McLaren Automotive has been teasing us with images and video of this new model for a few weeks now. Finally, the McLaren 600LT has been unveiled. The latest model in the McLaren stable will makes its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in a few days from now.

A long tail

As many speculated the latest model adopts the famous LT or “long tail” suffix. The name was first used by the McLaren F1 GTR in race guise. Prior to this model “LT” was attached to 675 to give us the most hardcore car of that family. Now we have the most focussed Sport Series McLaren to be produced.

To earn its name the 600LT has a silhouette elongated by 74 mm by adopting an extended front splitter, lengthened rear diffuser and fixed rear wing. Not only do the new elements add to the appearance they work together to provide real downforce.

More of everything

As it was created to excel at track work, the 600LT takes all the hallmarks of the already excellent 570S and adds to each, except mass. In fact, thanks to the use of lightweight materials the 600LT tips the scales almost 100 kg lighter than the 570S, at a scant 1 247 kg. In part, the saving was helped by adopting carbon-fibre seats first seen on the McLaren P1™, and lightweight Alcantara trim material extensively in the cabin.

The headline figure is 442 kW along with 620 N.m from the retuned and recalibrated 3,8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 motor. To deal with the extra power an uprated cooling system is employed. A pair of top-exit exhaust tips let the V8 breathe better as well as be more vocal at speed.

Special suspension

Helping to cope with the increased power and downforce the 600LT has forged aluminium double-wishbone suspension and lightweight braking system from the second-generation McLaren Super Series. As we saw on the initial teaser image, semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres are used.

A quicker steering, sharper-acting throttle and brake pedals and stiffer engine mounts all add to the heightened driving experience.

Limited edition

Production of the 600LT Coupé will begin in October 2018 and last for around 12 months, with build slots scheduled around existing Sports and Super Series models at McLaren’s Woking headquarters.

All McLaren 600LT Coupé models come with a Pure McLaren Road Owner Track Day at a race circuit, with expert driving tuition.

Click here to discover more about the new McLaren 600LT