McLaren 600LT Spider Soft Top Roof Complete
McLaren 600LT Spider Retractable Hard Top (RHT) Assembly
Complete Two-Piece Folding Roof System
The “Soft Top” terminology is a common misnomer; the 600LT Spider actually utilizes a sophisticated Retractable Hard Top (RHT). This two-piece system is constructed from high-tech Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC) which is lighter and more rigid than traditional fabric, ensuring the car maintains its “Longtail” performance characteristics even with the roof closed.
System Architecture
The roof is a “Complete Assembly” that integrates with the 600LT’s carbon fiber MonoCell II. Unlike the 12C/650S systems, the 600LT version is optimized for the LT’s specific cooling requirements, with a unique rear tonneau cover designed to manage airflow over the top-exit exhausts.
| Component | Technical Detail |
| Main Roof Panels | Two-piece SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound) |
| Operation Time | ~15 seconds (Open or Close) |
| Operating Speed | Deployable at speeds up to 40 km/h (25 mph) |
| Rear Window | Independent vertical glass (acts as a wind deflector) |
| Drive System | Electro-hydraulic motor & actuator system |
Major Components of the “Complete” Unit
If you are sourcing a “complete” roof assembly, it typically includes:
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The Upper Panels: The front and rear folding hard-top sections (often in body color or Dark Palladium).
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The Tonneau Cover: The rear deck lid that hinges open to swallow the roof panels.
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Hydraulic Pump & Lines: The central motor unit located behind the bulkhead.
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Roof Kinematics/Linkages: The “mechanical arms” that facilitate the folding motion.
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Rear Glazed Window: The motorized rear glass that can be lowered independently of the roof.
Common Maintenance & Service
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Seal Integrity: The 600LT uses a complex set of rubber gaskets to remain weather-tight. These should be treated with a lubricant (like Krytox) annually to prevent “creaking” or water ingress.
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Emergency Operation: In the event of an electrical failure, the RHT system features an emergency bypass/manual release, though this should only be performed by a McLaren-certified technician to avoid de-syncing the hydraulic rams.
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Latch Alignment: Over time, or after significant track use, the front strikers (where the roof meets the windshield) may require shimming to ensure a flush, wind-noise-free fit at high speeds.
Technical Note: While the 600LT Spider shares its core roof architecture with the 570S Spider, the Rear Tonneau Cover and certain thermal shields are 600LT-exclusive. This is due to the extreme heat generated by the top-exit exhaust pipes, which exit directly in front of the rear wing. Using a standard 570S tonneau on a 600LT can lead to heat damage or melting of the composite panels.
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