The McLaren 600LT Spider that we drove recently was given the Long Tail name to signify more power, less weight, optimised aerodynamics, and track-focused driving experience. We thought the 600 LT truly deserved the prestigious name, as the pinnacle of McLaren’s Sports Series models.
But now just a little over a year since its launch, the Woking-based supercar maker has just released an even more bonkers Sports Series model, the McLaren 620R. The brand even goes as far as calling it a “road-legal version of McLaren GT4 race car”.
The McLaren 620R is “born” from the 570S GT4, and thus share many parts with the race car. Starting with the engine, the same M838TE 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine in the McLaren 620R produces (surprise, surprise) 620 hp and 620 Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG).
Naught to 100 km/h takes just 2.9 seconds, and 0-200 km/h is done in 8.1 seconds. Gunning it, the McLaren 620R reaches a top speed of 322 km/h.
The 620R features coilover motorsports dampers, which features 32 levels of manual adjustment per corner. McLaren says that the dampers are 6 kg lighter than the ones fitted on regular Sports Series models, contributing to the dry-weight of just 1,282 kg.
The lightweight aluminium wishbones and upright suspension are mated to stiffer anti-roll bars and springs, while the rubber top mounts are replaced with solid stainless steel ones for improved steering control and feedback.
Continuing the race-car on the road theme, the 620R features active aerodynamic elements derived from the GT4 race car. Perhaps the most noticeable exterior feature – the adjustable carbon fibre rear wing from the 570S GT4 – now houses a third braking light, and is raised by 32 cm for enhanced aerodynamic.
The large rear wing is adjustable in three different angles by a McLaren retailer. Together with the dive planes at the front and twin nostrils on the carbon fibre bonnet, the 620R produces a maximum downforce of 185 kg at 250 km/h.
As standard, the McLaren 620R comes with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres. However, a full-slick motorsport tyres, specially developed for McLaren by Pirelli’s Motorsport team, can be fitted on the 620R without any mechanical adjustments, allowing the owner to arrive at the circuit and obliterate lap times without the need of a full team of mechanics.
Behind the staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are the carbon ceramic brake discs, measuring 390 mm in front and 380 mm at the rear. Forged aluminium brake calipers are used on all four corners.
Of course, being a true “race car” means that many creature comforts are omitted. On the inside, the McLaren does not come with floor carpets or a glovebox. As standard, air-conditioning, navigation and audio systems are also not included, although they can be selected at no additional cost. A lightweight Bowers & Wilkins upgraded audio system is also available, as a cost option.
Super-lightweight carbon fibre racing seats with six-point racing harness is fitted as standard. The 620R also features many race car elements such as a red 12 o’clock mark on the steering wheel, as well as door pull straps to aid door closure when the driver is held in place by the harnesses.
Carbon fibre elements are also found throughout the cabin, including the extended shift paddles, steering wheel spokes, as well as the centre console. A 7-inch touchscreen mounted in the centre displays the McLaren Track Telemetry (MTT) system as standard.
Only 350 units of this street-legal race car will be made, and a dedication plaque on the centre console tells you exactly which lucky number belongs to you. The McLaren 620R can be ordered in three racing-inspired colours – McLaren Orange, Silica White, or Onyx Black – and each can be optioned with racing decals,including the McLaren Senna GTR-inspired one pictured here.
IMAGE GALLERY
