The new 765LT Spider is McLaren's most powerful convertible supercar

McLaren has revealed its latest high-performance convertible supercar. The new 765LT Spider delivers another dimension of ‘Longtail’ driver engagement.

The elongated silhouette that gave the original Longtail its name back in 1997 was created for a very specific purpose. Since then, every Longtail that McLaren has designed followed that philosophy of ‘everything for a reason’ and ‘form follows function’.

Like its predecessors, the new 765LT Spider stays true to those Longtail principles, placing the driver at the very centre of the sensory, dynamic and aural experience. The triple patented Retractable Hard Top roof takes the driver engagement to an ever-higher level.

A year after unveiling the 765LT ‘Longtail’ coupe, McLaren has already sold all 765 units globally. The new 765LT Spider will take on similar attributes - weight reduction, track-focused dynamics and optimised aerodynamics.

The Spider carries over the coupe’s dynamic and aerodynamic DNA with no structural compromise and only a minimal 49kg weight increase – primarily from the Retractable Hard Top (RHT) and accompanying the operating mechanism.

Bringing the overall weight to 1,388kg (DIN weight), 80kg lighter than a 720S Spider and roughly 100kg lighter than its closest comparable competitor.

On the inside, the 765LT Spider gets carbon fibre-shelled race seats fitted as standard, which are together 18kg lighter than the 720S sports seats.

First seen on the McLaren P1, the seats feature a lightweight Alcantara® covering, which also appears on the steering wheel, dashboard and doors.

Furthermore, the LT’s bespoke Ultra-Lightweight forged alloy wheels, each fitted with Pirelli P Zero™ Trofeo R tyres specially developed for the 765LT, have helped shave off 22kg.

McLaren says that the tyres are optimised to give the driver maximum feedback from the road or track.

Specific weight-saving components include titanium exhaust system (saving 40 per cent over steel equivalent), which features Formula One-grade transmission materials and thinner glass. McLaren promises drivers will enjoy lovely exhaust notes coming out from it too!

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Exterior design-wise, the Spider gets the same advanced carbon fibre aerodynamic package as the coupe, found on the front splitter and front floor, side skirts, front and rear bumper and rear diffuser.

It matches the coupe’s outstanding aero performance in every aspect, with class-leading downforce – 25 per cent greater than that of a 720S Spider, all thanks to the engineers at McLaren’s Composites Technology Centre (MCTC).

The only key difference from its coupe counterpart is the rear profile. It features an active rear wing that has been recalibrated to reflect whether the roof is up or down.

The LT also gets enhanced chassis dynamics, with bespoke LT springs and dampers, increased front track width, lower front ride height and unique software programming for linked-hydraulic Proactive Chassis Control II suspension.

Customers who wish to have more individuality can turn to the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) division for an unlimited choice of personalisation. Two MSO Defined packs are available for the 765LT Spider - the Clubsport Pack and the LT Black Pack.

In short, while the Clubsport Pack reduces the car's overall weight for better performance, the LT Black Pack gives the Spider an even more 'stealth’ look, with exterior design details in Gloss Black.

The same twin-turbocharged M840T engine found in the coupe is now brought over to the 765LT Spider, belting out 765PS (755bhp) and 800Nm of torque.

The four-litre V8 engine propels from zero to 100km/h in 2.8 seconds and sprints from zero to 200km/h in a respectable 7.2 seconds.

McLaren claims that the seven-speed Sequential Shift Gearbox now offers 15 per cent quicker in-gear acceleration than a 720S Spider, helping the new Longtail achieve instant throttle response.

To better exploit the vast potential of the 765LT Spider, drivers can adjust transmission and suspension characteristics using the Comfort, Sport and Track mode settings on McLaren’s trademark Active Dynamics Panel, which are located in the driver's field of view.

There are 765 examples globally, making the 765LT Spider exclusive to own. Interested parties can make an order at the McLaren Singapore showroom, with prices starting from $1.75 million excluding COE.

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This article was first published in Motorist.