McLaren extends Longtail series with new 600LT Spider

McLaren has revealed the latest in its line of Longtail vehicles – the 600LT Spider.

It’s the fifth car to receive the Longtail name, and builds on the success of the regular 600LT Coupe.

It’s powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8, but thanks to a weight penalty of just 50kg over the Coupe, it comes close to matching the hardtop’s performance figures.

The sprint to 60mph is identical for both at 2.7 seconds, while hitting 124mph requires just 8.2 seconds – only 0.2 seconds slower than the Coupe. Flat-out, it will do 201mph.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, while the engine’s cooling system has been uprated to produce more power. In total, it pushes out 592bhp.

The roof is electronically operated, and can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 25mph. To help reduce cabin buffeting, an electrically-operated glazed wind deflector can be raised or lowered independently of the roof.

Mike Flewitt, chief executive officer for McLaren Automotive, said: “The McLaren 600LT Spider adds a new dimension of excitement to the most extreme model in the Sports Series family, while losing none of the Longtail focus.”

As standard, the 600LT Spider receives carbon-fibre racing seats as found on the P1 hypercar – though super-lightweight versions designed for the range-topping Senna are also available.

The 600LT Spider will be hand-assembled at McLaren’s production centre in Woking, Surrey, and is available to order now. Prices start at £201,500.