertise to craft their perfect car, but spend too long pondering your 600LT Spider and you may miss out completely. McLaren is building the 600LT Spider for a limited time only.
