personifies the brand’s identity at its bravest, purest, and most extreme.
than worthy, member of the McLaren ‘Longtail’ (or LT) family is the gripping
McLaren 600LT.
top-exit exhausts, and immaculate steering – the McLaren 600LT is deserved of
the LT label, as brave and as bold as a track-focused, road-legal car can be.

existence, seldom has McLaren labelled its cars with the historic and
prestigious LT tag. The 2018 McLaren 600LT is only the fourth car to sport the
name and it
encapsulates the expected performance-driven ethos of its
predecessors.
and absolutely ground-breaking. Their shared focus consists of optimised
aerodynamics, reduced weight, increased power and a track-centred connection
with the driver.
The 600LT is no different,
pushing engineering and design possibilities to their limits in order to
provide an invigorating, intoxicating driving experience.
Heritage: The ‘Longtail’ Bloodline
The story began with the McLaren
F1, which was ironically never designed with the intention of track racing. However,
something quite spectacular happened when it did eventually take to the track.
won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995, with McLaren becoming the only
manufacturer to win it at the first attempt. The F1 GTR then evolved into the
iconic ‘Longtail’, which came about two years later.
continued to grow with the stunning achievements that are the McLaren 675LT
Coupé and McLaren 675LT Spider in 2015-16.
Next up is the new McLaren 600LT
– a real head-turner that has all the makings of a true ‘Longtail’.
McLaren 600LT Specs
and dynamism of McLaren’s Sports Series but has been injected with the
spine-tingling, adrenaline-pumping nature of the ‘Longtail’.
McLaren have crafted the 600LT in
carbon fibre, using extreme weight-saving measures – including the carbon fibre
MonoCell II Chassis – to achieve a weight reduction of 96kg.
lighter, more aerodynamic and generates an incredible amount of downforce due
to its many minute details.
engine – which has a capacity of 3,799cc – the 600LT is the most powerful McLaren
Sports Series vehicle ever, generating 592bhp and 620nm of torque.
The chassis is so sharp that you
are able to dissect corners on your way in as if in slow motion, aided by the
controlled and accurate steering that provides super clear feedback.
McLaren 600LT Stats and Figures
- –
Top speed of
204mph - –
0-62mph in
2.9 seconds - –
0-124mph in
8.2 seconds - –
Lightweight
for a supercar at a mere 2,749lbs (1,247kg) - –
Low priced
for what it offers, starting at $240,000 (£185,500) when it was released
The McLaren 600LT Vs. The 675LT
675LT in a straight line; however it does generally have the edge on the track
due to its superior cornering speeds.
675LT is relatively expensive for a supercar, whereas the 600LT starts at a far
lower $240,000 for those who are fortunate enough to afford it.
The McLaren 600LT Vs Ferrari 488 Pista and Ferrari 488 GTB
demonstrated here once again, matching the $316,300 Ferrari488 Pista with a 0-62mph time of 2.9
seconds, despite not being direct rivals.
0-62mph and 0-124mph time than the more directly comparable (yet still more
expensive) earlier model, the Ferrari 488 GTB.
The McLaren 600LT Vs. The Porsche 911 GT2 RS
time than the Porsche911 GT2 RS, measuring times of 8.2 and 8.3 seconds
respectively.
match some of these great hypercars is impressive, but the numbers were not
necessarily at the forefront of the engineers’ minds when sculpting the 600LT.
engaging driving experience possible, and they did just that. There aren’t
many, if any, supercars that provide the same unforgettable exhilaration as the
600LT.
limited-edition model is expected to be succeeded by a Spider version in 2019, just
as its older sibling, the 675LT, was.
Design and Aerodynamics
lay a benchmark for sports cars and have done so emphatically.
included to prompt the most stimulating experience possible, including its
extraordinary top-exit exhaust and its long, wide and low physical appearance.
The designers found inspiration in
the 675LT and the original ‘Longtail’, building the 600LT with full intention
of using it on the road and track. Though comfortable on the road, the track is
where it comes to life.
The 600LT’s Flame-Spitting Top-Exit Exhausts

