Introducing: The Powerful McLaren 675LT

The McLaren 675LT, which debuted in production form at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, is the lightest, most powerful, fastest and most track-focused, yet road legal, model in the McLaren Super Series, and resurrects one of the most revered names in modern-day GT racing – the ‘Longtail’. It is also the most exclusive in the range, with confirmation that 500 coupés will be produced, all of which are now sold. The 675LT, the first McLaren in nearly two decades to wear the LT – or ‘Longtail’ – name, stays true to the spirit of its iconic predecessor with aerodynamically optimized, dramatically enhanced styling that results in 40 percent more down force than the 650S which it sits alongside in the McLaren Super Series.

OneShift Editorial Team

20 Jul 2015

The main focus for the 675LT is to deliver maximum performance, engagement and excitement. To achieve this, weight has been reduced by 100kg through the increased usage of carbon fibre – the signature material of McLaren – and by lighter components throughout, including newly developed suspension geometry derived from the McLaren P1, resulting in an increased track of 20mm. Power of the newly-developed M838TL 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine is 675PS at 7,100rpm, with a torque figure of 700Nm at 5,500-6,500rpm.

These extreme weight saving measures see the 675LT with a dry weight of just 1,230kg, meaning a power-to-weight ratio of 549PS per tonne. The sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) takes 2.9 seconds, with controlled torque delivery ensuring optimized traction off the line. Acceleration continues at relentless pace with the 200 km/h barrier broken in 7.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 330 km/h. Despite these remarkable performance figures, the 675LT returns 24.2 mpg (11.7 l/100 km) on the EU combined cycle, and CO2 emissions remain the same as the other Super Series models, at 275g/km.

The body changes, all driven by aerodynamic needs, increase the design drama. Front ride height is reduced while the track is wider. Handling is optimized through a stiffer and lighter suspension setup, which includes uprights and wishbones derived from those fitted to the McLaren P1. The adjustable suspension settings have been recalibrated, boosting driving engagement, road holding and agility. Standard-fit Ultra Lightweight 10-spoke forged alloy wheels are the lightest design ever offered by McLaren, saving a combined 800g over the lightest wheel design previously offered.

‘The Longtail is a famous name in the history of McLaren, first used on the fastest version of the iconic McLaren F1,’ explains Mike Flewitt, McLaren Automotive Chief Executive Officer. ‘The McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ was the final highly successful iteration of the F1, and it is an appropriate name for the most exhilarating and driver-focused version of the Super Series. The 675LT is the purest distillation of what McLaren stands for – pure driving pleasure.’

The 675LT is offered as a coupe only, and limited to only 500 examples worldwide.

Credits: Oneshift News Team