A track-focussed, limited-edition model escaped the gates of Woking today, say hello to the McLaren 620R. The 620R is essentially a road-legal version of McLaren’s 570S GT4 racecar. We’re not sure how owners of the 600LT will feel about this as that variant was supposed to be the halo of the range. Just 350 units of the 620R will be hand-assembled by McLaren at its Woking plant.

Three exterior colours are available as standard: McLaren Orange (with white racing stripes), Silica White (orange stripes) or Onyx Black (orange stripes) – and each can be optioned with race number decals and/or sponsor decals.

V8 power

The McLaren 620R is powered by the same 3,8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine used in the GT4 racecar. Freed from racing regulations has allowed the ECU and turbocharger management to be reconfigured to produce 456 kW of power and 620 N.m of torque. Benchmark performance figures are 0-100 km/h in 2,9 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 8,1 seconds and maximum speed of 322 km/h. Carbon ceramic discs measure 390 mm up front and 380 mm on the rear. These are clamped by forged aluminium brake calipers all round. Stopping power comes from a lightweight braking system.

Track set-up

If you plan to use your 620R at every track day, then you’ll be happy to note that it offers a wide range of adjustment. These include aerodynamic elements and race-derived suspension components. Fitment of the GT4’s two-way manually adjustable coilover motorsport dampers feature 32 clicks of adjustment per corner. The suspension features lightweight aluminium wishbones and uprights and stiffer anti-roll bars and springs than fitted on a regular Sports Series model. 620R runs on Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres as standard.

Racy interior

The cabin has been stripped and has no floor carpet or a glovebox. Air-conditioning, navigation and an audio system are all deleted as well, although all can be selected at no additional cost. Driver and passenger are held in place by lightweight carbon-fibre racing seats and six-point racing harnesses.

In his own words

“The McLaren 570S GT4 is a first-class GT race car that having won races in every championship it has competed in since its first appearance in 2017 is attracting an increasing number of customer racing teams. Now, in response to repeated customer requests, we have homologated that class-leading package for the road in the new McLaren 620R, a limited-edition, 620PS superlight coupé that is the perfect choice for an enthusiast wanting an authentic motorsport driving sensation – and performance to match – on both track and road.” Mike Flewitt, chief executive officer, McLaren Automotive.