The McLaren 600LT has been unveiled – the fourth model to carry the ‘Longtail’ designation and the new range-topper for the brand’s entry-level Sports Series.
Based on the 570S Coupé, the 600LT weighs in at 96kg lighter despite its extended rear bodywork adding 7cm in length. More than 23% of the 570S components have been changed in the new model, with extensive use of carbon fibre helping to shed the pounds.
The composite material is used on a new and extended front splitter, side sills, extended diffuser and a fixed rear wing, also adding greater downforce.
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Power for the 600LT is provided by the 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine used by the 570S, but uprated to produce 600hp and 620Nm – a 30hp and 19Nm improvement. The unit also gains an uprated cooling system and McLaren quotes a power-to-weight ratio for the lightest dry weight variant of 481hp/tonne.
Further weight savings are provided by the exhaust which is a bespoke system with top-exit pipes – shortened and with reduced back pressure. And additional upgrades taken from McLaren’s Super Series cars include forged aluminium double wishbone suspension and lightweight brakes.
Even the tyres are specific to the car, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R rubber designed with an emphasis on track performance.
Similarly, the interior design is angled towards track driving– carbon-fibre race seats first employed on the McLaren P1 ultimate series car are used again, along with Alcantara trim material that also helps with the weight reduction.
Even further weight saving is available through McLaren’s Special Operations department, which can add a carbon fibre roof, cantrails and vented carbon fibre front wings.
McLaren adds that the 600LT will be produced in strictly limited numbers. Production will begin in October and last for around a year. The £185,500 price includes a Pure McLaren Road Owner Track Day experience with driver training.
The first McLaren Longtail was the GTR race version of the original McLaren F1 that debuted in 1997. The McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ won five of the 11 rounds of the 1997 FIA GT Championship and finished first and second in the GT1 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
McLaren Automotive revived the name with its 675LT Coupe launched at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and followed it with the open-top 675LT Spider. The entire 500-strong production run sold in two weeks.
