Launched in 2015 as the company's most affordable offering, the McLaren Sports Series grew to include several models beyond the initial 570S and 540C. On top of the Spider version, McLaren also launched the less track-focused 570GT and a couple of race-spec models, the 570S GT4 and Sprint. In 2018 the Brits added yet another version, this time around inspired by the already iconic 675LT. Meet the 600LT, the track-prepped car that brings Longtail heritage to the Sports Series lineup.

Introduced at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, the 600LT follows in the footsteps of the already iconic F1 Longtail and 675LT. It's lighter, more aggressive; it benefits from new aerodynamics, as well as a more powerful engine. It's the most powerful and most track-focused Sports Series model yet and it's here to take on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS!

Updated 07/11/2018: McLaren dropped new technical details and more images for the new 600LT.

Continue reading to learn more about the McLaren 600LT.

2019 McLaren 600LT

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 McLaren 600LT
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 592
  • Torque: 457
Pros
Cons

2019 McLaren 600LT

Specifications
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 592
  • Torque: 457
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

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2019 McLaren 600LT Exterior

- New bumper - Revised side vents and flics - Race-spec canards and splitter - Bigger fender outlets - Aggressive rear diffuser - New exhaust layout - Big rear wing - Extra carbon parts

The 600LT remains loyal to the Sports Series family when it comes to styling cues, but the Longtail package adds a significant amount of aero-enhancing features. Up front, it features a new carbon-fiber diffuser that extends farther from the nose. The center section is flanked by redesigned elements on each side that feature vertical wings toward the front wheels. The nose, the headlamps, and the trunk lid remain unchanged, but the fenders now feature small outlets toward the doors.

Onto the sides, the 600LT isn't radically different from the 570S. Actually, it takes a closer look to notice the new features, which only include more aggressive carbon-fiber skirts with "600LT" logos, carbon-fiber mirror caps, and new, lightweight wheels wrapped in track-spec Pirelli tires. The 600LT is 2.9 inches longer than the 570S, but that's hardly noticeable.

It's the rear section that sets the 600LT apart, mostly because it features a fixed wing and a menacing diffuser with race-inspired, big vertical blades. The panel between the taillights was also revised, but it's the blades on the sides of the bumper and the missing exhaust pipes that catch the eye. The latter were moved in the redesigned engine hood for a top-exit setup that not only saves weight, but also gives the engine a distinct growl. The lid covering the engine is also new and features carbon-fiber inserts.

The new carbon-fiber body parts lower the weight but also optimize aerodynamic performance. On top of the standard add-on, customers can also pick from a range of carbon features available through the McLaren Special Operations division, including a roof and cantrails and front fenders. All these elements are part of the optional MSO Clubsport package, which also adds titanium bolts. With all the extra carbon-fiber body parts in place, the 600LT generates 100 kg (220 pounds) of downforce at 155 mph.

With every lightweight option fitted, the lightest dry weight of the 600LT is as low as 2,749.2 pounds, a 211.6-pound reduction compared to the 570S. In all, 23-percent of parts are different on the 600LT, before the optional extras.

2019 McLaren 600LT exterior dimensions

Length, inches

181

Wheelbase, inches

105

Height, inches

47

Width, with mirrors, inches

82.5

Width, mirrors folded, inches

280.5

Width, without mirrors, inches

76

Track (to contact patch centre), inches

Front: 66; Rear: 62.5

Lightest dry weight, lbs

2,749


2019 McLaren 600LT Interior

- Alcantara all over the place - Carbon-fiber trim - Carbon-fiber seats - Special badges - Optional seats from the Senna - A/C delete?

As expected, the interior is heavily based on the 570S, with very few features setting the 600LT apart. The main highlight here are the carbon-fiber racing seats borrowed from the P1. These are significantly more aggressive and lighter than the standard 570S units. McLaren also ditched the leather on the dash and the door panels, replacing it with lightweight Alcantara. The seats and the steering wheel are also wrapped in Alcantara for increased grip.

McLaren had nothing to say about the infotainment system and the digital instrument panel, but both should have custom graphics for this model. Other than that, they should be identical to the 570S. It also seems that the 600LT comes with A/C and audio systems, but the Brits will probably offer an option to delete them. There's extra carbon-fiber to talk about in the cabin as well, as both the center stack and console incorporate this lightweight composite.

Further weight savings come from the optional Super-Lightweight carbon seats, which are taken from the extreme Senna supercar. You can get this seats as a standalone option or through the MSO Clubsport Pack, which also includes a carbon-fiber interior upgrade with extended gearshift paddles, steering wheel spokes, and display surrounds in the lightweight material. Get the MSO Clubsport Pro Pack and you get an MSO Defined harness bar and six-point harness for track use in either black, blue, red or orange on top of all the features listed above.

2019 McLaren 600LT Drivetrain

- Updated 3.8-liter V-8 - Almost 600 horsepower - 0 to 62 mph in three seconds - Top speed in excess of 200 mph - Revised suspension - Bigger brakes

As expected from the very beginning, the 600LT gets its juice from the same twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-8 engine spread throughout the entire Sports Series lineup. However, McLaren reworked some internals and increased output to 592 horsepower (600 PS, that's where the name comes from) and 457 pound-feet of torque. That's an extra 30 horsepower and 14 pound-feet compared to the 570S. While it might not be an amazing bump by figures alone, the lighter curb weight of the car gives the 600LT an astonishing power-to-weight ratio at 474 horsepower per tonne. For reference, the 570S boasts 428 horses per tonne.