wow-factor is what sets apart great supercars from good supercars. The McLaren
600LT is absolutely a great supercar.
Its most eye-catching and unique feature is the mesmerising top-exit
exhaust system, which illustrates the bravery of McLaren to break boundaries
with this new addition to the Sports Series.
reduce the 600LT’s weight significantly, improve engine responses and provide
better powertrain cooling. The exhausts also practically breathe down the neck
of the driver, amplifying the roar inside the car.
exhaust system’s most memorable characteristic is that it shoots flames upwards
from the car – which looks seriously cool. The party trick is definitely worth
a watch; you’d be missing out if you didn’t!
demonstrating the extreme measures that McLaren have taken to offer the best
driver experience possible.
The 600LT is certainly a showman as well as a finely tuned,
well-balanced whippet on the track.
Aerodynamics
pioneering aerodynamic features, and the 600LT is no exception.
- –
A new front splitter and side splitter - –
An extended rear diffuser - –
A fixed rear wing - –
Carbon fibre flooring with integrated break
ducts
over 220lbs being produced at 155mph.
low, improving its control under pressure, agility at low speeds and stability
at higher speeds.
be pushed back further, once again maximising the aerodynamic efficiency of the
vehicle. McLaren really left no stone unturned with this one.
is arguably easier on the eye than the McLaren Senna – which
is purposely built for track performance.
the Carbon Fibre Aero Winglets that are located behind the front wheels,
cooperating with the carbon fibre side skirts.
but that car starts at a slightly
higher $1.15 million – over six times the price of the 600LT.
“shrink-wrapped” bodywork design, which helps the fluidity of the ride as it
gently guides the airflow over every panel.
McLaren 600LT Interior
comparison with the high-tech gadgets and displays of today’s cars.

controls are perfectly aligned for a free-flowing ride and the steering wheel’s
positioning and design provides great comfort whilst on the track and road.
identical to those first seen on the P1 and then the 675LT – saving a significant
46lbs whilst also offering a great driving position and a fully optimal view of
the road ahead.
in the Senna, which reduce
an even more impressive 54lbs. It’s more about personal preference with the
seats, so be sure to check your options if you are ever going to own or drive a
600LT.
Alcantara – a microfibre material – throughout the cabin, which once again
keeps weight to a minimum for maximum performance.
the footwells or under the seats, and if you really want to reduce weight, you
can even remove the air conditioning, audio system, and navigation system.
mentioned above can be added as optional additions should you want them.
What is it like to drive the 600LT?
providing an engaging, thrilling experience while remaining incredibly accurate
and precise. You stay in full control of the vehicle without fail and its
handling is smooth and well-balanced.
steering. You will get a rush of energy knowing that you’ll ace the corner,
with additional reassurance from the narrow – yet exceedingly grippy – Pirelli
Trofeo tyres.
mistakes easily, as the car adjusts with great clarity.
accelerating effortlessly whilst remaining in touch with the driver’s commands.
Series through the 600LT, and its balanced and controlled nature does not deter
it from offering an enthralling experience to match the best hypercars.
seats and the unusual amethyst paint, giving it an extra unique look.
Our Summary and Verdict

most extreme, existing purely to deliver the most heart-pounding,
adrenaline-pumping sensation possible from a road-legal car.
exceptional top-exit exhaust – but actually driving it is what seems to make
its users fall in love with it.
for thrill-seekers to enjoy and for petrol heads to be in awe of.
predecessors, and even offers something different through its brilliant control
on the track and its unique design quirks.
The McLaren 600LT preserves – and perhaps even strengthens – the
legendary tale of the ‘Longtail’.
[Photo Credit: Freddy Atkins – Instagram account @TFJJ]