McLaren unleashes new 600LT
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 29th Jun 2018
MCLAREN has lifted the lid on its latest model, dubbed the 600LT, which is the fourth ‘Long Tail’ version in the supercar-maker’s history that draws inspiration from the 675LT revealed at the 2015 Geneva motor show.
Based on the 570S, the 600LT is the fastest and most powerful model in the history of the entry-level Sports Series range, with a limited number coming to Australia. Exact timing, pricing and allocation is yet to be determined.
McLaren has boosted power for the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 by 22kW/20Nm to 441kW/620Nm, thanks to an uprated cooling system and reduced back pressure in the exhaust system, which is shorter than that in the Senna.
As the name would suggest, the 600LT’s body length has been increased by 74mm, and features an extended front splitter, lengthened rear diffuser and a fixed rear wing.
If owners check every weight-saving box, the 600LT checks in at 1247kg dry, 96kg lighter than the 570S Coupe, with 23 per cent of parts changed for the 600LT.
Weight saving is achieved with new carbon-fibre bodywork and the special exhaust system, which exits on top of the 600LT’s rear, in front of the fixed wing spoiler. Options from McLaren Special Operations (MSO) such as vented carbon-fibre front fenders and a carbon-fibre roof and cantrails help to further reduce weight.
To enhance on-road performance, the 600LT gains the aluminium double-wishbone suspension and lightweight brakes borrowed from the 720S, sharper throttle, brake and steering response, firmer engine and exhaust mounts and Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo R rubber.
The weight-saving measures continue inside with a minimalist cabin featuring carbon-fibre racing seats borrowed from the P1 hybrid supercar, and extensive Alcantara trim throughout. Those looking to further reduce weight can option super-light carbon-fibre pews taken from the Senna.
McLaren has described the production of the 600LT as “strictly limited”, so Australian allocation will be slim. Local pricing is yet to be determined, but a pricetag somewhere between the 570S Coupe ($395,000 before on-road costs) and the 720S ($515,080) is likely.
Production of the 600LT will begin in October and last for 12 months, meaning the new model will likely land in Australia in 2019.
The LT badge began in 1997 with the McLaren F1 GTR Longtail, a GT racecar based on the F1 GTR that shed over 100kg compared to the original, and finished the 1997 Le Mans 24 Hours GT1 class in first and second place.
The nameplate was revived at the 2015 Geneva motor show with the 675LT, based on the 650S Super Series model which was followed by a drop-stop Spider version due to the demand of the coupe.
As such, the creation of a 600LT Spider is not out of the question.
