Light, powerful and fast

The McLaren 675LT, which made its global debut at the 85th International Geneva Motor Show, will be the lightest, most powerful and fastest model in the McLaren Super Series.

Partly-owned by Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, it will also be the British car company’s most exclusive too … production will be strictly limited to just 500 examples worldwide available for just under BD150,000 each.

The limited production model has a clear focus on light weight, optimised aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement. At its core is the carbon fibre MonoCell chassis, shared with each model in the Super Series, but the chassis set up and powertrain are bespoke, with a third of overall parts and components modified.

A more aggressive set-up gives the 675LT a unique track-focused feel, while still retaining the adjustable ProActive Chassis Control to ensure drivability and comfort levels are maintained.

One of the many updates featured on the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ was a wider track, front and rear. This approach is echoed in the 675LT, with the front and rear track widened by 20mm, ensuring optimised stability and handling performance.

Lightweight springs front and rear have been stiffened – 27 per cent at the front and 63 per cent at the rear – to improve body control and allow for the 40 per cent increase in down-force generated by the revised bodywork and active aerodynamics.

Newly-developed suspension geometry includes lightweight uprights and wishbones based on the learnings from the McLaren P1. This is coupled with a faster steering rack to give a more extreme driver-focused experience, its designers say.

The obsession with weight saving sees the 675LT tip the scales at just 1,230kg (dry weight), making it the lightest model in the already lightweight Super Series, with a saving of more than 100kg.

This has been achieved with the use of lighter weight components. For example, the changes to the car’s glazing alone save 4.5kg with a thinner windscreen and rear bulkhead glass, and replacing the engine cover with motorsport-style polycarbonate.

The 675LT uses the familiar seven-speed SSG transmission found in the other Super Series models, retaining the Normal, Sport or Track modes. These settings have been recalibrated to produce more eager performance, with optimised throttle response and gearshifts up to twice as fast as previously offered.

The newly developed ‘Ignition Cut’ technology is a technique adopted from Formula 1 which sees a momentary cut of the fuel spark on gearshift. This delivers the fastest change possible, and is accompanied by a dramatic aural ‘crack’ on both upshift and downshift. Also debuting on the 675LT is an all-new Electronic Stability Control (ESC) calibration, giving the driver an even greater level of control over the throttle and brake inputs.

The 675LT unveiled to world’s automotive media gathered in Geneva was finished in the newly-launched Chicane Grey, showcasing the McLaren Club Sport pack. This option, priced at £5,090 (BD 2,886) for the UK market, is designed with an even greater focus on track driving, and includes titanium roll hoop with four point harnesses and a fire extinguisher.

Deliveries of the limited edition McLaren 675LT, priced from £259,500 (BD 147,125) will commence from July.