Nearly half a year ago when McLaren Automotive unveiled the McLaren 600LT Coupe, the British carmaker is now introducing a version that lets its passengers enjoy the thrill of an open-air drive through track-like performance. The new McLaren 600LT Spider is the latest Longtail model and the third model under McLaren Automotive’s £1.2-billion Track25 business plan.
The new McLaren 600LT Spider is also effectively the fifth car donning the Longtail (LT) name, after the McLaren 600LT Coupe, McLaren 675LT Coupe, McLaren 675LT Spider and the McLaren F1 GTR racer Longtail. Just like these Longtail models, the 600LT Spider offers higher levels of power and aerodynamics, lower weight, greater degree of driver engagement and track-focused dynamics. Likewise, the 600LT Spider is available in limited numbers.
In terms of looks, the McLaren 600LT Spider is a twin of the 600LT Coupe, with the only difference being the absence of the fixed roof. But that doesn’t mean that the driver and the passenger won't be protected from the elements. This is because the 600LT Spider is provided with a three-piece, powered retractable hardtop roof, which can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 25 mph with a single push of a button. The overall roof mechanism makes the 600LT Spider to weigh 110.2 lbs more than the 600LT Coupe, for a dry weight of 2,859.4 lbs.
Just like the McLaren 600LT Coupe, the 600LT Spider is based from the McLaren 570S, more specifically the 570S Spider version. Compared to the 570S Spider, the 600LT Spider is around 220.5 lbs liter (DIN weight).
The power level of the McLaren 600LT Spider is at par with the 600LT Coupe, as they are both powered by a recalibrated 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that could provide 600 PS (592 hp) of max output as well as 620 Nm (457 lb.-ft.) of peak torque. With power-to-weight ratio of 457bhp/ton, the new 600LT Spider is able to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.9 seconds. The new 600LT Spider can also achieve a top speed of 201 mph when the roof is raised, or 198 mph when it is lowered.
Inside, the new McLaren 600LT Spider reveals a cabin laden as standard with lightweight Alcantara trim and Carbon Fibre Racing Seats from the McLaren P1. The 600LT Spider could be optionally availed with the Super-Lightweight Carbon Fibre Racing Seats designed for the McLaren Senna. If they want, customers may delete the audio and climate control systems.
The new McLaren 600LT Spider will be hand-produced in limited numbers at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey, England, with build slots scheduled around other Sports and Super Series models. Interested buyers should have at least $256,500 to be able to afford the new 600LT Spider.