ALONG CAME A SPIDER (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

The McLaren 765 LT Spider is an open-topped version of possibly the ultimate road and track-usable supercar. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 46

What could make McLaren's awesome 765 LT even better? The 765 LT Spider is the answer to that question. A track car you could conceivably use on the road. And a version of it that feels even more like a race car. Sounds good to us.

Backgroundword count: 137

The 765 LT is the third model in McLaren's 'Long Tail' series, succeeding the 600 LT and the 675 LT. It sits right near the top of the company's supercar range, somewhere between the 750S and the ultimate Senna model - and borrows elements of both. This Spider variant sells alongside a Coupe model and McLaren only built 765 examples of each. The priority here was to create the ultimate track car that could also reward and be enjoyed on the road. And it was the Woking brand's most committed attempt yet at the special series supercar. There was an enormous challenge here - in taking weight out of and adding handling sharpness to the already very focused McLaren 750S, a car that's already enormously fast and track-focused. The result promises to be rare, engaging and desirable.

Driving Experienceword count: 269

There's typical McLaren attention to detail here. Even the aerodynamics have been tweaked to allow for the fact that this Spider version has a slightly different centre of gravity from the 765 LT Coupe, due to its roof. That's why the rear wing also deploys in a slightly different way under braking. That the aero works effectively is evidenced by the impressively little buffeting you get at highway speeds. Otherwise, it's just as with the 765 LT Coupe. As usual with McLaren, there's a 4.0-litre V8 out back. Here, as expected, it develops a little more power than an equivalent 750S - 755 bhp - the performance gain emphasised by the fact that the car can be up to 80kg lighter and there's 25% more downforce. The 62mph sprint flashes by in just 2.7s and you'll hit 124mph in 7.2 seconds. These figures are aided by shorter ratios for the 7-speed twin clutch auto gearbox, which must deal with 590 lb ft of torque. The over-riding priority here though, was handling rather than ultimate speed. The Proactive Chassis Control 2 set-up is recognisable from the 750S, but McLaren has lowered the front by 5mm, widened the front track (by 6mm) and recalibrated the dampers (20% stiffer), as well as fitting sticky bespoke Pirelli Trofeo R tyres from the Senna. Lightweight engine pistons and conrods are borrowed from the Senna too. The super-sharp steering isn't really appropriate for a public road, but it would be glorious on a track. And you're going to want to pay extra for the hand-made carbon brake discs and special calipers that are also Senna-sourced.

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