► We take a look at the McLaren 675 LT Spider
► Lighter, harder, faster roadster version is here
► 40kg weight addition, but infinite headroom
1) Flip-top hotshot – having sold all 500 examples of the 675 LT Coupe before production had even started, McLaren has now announced a similarly limited run of 675 LT Spiders. Reinforcing Woking’s plan to establish ‘Longtail’ as its Speciale, these get the same upgraded engine and chassis package, but offer infinite headroom thanks to the retractable roof.
2) Devil’s hairdryer – the roof mechanism adds 40kg to the LT Spider’s weight, bringing it in at 1270kg dry. With 666bhp it matches the Coupe’s 2.9sec 0-62mph but aero disadvantages cost it 0.2sec by the time you hit 124. Still, 8.1sec ain’t slow.
3) Look ma, no bracing – thanks to the immense strength of the MonoCell carbonfibre tub, the Spider requires no additional bracing. But the fresh-air facility means owners won’t be able to spec the titanium roll cage, fire extinguisher and harnesses of the Coupe’s Club Sport Pack option.
4) Longtail loveliness – carbonfibre bodywork, 50% larger airbrake, wider track, 40% increase in downforce and a 100kg weight-saving over the 650S Spider are all included. A polycarbonate engine cover puts the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 on display, while the new 20-spoke alloys are McLaren’s lightest ever. On sale now at £285,540.