We were starting to worry about the chaps from Woking, home of McLaren. It’s been at least a few weeks since a new model was launched. Thankfully, it seems business has resumed as the McLaren 765LT Spider made its public debut today. Now that  the fixed-top version is sold out, McLaren will produce 765 individually numbered Spider examples. Check out more recent McLaren news here.

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“As we continue to build the LT sub-brand with the introduction of the new 765LT Spider, it’s clear that our customers are increasingly attracted to the Longtail supercar proposition of exhilarating, extreme performance and limited availability. With all 765 examples of the 765LT coupe sold, it’s no surprise that as we publicly announce our new LT Spider, production capacity for 2021 is already filled,” Mike Flewitt, CEO, McLaren Automotive.

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Drop-top

The McLaren 765LT Spider brings all the drama of the LT Coupe to a sun-seeking audience. This new car features an electrically operated, one-piece carbon fibre hard-top that lowers or raises in just 11 seconds, at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Thanks to the carbon-fibre tub that all McLaren road cars are based on there isn’t any need for additional bracing. 

Read our Audi R8 Spyder V10 review at this link.

At 1 388 kg the Spider weighs just 49 kg more than the coupe. The bulk of that mass will be the actuators and motors required to raise and lower the roof. To achieve that mass McLaren deletes the air-conditioning and audio system, but both can be specified at no additional cost.

Under that engine cover is the same 4,0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 motor. As the name denotes it produces 765PS of power or 563 kW (in new money) along with 800 N.m of torque. The motor sings its tune through a quad-exit, full titanium exhaust system. Power is still fed to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

McLaren says the 765LT transmission is optimised for acceleration, with in-gear acceleration up to 15 per cent quicker than 720S. Acceleration numbers are staggering with 0-100 km/h taking just 2,8 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7,2 seconds. McLaren says it’ll blitz the quarter-mile in ten seconds flat and has a top speed of 330 km/h.

Check out how quick a Porsche 911 Turbo S is at sea level by clicking here.

Track focused

But, as the LT suffix was derived from the race-winning McLaren F1 supercar, the 765LT isn’t just about going fast in a straight line. The McLaren 765LT has the same carbon fibre aerodynamic package as the coupe. This includes the front splitter and front floor, side skirts, front and rear bumper and rear diffuser. In this version the active rear wing has been calibrated for roof up/roof down positions.

Other areas of enhancement include bespoke LT springs and dampers, increased front track width, lower front ride height and unique software programming for the Proactive Chassis Control II suspension. It also has 10-spoke ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels and bespoke Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres.