Sign up for the MCLAREN SPIDER 600LT when it arrives in the USA!
- The McLaren 600LT Spider performs at the same level as the 600LT Coupe.
- Pirelli’s P Zero Trofeo tires improve on-track dynamics, driver engagement and tire performance.
- The 600LT Spider was the fifth McLaren car to bear McLaren’s Longtail (LT).
When a press release begins with an apology from a company, you know it’s not good news. For example: “While all limited-volume McLaren 600LT coupes have been allocated. . . We can take comfort in the fact that we could not have afforded to buy it. Probably. McLaren still gives us another chance to redeem ourselves! Customers who want to order one of McLaren’s signature LT model can still place an order for the new 600LT Spider.
McLaren’s original words. Sign me up!
Blowing Off Your Hat
The 600LT Spider, or drop-top, is the version of the 600LT Coupe. (The British insist that you pronounce it “kooPAY” but I say “coop”). The Spider is a drop-top version of the 600LT Coupe. (The British insist you pronounce it kooPAY, but I still say coop.) This is a nice and reserved way to say that this car can blow you away at 200 mph. It’s not surprising that a magazine like Nobleman Magazine would name you as an Automobile All-Star, and the Best Track Car, if you are a company better known for racing cars than building street cars.
Work for me.
McLaren 600LT Spider. Photo: McLaren Automotive.
A hair dryer that is impressive: Meet McLaren 600LT spider.
Track Mentality
The 600LT Spider embodies the Longtail (that’s the LT) philosophy, which is to increase power, reduce weight, optimize aerodynamics and keep the availability limited. All of this combines to create a very attractive and desirable car. The 600LT Spider is built on the same Monocell II carbon fiber chassis as the Coupe. Carbon fiber bodywork is used to improve performance and reduce weight. It looks good. The rear fixed wing enhances the Longtail silhouette. The rear wing does more than just look good. It produces 220.5 lbs. At 155 mph, the rear wing produces 220.5 lbs.
It’s the same as having a fat man sitting on your rear decklid but without the obvious aero penalty.
The chassis was so rigid and well-designed that McLaren did not need to add any bracing when they removed the roof. The roof is a retractable three-piece deal that can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 25 mph. This feature is a bonus in terms of style.
McLaren 600LT Spider uses a double wishbone suspension made of aluminum to stabilize the car in corners. Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Sharp & Crisp
The 600LT Spider uses the same engine as the Coupe: a 3.8 liter V8 that produces 592 horsepower and a torque of 457 lb.-ft. If you’re wondering, the term “600” comes from this engine. The 600LT Spider can go from zero to sixty in a mere 2.8 seconds. She will also reach a top speed of a little more than 200 mph. It’s not like I should have to tell you, that’s a fast car!
A double-wishbone suspension made of forged aluminum and re-calibrated all around controls the corners. McLaren claims that drivers should expect quicker steering, and more responsive throttle and brakes. The 600LT Spider’s Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo R tire is designed to help it turn and stop. These tires are real gumballs, with a life span that would be comparable to a fruit fly.
Pricing & Availability
McLaren currently takes orders for the 600LT Spider. Again, limited availability is a concern (they remind us constantly!). Starting at $256,500, the brand’s latest convertible is available. Maybe I shouldn’t sign up. I don’t have that much. But still. The 600LT Spider is hard to ignore. The 600LT Spider, like every McLaren model before it, will be assembled by hand at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey.