675LT
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015, the McLaren 675LT is a mid-engined two-seat supercar developed as a lighter, more powerful and more focused evolution of the 650S. Its name combines the advertised 675 PS output with the initials “Longtail”, a reference to the extended-body McLaren F1 GTR endurance racers of the 1990s. The 675LT received extensively revised aerodynamics, retuned chassis hardware and a broad range of weight-saving components, giving it a stronger track emphasis while retaining road-car usability. Coupe production was limited to 500 examples worldwide. ScanRacer lists two 2015 variants: Base and Convertible, the latter corresponding to the 675LT Spider announced in December 2015.
Variants by year
2015
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015, the McLaren 675LT is a mid-engined two-seat supercar developed as a lighter, more powerful and more focused evolution of the 650S. Its name combines the advertised 675 PS output with the initials “Longtail”, a reference to the extended-body McLaren F1 GTR endurance racers of the 1990s. The 675LT received extensively revised aerodynamics, retuned chassis hardware and a broad range of weight-saving components, giving it a stronger track emphasis while retaining road-car usability. Coupe production was limited to 500 examples worldwide. ScanRacer lists two 2015 variants: Base and Convertible, the latter corresponding to the 675LT Spider announced in December 2015.
History
The McLaren 675LT arrived in 2015 at the top of the Super Series range, alongside the 650S. McLaren positioned it as a limited-production model focused on lower weight, optimized aerodynamics, greater performance and a more involving driving experience. The project was therefore more extensive than a simple power increase: the car received bespoke bodywork and components, a wider track, firmer springs, revised suspension tuning and braking hardware suited to its more demanding brief. Its 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 was rated at 675 PS and 700 Nm in the launch material. Weight reduction came through lighter glazing, carbon-fibre body components, titanium parts and an interior specification less focused on luxury. The high-mounted exhaust and carbon-fibre racing-style seats also helped define the car’s character. The “LT” designation refers to the McLaren F1 GTR Longtail, but the 675LT is not a homologation racer or a separate new generation. It is a highly specialized derivative of the 650S. In December 2015, McLaren introduced the 675LT Spider, adding a retractable hardtop while retaining the same core performance concept. Spider production was also limited to 500 cars. Together, the coupe and Spider represent the model’s principal body styles.
Generations
The McLaren 675LT is not divided into several clearly separate generations. It is a limited-production model introduced in 2015, derived from the 650S and positioned within the Super Series family. It is therefore more accurate to describe the car in terms of one model with two body styles rather than successive generations. The first version was the 675LT Coupe, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015. It represents the lightest and most directly track-focused interpretation of the model. McLaren confirmed worldwide production of 500 cars. Development covered the aerodynamics, suspension, brakes, steering, electronic systems and weight-saving measures rather than concentrating solely on engine output. The second derivative was the 675LT Spider, announced in December 2015. It retained the 675 PS twin-turbocharged V8 and the coupe’s underlying performance philosophy while adding a retractable hardtop. McLaren stated that Spider production would also be limited to 500 examples. The Spider is therefore a body-style variant, not a separate generation. Within the ScanRacer taxonomy, these configurations are listed as Base and Convertible, both associated with the 2015 model year. Launch and delivery timing could vary between body styles and markets, so the ScanRacer year should be read as a catalog classification rather than a universal registration date.
Key differences
The main distinction is between the 675LT Coupe and the 675LT Spider. The coupe prioritizes lower weight and the rigidity of a closed body, while the Spider adds a retractable hardtop and its operating hardware. McLaren nevertheless described the open car as highly weight-conscious, quoting a dry weight of 1,270 kg and a power-to-weight figure of 532 PS per tonne. Both body styles use the 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the quoted 700 Nm of torque, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and the model’s track-oriented aerodynamic philosophy. The most obvious visual differences are the roofline, rear deck and components associated with the retractable roof. Optional equipment, paint finishes and MSO specifications can significantly change an individual car’s appearance without creating a separate mechanical version. Exact equipment availability varied by market and customer configuration.
Photo recognition
The 675LT is first identified by its more aggressive aerodynamic treatment compared with the 650S. At the front, it uses a model-specific bumper and a more pronounced splitter. Sculpted side skirts extend along the flanks, while the rear features a larger diffuser, an active airbrake and high-mounted exhaust outlets. The overall shape remains recognizably McLaren, with a carbon-fibre passenger cell, dihedral doors and prominent side air intakes. Other useful clues include the carbon-fibre bucket seats, lightweight forged wheels and strongly driver-focused cabin. The coupe has a fixed roof and a distinctive glazed rear section. The Spider can be identified by its retractable hardtop and the rear deck surrounding the roof mechanism. The “675LT” badge helps, but it is not conclusive on its own because heavily optioned 650S cars may share individual visual details. Reliable identification should therefore combine the body style with the vehicle identification number, factory specification and supporting documentation.
Important versions
The 675LT Coupe is the launch version, unveiled in Geneva in March 2015 and limited to 500 examples. It is the body style most directly associated with the return of the Longtail name to McLaren Automotive. The 675LT Spider, announced in December 2015, retained the same 675 PS twin-turbocharged V8 and dynamic focus but replaced the fixed roof with a retractable hardtop. Spider production was also limited to 500 cars. In the ScanRacer context, the two available entries are Base and Convertible, both assigned to 2015. “Convertible” should be understood as the open-body Spider variant. MSO specifications and special customer configurations may make individual cars unusually scarce, but they should not be treated as a third standard 675LT version without documentary evidence.
References
- Limited Production Confirmed for McLaren 675LTMcLaren Automotive press release reproduced by The Auto Channel
- McLaren 675LT Spider Takes the Top Off Most Engaging and Exhilarating ModelMcLaren Automotive press release reproduced by The Auto Channel
- McLaren 675LT ReviewMotoring Research
- McLaren 675LT ReviewCompleteCar.ie
- McLaren 675LT Review: The Best McLaren Road Car Since the F1Top Gear
- https://www.evo.co.uk/mclaren/675ltevo.co.uk
- https://www.completecar.ie/car-reviews/article/McLaren/675LT/675LT/846/4776/2015-McLaren-675LT-review.htmlcompletecar.ie
- https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/road-cars/mclaren-gets-it-right-675lt/motorsportmagazine.com
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the McLaren 675LT produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 2015.
- How many McLaren 675LT examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 10 published scans from 7 members, with the latest photo added in August 2026.