If you were a cynic, you might be tempted to say that it was 'yet another McLaren that looks just like all the others and which uses the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8'. However, for anyone remotely interested in cars, the prospect of a 203mph open-top Brit has to be something to celebrate.
Cor, so it's not a new entry-level 540, then?
Indeed not. This is the limited-edition 675LT Spider and it'll cost at least £285,450, although for that cash you're getting one of the quickest convertibles on the planet. As well as the 200mph-plus maximum velocity, the 0-62mph and 0-124mph benchmarks are dealt with in 2.9- and 8.1 furious seconds respectively.
How does it achieve such mammoth performance?
It shares the 675hp/700Nm 3.8 biturbo V8 engine with the 675 'Longtail' Coupé and as it's just 40kg heavier than the fixed-roof version - and a full 100kg lighter than the 650S Spider - the 1,270kg (split 42:58 front-to-rear) 675LT Spider has a power-to-weight ratio of 532hp-per-tonne. Yikes! Nevertheless, McLaren quotes 24.2mpg and 275g/km CO2. Good luck with that fuel economy figure.
You said it was limited edition - how many are being made?
Just 500 worldwide and when the 675LT was announced with the same build numbers, it was sold out before the first deliveries commenced. Expect the 'Super Series' Spider to go the same way.
What else does the Spider possess in its web of tricks?
Lots of carbon fibre, used extensively on the exterior and in the chassis/powertrain, as well as the exposed seams of it in the Alcantara-clad cabin. Air conditioning is deleted as standard, although it can be added back in for free, bringing 16kg of weight back to the 675LT's total. The ultra-lightweight alloys (19s at the front and 20s rear) are wrapped up in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R rubber, a new golden colour called Solis is offered on the Spider alone and its three-piece folding hard-top can be dropped/raised on the move at speeds of up to 19mph. The gearbox is the same seven-speed SSG unit as found in the 675LT Coupé and it limits torque to, er... 'just' 600Nm in first to aid traction.
And can I see or hear it in action?
You're very prescient, aren't you? Have a look at this little video, then: