The Limited Production McLaren 675LT Is Light, Fast and Devilishly Powerful

The McLaren 675LT, which made its global debut today at the 85th International Geneva Motor Show, will be the lightest, most powerful and fastest model in the McLaren Super Series, and also the most exclusive, with production strictly limited to just 500 examples worldwide.

The 675LT model is clearly focused on light weight, optimized aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement. At its core is a lightweight carbon fiber 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 very 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 tracks each widened by 20mm, ensuring optimized stability and handling performance. Lightweight springs front and rear have been stiffened (27% at the front and 63% at the rear) to improve body control and allow for the 40% 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.

The obsession with weight saving sees the 675LT tip the scales at just 2,711 pounds (dry weight), making it the lightest model in the already lightweight Super Series, with a saving of more than 220lbs. This has been achieved with the use of lighter weight components. For example, the changes to the car’s glazing alone save 9.9lbs with a thinner windscreen and rear bulkhead glass, along with replacing the engine cover with motorsport-style polycarbonate.

The 675LT uses the familiar 7-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 optimized 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 calibration, giving the driver an even greater level of control over the throttle and brake inputs.

The limited edition McLaren 675LT, unveiled to world’s automotive media gathered in Geneva finished in the newly launched Chicane Grey, is available to order from all McLaren Retailers, priced from $349,500 in North America. Deliveries will start in July 2015.