By Joshua Stone
To say that McLaren is a fairly unique car company is a tremendous understatement. Every vehicle in their lineup, from the “entry level” U.S. market 570S, has a twin turbo V8. The minimum power is a mere 562 horsepower, and the range topping P1 has 962 horsepower from its V8 engine and hybrid powertrain. So, what happens when you want to make a special version of your “entry level” super car? Enter the 600LT.
Meet the McLaren Road Beast
The McLaren LT, or ‘Longtail’ designation signifies the fastest, lightest, and most hardcore version of its breed. The 600LT follows in the footsteps of the 2016 675LT and the 1997 F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ before it in maximizing downforce, lightness, and speed. You could consider the 600LT a parts bin ca r- but the bin is really quite lovely.
The 720S donates its forged aluminum suspension and massive carbon-ceramic brakes, the P1 gives it’s carbon fiber seats, and the net result should be right around 3000 pounds of supercar.
Being a long tail, it is 2.9 inches longer and gets there through a more aggressive fixed wing, massive diffuser and front splitter, and extensive use of carbon fiber. Don’t think that it’s only inherited parts – the 600LT is 23 percent new according to McLaren Special Operations (MSO). The car also has a top-mounted exhaust – just forward of the wing – that is so extreme that the wing needs to have heat resistant coating so it doesn’t melt. The new exhaust, combined with a revised ECU tune net a 30hp gain- for a grand total of 592 horsepower.
Pedal to the Metal
Putting power to the ground is important ― and McLaren doesn’t disappoint there. Standard Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires aid the 600LT in achieving a claimed 0–60mph in 2.8 seconds, and a jaw dropping 0–124mph in 8.2 seconds: those are numbers best the Lamborghini Huracan Performante.
McLaren hasn’t yet announced production numbers or pricing, but they have hinted that it should be around 25 percent more than a standard 570s ― which currently starts at $188,000. McLaren admits that on smaller tracks, the “entry level” LT model will best the 720S ― and save you over a hundred grand in the process. Considering the 675LT sold out very shortly after it was released, contact your nearest McLaren dealer if you’re interested … if they’re not already sold out.
