If you’re looking for a track toy that isn’t a Ferrari or a Porsche because your friends already have them, we’d like to direct your attention to this. British supercar firm McLaren has just unveiled the very first Sports Series model bearing the ‘Longtail’ moniker, and the 600LT certainly seems to have earned it on paper.
For those wondering if the Longtail is indeed longer, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s a whole 74mm longer than the 570S on which its based. Perhaps more importantly, it also features a reworked version of the 3.8-litre biturbo V8 that McLaren’s seen fit to employ liberally, though here it puts out a whopping 441kW and 620Nm, which is considerably higher than the 419kW 570S, though not quite as jaw-dropping as the 496kW from the 675LT.
“The McLaren 600LT is only the fourth ‘Longtail’ McLaren in more than two decades. The McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ that began the lineage was one of the purest race cars in modern motorsport history. The 675LT resurrected the revered name, and now we are further extending our very special LT family and once again showcasing the ethos of optimised aerodynamics, increased power, reduced weight, track-focused dynamics and enhanced driver engagement that are the hallmarks of a McLaren ‘Longtail’.” — Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive
In keeping with that commitment to lighter weight, the 600LT uses carbon fibre extensively. The entire body is made of the composite stuff, which is why some 23% of parts used on the 600LT are bespoke to the model, and not shared with the lesser 570S. All in all, with the inclusion of the optional MSO Defined carbon-fibre bits and bobs, the 600LT weighs some 96kg less than the 570S, at a total of 1247kg dry.
Inside, the 600LT’s track-focused nature means precious little was spared in the weight-shaving crusade. As standard, you’ll find carbon fibre seats from the McLaren P1 hypercar, though further weight savings can be achieved by optioning on the even-more-spartan pews from the McLaren Senna. You’ll find two-tone trim around the place and a stripe across the steering wheel too, though those options are more a matter of taste than weight.
As with any modern McLaren, aerodynamics has played a huge role in ensuring that the 441kW doesn’t escape you. To that end, there’s an enormous rear wing (fixed), a taller rear diffuser, and a front splitter that even the blind will know is there. Agility is further emphasised with things like stiffer engine mounts (which mount behind the drivers’ shoulder apparently), sharper throttle responses, unique aluminium suspension components, and a quicker steering rack.
The 600LT will begin production in October, and expire 12-months later. McLaren says that the run for the 600LT will be “strictly limited” to a hitherto-undetailed number, though the company says that it’ll be scheduled to fit around existing production schedules. Prices in the UK are set to begin at £185,500 (or roughly $330k), but McLaren’s local arm hasn’t confirmed (nor denied) the availability of the McLaren 600LT on our shores.
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