Due to bow next month in Geneva, McLaren’s new 675LT pays homage to the iconic ‘Long Tail’ F1 GTR (shown in picture), which raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance event in 1997. The new model will join the expanding lineup of McLaren sports cars, which now includes the 625C, 650S and P1; note that Geneva will also see the reveal of the track-only P1 GTR.
Power for the new 675LT comes from the 641bhp twin-turbocharged 3.8L V8 engine fitted to the 650S, but increased to 666bhp (or 675PS, as its name implies). Torque has increased from 678 Nm to 700 Nm. The same engine produces 727 hp in the P1.
McLaren says the car’s focus is on “performance-optimised aerodynamics, increased downforce, driver engagement, power and reduced weight”. Controlled torque delivery is also optimised for “acceleration and traction from a standing start”.
Prototype images have suggested that the 675LT also shares a similar shape to that of the 650S, but with discernible aero-influenced design differences around the front bumper. Also notable are new, low-mounted side air intakes as well as the car’s signature ‘Long Tail’ drag-reducing rear end. Beneath that tail, the 675LT will feature a new reduced weight titanium crossover exhaust system with dual exhausts exiting below the LT’s bespoke air brake. McLaren says the brake offers up to 40 per cent more downforce than that of the 650S.
Official performance numbers for the 675LT are yet to be shared, but with the 675LT reported to be 100kg lighter than the 650S, expect substantial performance gains on the 650S’s 3.0sec 0-100km/h standing start time and its 333 km/h top speed. While the new model will be track-focused, it will also remain road legal, so expect the 675 LT to become the natural rival of Ferrari’s 458 Speciale (or in time, an expected track version of the just-revealed 488 GTB). Just 250 examples are expected to be made.