The 600LT is quite fast from a standing start, needing only 2.9 seconds to hit 62 mph. That's a whopping three tenths quicker than the 570S and on par with the more powerful 675LT. Charging from 0 to 124 mph takes 8.2 seconds, a 1.3-second decrease compared to the 570S. It's also only three tenths slower than the 675LT, which reaches the same benchmark in 7.9 clicks.

Top speed remains identical to the 570S at 204 mph, and only one mph lower than the 675LT's. It would have been nice to get a higher top speed, but it's far from relevant given the extra oomph, the reduced weight, and the improved aerodynamics.

The 600LT is not just about more power and quicker sprints. The sports car was also optimized for track use and now rides on a new, forged-aluminum, double-wishbone suspension. It also features firmer engine mounts, quicker steering, and sharpened throttle and braking response. Speaking of stopping power, the 600LT received the lightweight braking system used on Super Series models like the 650S. The wheels are wrapped in bespoke, track-focused Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires for increased grip.

All these features should make the 600LT much quicker and more agile on the race track than any other Sports Series model, save for the track-only 570S GT4.

2019 McLaren 600LT drivetrain specifications

Engine configuration

M838TE engine, 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8, 3,799cc

Drivetrain layout

Longitudinal mid-engined, RWD

Power bhp/kW @ rpm

592/441 @ 7,500rpm

Torque lb ft @ rpm

457 @ 5,500-6,500rpm

Transmission

7 Speed SSG. Normal, Sport and Track modes

Steering

Electro-hydraulic; power-assisted

Chassis

Carbon fibre MonoCell II monocoque, with aluminium front and rear crash structures

Suspension

Independent adaptive dampers, dual aluminium wishbones. Normal, Sport and Track modes

Brakes

Carbon Ceramic Discs (390mm front; 380mm rear); Aluminium Calipers (6-piston front; 4-piston rear)

Wheels (inches)

Front: 8J x 19; Rear: 11J x 20

Tyres

Pirelli P-ZERO™ Trofeo R (P-ZERO™ no-cost option)
Front: 225/35/R19; Rear: 285/35/R20

0-60mph

2.8 seconds

0-62mph

2.9 seconds

0-124mph

8.2 seconds

0-186mph

24.9 seconds

0-400m / ¼ mile

10.4 seconds

Maximum Speed

204 mph

124mph – 0 braking, ft

384

62mph – 0 braking, ft

102

CO2 emissions

EU NEDC: 266 (EU WLTP: 276)

Fuel consumption – (EU l/100km/UK MPG)

11.7/100km (24.1mpg)


2019 McLaren 600LT Prices

The McLaren 600LT starts from $250,000 in the U.S., which makes it notably more expensive than the 570S. The latter retails from nearly $200,000.

In the United Kingdom, the sports car retails from £185,500. The sticker includes local taxes and a Pure McLaren Road Owner Track Day experience with driver training.

The important options aren’t exactly cheap either. The MSO Clubsport Pack adds £24,170 to the price, while the MSO Clubsport Pro Pack costs £28,480. The Super-Lightweight Carbon Fibre Racing Seats are available as a stand-alone option at £4,990. The optional five-spoke wheels cost £4,080. All told, you only need a handful of options to increase the price of the 600LT above the £220,000 mark.

Production of the 600LT will be "strictly limited," according to McLaren, but the Brits have yet to say how many will be built. What we do know for a fact is that production started in October 2018 and will last for about a year, "with build slots scheduled around existing Sports and Super Series models, as well as the sell-out Senna, Senna GTR and BP23."

2019 McLaren 600LT Competition

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Based on a road car but fitted with everything it needs to run fast laps at the track, the 911 GT3 RS is one of the best track-prepped coupes out there. The latest version was unveiled in 2018 and sports all of the updates introduced for the regular 911, plus a host of aerodynamic and drivetrain improvements. While not as menacing as the McLaren on the outside, the GT3 RS does feature a big wing at the back, a more aggressive bumper, and various outlets and louvers on the fenders. The cabin is swathed in Alcantara for a race-inspired look, while the carbon-fiber trim and the fabric pull loops help keep weight low. Motivation is provided by a naturally aspirated, 4.0-liter flat-six engine that cranks out 500 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While not as powerful as the 600LT, the GT3 RS is pretty quick, needing 3.1 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standing start. Its top speed is lower though at 194 mph. Race-specific upgrades include rear-axle steering, a retuned suspension, an extended range fuel tank, and ceramic-composite brakes. Pricing starts from $187,500, but the production run is likely already sold out as of June 2018.

Read our full review of the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

Conclusion

The 570S is already a potent sports car, even when used in racing conditions, but it was about time McLaren expanded the LT program to its entry-level lineup. While not as powerful as the Super Series, the Sports Series stands out as being one of the lightest McLarens ever built for the road. The extra horsepower, the added carbon bits, and the more aggressive aerodynamics give McLaren the upper hand in this tight, but difficult segment. Watch out Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, some new track records are likely underway.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2017 McLaren 570S Spider.

Read our full review on the 2016 McLaren 570S Coupe.

Read our full review on the 2016 McLaren 675LT.

Read more McLaren news.