Skip advert
Advertisement

JVC Kenwood strips McLaren 675LT to its bare essentials at CES

Cameras, head-up display and simplified interior make McLaren's supercar even more driver-focused

Electronics firm JVC Kenwood has been associated with McLaren for quarter of a century, a partnership perhaps best known for its work to produce an ultra-light audio system to meet Gordon Murray’s strict specifications for the McLaren F1.

At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, JVC Kenwood and McLaren present another collaboration, streamlining the technology of the McLaren 675LT.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The 675LT isn’t exactly a car over-encumbered with technology, largely limited to the IRIS infotainment system and devices to help you negotiate a circuit at ludicrous velocities, but JVC Kenwood has taken the minimalism a step further.

IRIS is gone, for a start, as is the rest of the centre console. With air conditioning a delete option on the 675LT, JVC Kenwood has been able to remove the console that houses its controls. The result is greater interior space, while a dashboard re-trim in Nappa leather and a technical fabric ensures the cabin still meets the quality standards of the regular car.

Using a steering wheel from the McLaren P1 GTR has made up for any switches you might otherwise have missed, also allowing the technology firm to delete the 675LT’s standard instrument display.

Taking its place is carbonfibre-framed vent for direct ventilation, while its functions are replaced by a head-up display in the driver’s field of view. The GTR’s IPAS and DRS buttons are replaced by controls to position the HUD.

Digital cameras – something of a theme at CES – replace the 675LT’s regular wing mirrors. This reduces drag, and JVC Kenwood also claims it aids downforce at high speed (a reduction in lift seems more likely).

The rear mirror too is replaced by a camera-based system, dubbed DVRM (Digital Rear View Monitor) – three cameras provide a much wider field of view than is possible with a conventional mirror, also eliminating the massive blind spots associated with supercars.

The 675LT’s exterior has remained unchanged (mirrors aside), but subtle orange details hint at the colour scheme featured inside. The seat bolsters, cockpit sides, air vent and an anodised element around the start button are all picked out in orange. Other details, including the centre console, dashboard insert and exterior stripes, are silver.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ferrari 296 VS spied – hardcore hybrid successor to Speciale and Pista inbound
Ferrari 296 Pista spied front
News

Ferrari 296 VS spied – hardcore hybrid successor to Speciale and Pista inbound

With over 850bhp the extreme Ferrari 296 will be one of 2025’s most exciting new cars
6 Feb 2025
Audi R8 (2015 - 2024) review – the ultimate soft-focus supercar
Audi R8 front
In-depth reviews

Audi R8 (2015 - 2024) review – the ultimate soft-focus supercar

The second Audi R8 saw what was an exotic sports car become a full-blown supercar to rival McLaren, Porsche and Maserati
5 Feb 2025
2025 Nissan GT‑R Nismo Final Edition - Japan's 911 GT3 RS still has it
Last Nissan GT-R 2025
Reviews

2025 Nissan GT‑R Nismo Final Edition - Japan's 911 GT3 RS still has it

It's the last ever Nissan R35 GT-R (for now!), so where better to take it for a final drive than Japan's Hakone Turnpike
1 Feb 2025
Porsche 911 GT3 (992.2) 2025 review – the best GT3 yet?
2025 Porsche 911 GT3 front
Reviews

Porsche 911 GT3 (992.2) 2025 review – the best GT3 yet?

The 2025 992.2 Porsche 911 GT3 uses know-how from the 992.1 GT3 RS and the 911 S/T. Has the GT3 formula been perfected?
29 Jan 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era
Jaguar 2026 front
News

New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era

Jaguar’s new electric GT continues testing ahead its late-2025 reveal
7 Feb 2025
This is why youngsters aren't interested in cars
Lamborghini Revuelto
Opinion

This is why youngsters aren't interested in cars

Youngsters not into cars any more? The remedy’s obvious, reckons Richard Porter
7 Feb 2025
Best GT cars 2025 – the ultimate continent crossers
Best GT cars 2025
Best cars

Best GT cars 2025 – the ultimate continent crossers

The best GTs must marry the opulence, comfort, refinement and appointment of a luxury saloon, with the style, performance, engagement and sense of occ…
10 Feb 2025