McLaren reveals new 592bhp ‘Longtail’

McLaren has taken the covers off its latest vehicle to receive the ‘Longtail’ name – the 600LT.

A harder, more powerful and lighter version of the 570S Coupe, the 600LT packs a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 592bhp and 620Nm of torque. The engine benefits from an uprated cooling system, along with unique top-exit exhausts.

Thanks to the inclusion of many carbon-fibre parts, the 600LT is 96kg lighter than the comparable 570S Coupe, while track-focused Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres have been fitted to provide excellent traction when cornering.

Mike Flewitt, chief executive of McLaren Automotive, said: “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, creating the purest distillation of the sheer driving pleasure embodied by all McLaren cars.

“Now we are further extending our very special LT family – albeit in limited numbers – 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’.”

The 600LT’s interior features carbon-fibre racing seats, along with alcantara trim for the vast majority of surfaces. McLaren will also fit even lighter carbon seats developed for the range-topping Senna model at an additional cost, along with a carbon-fibre roof. If all lightweight options are selected, the 600LT’s weight drops to 1,247kg.

Production of the 600LT is due to start in October and will last for around 12 months – though no total production figure has been anounced. Each car is priced from £185,500 – with each purchase including a McLaren road owner track day at a race circuit.