You know the formula by now, it’s no surprise that McLaren built the 2022 McLaren 765LT Spider, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a hugely exciting supercar. Base vehicle, Spider, LT and finally LT Spider: The Super Series’ proven range of variants means that the best is often saved until last, and the McLaren 765LT Spider is right up there with the very best at the factory gates in Woking.
I’ve already driven the coupe with the full one-piece Senna carbon bucket seats, harnesses and a HANS device at Silverstone to get the full, other-dimensional 765LT experience, but that’s just one end of the spectrum. The 765LT Spider is a car that should take itself a little less seriously and dial back the intensity a notch or two. But no, that’s not the case. The 765LT is just as moody, stiff and crazy as its coupe sibling. Retracting the roof further enriches the experience of the ever-blurring landscape and eliminates cracks and pops from the exhaust due to additional exposure to the elements. Even with the roof up and the rear window down (which is not possible in the coupe), there is already an additional level of interaction.
Most will be quick to point out that modern supercars go far beyond the capabilities of being used on the road, to the point where their full potential cannot be realized even on the surface. We have been experiencing a horsepower arms race for several years now; hybrid super sports cars like the Ferrari SF90 are just as powerful as hyper sports cars like the Bugatti Veyron once were. Hot hatches are as powerful as old supercars. It is now more important than ever that supercars have a recognizable character and personality to bring drivers joy at everyday road speeds. Here the 765LT Spider proves that it is one of the most entertaining super sports cars, and not just on the racetrack. but also on the go.
The 765LT Spider weighs slightly more than the coupe, but its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 still produces enough power and torque to get it to 62 mph in just 2.7 seconds and then to 125 mph to accelerate a staggering time of 7.2 seconds. This is thanks to the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, which makes 755 hp and 800 Nm of torque and feels as quick as the numbers suggest. That power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that’s one of the best and most dramatic, fitted with Pirelli P Zero Corsas or optional Pirelli Trofeo Rs, best suited to bone-dry conditions in the business. The steering remains unchanged, hydraulic and class-leading at a time when other manufacturers are settling for electronically assisted racks that can’t hold a candle to the McLaren.
Combine the steering feel, wonderfully weighted brake pedal and great gear changes with the ferocious engine, with a little lag to add to the drama, and you have one of the most compelling and exhilarating supercars on offer. The whole package feels light and alive beneath you, and that’s because it is. Even with the electric motors and the other pistons required for the roof mechanism, the 2022 McLaren 765LT Spider can be outfitted to weigh just 1,278 kilograms wet, and because there’s a carbon tub, all the hum and hiss of the V8 can be heard through your body transmitted, are bad for NVH and great for making you feel at one with the car.
Yes, the infotainment is way too old, but who cares when you’re so excited holding the steering wheel, throwing the sensational chassis into the corners and feeling the tires struggle with the torque and power coming out of you Come apex before upshifting at 7,500 and you’ll hear fuel exploding from those mid-mounted quad pipes. This is how a super sports car should feel. Even at £310,500 this seems like brilliant value for money and it’s no surprise that it took just seconds for all 765s to sell out following the announcement.
