McLaren Unleashes The 765LT Spider, Its Most Powerful Convertible Yet!

McLaren has unleashed its most powerful convertible till date. Called the 765LT Spider, it’s based on the same genes as the 720S Spider, and yet is lighter, faster, and more fun-to-drive.

This, of course, was achieved by shaving weight. Tipping the scales at 1388kg (dry), the 765LT Spider is lighter than the 720S by 80kg, but heavier than the 765LT coupe by 49kg. This is courtesy McLaren’s carbon fibre MonoCage, and the use of titanium in certain components. Also on offer is a thinner windscreen and side windows, lighter wheels, and suspension components keeping the weight in check.   

Then there’s the single-piece carbon fibre roof (again lighter and stronger) that can be dropped or raised in 11 seconds at speeds up to 50kmph. And McLaren’s weight saving strategy doesn’t stop there. The super carmaker has removed the floor carpet, infotainment system and air-conditioning unit to save nearly 14 kilos. But these can be fitted back in at no extra cost if you wish. 

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So what does this result in? Quicker acceleration times, of course. With an increased power output of 765PS from the 4-litre twin-turbo V8 (same as the 720S), the 765LT Spider can do 0-100kmph in just 2.8 seconds. Keep the throttle pinned for another 4.4 seconds and the speedo will cross the 200kmph mark. The gearbox, which is tuned to shift faster, helps offer better performance. 

To cope up with the added grunt, the 765LT is more aerodynamic than the 720S, with the elongated Longtail active rear wing being the key factor. The driver can further improve the downforce by selecting the ‘Driver Downforce’, which adjusts the wing’s angle based on the speed. It’s also 57mm longer and 5mm lower than the 720S.

 

The lack of a proper roof in convertibles means they are always subjected to slightly poor structural rigidity. But McLaren claims the strength and stiffness of the structure is very much similar to the 765LT coupe and no additional bracing is required. This should result in an aggressive handling car around the circuit, considering its genes are from the brilliant 765LT. 

Additional performance needs better braking capabilities and as standard, the 765LT comes with carbon ceramic brakes. But if you still need better stopping performance, customers can opt for the Senna’s carbon ceramic brakes that claim to offer four times better performance than the standard package. 

 

This, in fact, is one brilliant piece of engineering built to offer intense driving pleasure. If you want one of these, we suggest you to be quick, as only 765 units will ever be built.