2019 McLaren 600LT Spider revealed

McLaren’s 600LT has been decapitated to create the 2019 McLaren 600LT Spider, the fifth model to wear the Longtail badge.

With the same 441kW/620Nm twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 as the Coupe and an almost negligible weight penalty thanks to McLaren’s carbon fibre chassis construction, the Spider represents what should be a very capable topless supercar.

13

With a dry weight of 1297kg, McLaren claims the 600LT Spider is only 50kg portlier than the Coupe, putting its kerb weight close to the 1400kg mark and still lighter than the McLaren 720S.

McLaren claims the 600LT Spider will hit 100km/h in the same 2.9 seconds as the Coupe, while 200km/h comes along two tenths after the Coupe at 8.4 seconds, with the same 7-speed dual-clutch providing quick shifts.

McLaren also says it handles as well as its sibling thanks to the construction of its carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis, developed from McLaren’s motorsport experience, which retains the structural rigidity of the roofed car.

The hardtop roof allows the car to be used the same way as a Coupe, while being stowed under a tonneau with the windows down provides a more visceral drive – and better access to the top-mounted exhausts’ soundtrack.

13

McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt says the Spider version of the 600LT adds “a new dimension of excitement” to the top Sports Series model.

“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 50kg 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!”

13

McLaren has used the same rear wing on the Spider as used on the Coupe, but says downforce isn’t penalised and that the Spider still produces 100kg of downforce at 250km/h.

Pirelli P- Zero Trofeo Rs can be found on each wheel, designed specifically for the 600LT, and assisting the 600LT Spider in hitting 324km/h with the roof up, or 315km/h with the cabin opened up.

McLaren says the 600LT Spider is available to order now, though Australian pricing hasn’t been confirmed. Those interested shouldn’t be surprised by a base price north of AUD$500,000.