The 600LT represents the fourth chapter in the McLaren 'Long Tail' story; one that began way back with the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail. The LT series take track-focused road cars to the extreme, pushing McLaren engineers to the limit as they work tirelessly to strip away any obstacle to performance.
The 600LT is no exception, and when it debuted in June 2018, it was billed as the quickest and most powerful Sports Series McLaren ever made. McLaren kept the Coupe version in production for about 12 months before turning its attention to the Spider version, a similarly equipped car but one with the added benefit of a retractable hardtop. Here then, are some of the coolest features that we think make the 600LT such a stand-out performer.
11 Ignition Cut
This clever bit of technology actually has its roots embedded in the high-octane world of formula One. In simple terms, it refers to a momentary disruption of the fuel supply during gear changes, leading to faster shifting.
It is also one of the reasons for the dramatic cackle from the exhaust pipes when the driver changers gears. The McLaren 675LT was the first road car to adapt this technology and now, the 600LT gets to benefit from it.
10 Top Exhaust
For the 600LT, McLaren traded the traditional rear-exit exhaust for twin pipes that stick out on top of the car, just behind the driver's cabin.
McLaren cars have never been known for their sound but at least in this case, the top-mounted exhaust ensures that there is no hindrance to whatever symphony the engine belts out - and the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 does hold a great note, especially when you open up the throttle. This top exhaust design helps with the car's aerodynamics as there's no interference with the rear diffuser design and yes, it also takes the art of flame-spitting to a new level.
9 The Powerplant
The McLaren 600LT can power on to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and complete the quarter-mile run in 10.8 seconds at 140 mph. if you keep your foot on the gas pedal, the car will continue to accelerate until it maxes out just north of 200 mph.
This performance is made possible by the same engine that's in the 570S. however, for the 600LT, the 3.8-liter V8 now pumps out 592 hp and 457 pound-feet of torque, up from 562 hp and 443 pound-feet of torque for the 570S.
8 Lightweight Braking System
One of the defining attributes of a supercar is its ability to accelerate but just as important is how quickly that forward momentum can be scrubbed off when the brakes are applied.
To get the braking job done, the McLaren 600LT relies on a cutting-edge lightweight braking system that was first developed for the incredible McLaren 720S. The car also adopts the same brake booster technology found in the Senna. The end result is that the McLaren 600LT is able to come to a complete halt from 62 mph, in just 102 feet.
7 Inertia Push
This technology was lifted straight from the 600LT predecessor, the McLaren 675LT. It's not quite like Ferrari's KERS system but the principle is similar. Inertia Push helps the supercar to harvest kinetic energy from the flywheel.
This energy is then used to unleash extra torque as the driver engages the next gear translating to a feeling of continuous 'kick-in-the-pants' acceleration with every upshift. It's a crazy piece of McLaren magic that makes the gear shifts super smooth and insanely quick as you push the car to the limits.
6 Active Dynamics Panel
It's hard to imagine a McLaren supercar without the Active Dynamics Panel system. It is at the core of the driving experience served up by the British carmaker and helps the driver customize the car's handling and powertrain. In the 600LT, it functions as a kind of in-car race engineer.
There are three different driving modes to pick from - Normal, Spot and Track. Any of these driving modes will trigger a series of changes to the car's set-up. For example, Track mode stiffens the suspension and unlocks the Inertia Push technology. In Sports mode, the Ignition Cut is unleashed as the transmission setup changes to deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
5 Aerodynamics Package
The McLaren 600LT handles like a dream; whether it's whipping around tight corners or hurling itself down a straight. It's all down to the tremendous work McLaren has put into designing the car's aerodynamics. You can see how the carbon splitters channel the airflow around the front of the car. Side sills control the flow along the sides while a very aggressive rear diffuser helps keep the car planted on the road.
The 600LT lacks an active rear wing like the 720S or Senna but that fixed rear wing generates an extra 100kg downforce at 155 mph. It all comes together rather nicely to give the car class-leading handling attributes.
4 Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
This may not seem like much but it's definitely a nice addition to have. Today's supercars often tend to get carried away with performance and creature comforts get pushed out of the way. The 600LT is a track-focused car and the interior layout, with its bare trimmings, says as much.
However, McLaren has not completely ignored features like the rain-sensing windshield wipers which is actually quite thoughtful on their part. In a sudden downpour, you don't have to take your hand off the wheel to toggle a switch. You are also assured that your visibility will not be hampered as you cruise alone in the expensive supercar.
3 Everything Carbon Fibre
McLaren don't muck around with their 'LT' models; hardcore cars tuned for extreme performance, whether on the public roads or out at the tracks. One of the ways this is done is through the use of weight-saving materials, notably carbon fibre. The 600LT has a dry weight of only 1,247kg, almost 100kg lighter than the 570S on which it is based.
To achieve this, the 600LT makes extensive use of carbon fibre for parts like the monocoque chassis, side sills, rear wing and diffusers. It not only lightens the car but also add to the car's overall appeal, especially when the visible carbon fibre bits are combined with a bright paintwork.
2 Performance-Focused Seats
You will not find regular seats in the 600LT; bulky contraptions with all kinds of automated mechanisms for adjusting seating positions. No; what you get on the 600LT supercar are seats that were taken straight from the legendary P1. They are made from carbon fibre and help the car save an extra 21kg.
It is in line with the track-oriented nature of the 600LT. In case that is still not enough for the performance-obsessed driver, there is an option for the less-comfortable McLaren Senna-type seats, essentially a carbon fibre board with a few pads stuck on.
1 Tilt and Telescoping Steering Wheel
A comfortable driving position is highly important when you are driving an extreme machine like the 600LT and this is not just about the seats. The car comes with a tilt and telescoping steering wheel which allows for multiple adjustments points to ensure that the driver is as comfortable as possible behind the wheel.
It has to be done manually though. Automating the process will only add extra weight to the car, something McLaren took extreme measures to reduce in the first place.