McLaren Kuala Lumpur has been dormant for some time, but under new management (and no longer under Sime Darby) the company has been flying under the radar, quietly selling new models to those who can afford them. Well, it has made things official with its first event, a preview of the new McLaren 600LT Coupé – the most extreme model in Woking’s Sports Series range – at its new Glenmarie showroom over the weekend.
Priced starting at RM998,000 before taxes and options, the 600LT is essentially a 570S that has been dialled all the way up to 11. Everything has been made more hardcore – the styling, the aerodynamics, the engine, the lightweight construction – all in the pursuit of speed and shaving precious seconds off lap times.
The “LT” in its name refers to the “Longtail” designation initially bestowed upon a lengthened version of the F1 GTR race car – a moniker that was recently relaunched on the similarly hardcore 675LT. While the 600LT doesn’t exactly have the stretched rear bodywork of the GTR – or the new Speedtail, for that matter – it still manages to be 74 mm longer than the 570S.
Much of that comes from the new fixed rear spoiler, which, together with the extended front splitter, massive rear diffuser and flat floor (all made from carbon fibre), generates 100 kg of downforce at 250 km/h. The use of all that carbon, including in McLaren’s trademark MonoCell II monocoque chassis, contributes to a dry weight of just 1,247 kg in the lightest spec – some 100 kg less than the 570S.
To take full advantage of the lower mass, the 600LT features a revamped version of McLaren’s 3.8 litre twin-turbocharged V8. Equipped with a retuned ECU and a distinctive top-exit exhaust system that reduces back pressure, it churns out 600 PS at 7,500 rpm (hence the name) and 620 Nm of torque from 5,500 to 6,500rpm, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 481 PS per tonne.
As you’d expect, the performance figures are suitably epic: zero to 100 km/h is done and dusted in just 2.9 seconds – matching the more powerful 675LT – before the car hits 200 km/h in a jaw-dropping 8.2 seconds. Keep the throttle pinned and the 600LT will eventually top out at 328 km/h. As usual, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission sends power to the rear wheels.
The rest of the car has been designed to reduce weight and improve its handling characteristics. Sitting on eight millimetres closer to the ground and riding on a 10 mm wider front track, the 600LT utilises forged aluminium double wishbones and uprights from the 720S, representing a 10.2 kg weight saving. The car’s independent, continuously variable adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars have also been reworked to suit.
Then there are the brakes, which are also derived from the Super Series (i.e. 720S, 675LT) – carbon ceramic discs clamped by aluminium callipers that altogether shave a further four kilograms. There’s also a new brake booster developed using learnings from the Senna, which is claimed to offer responsive and progressive pedal feel and a stopping distance from 200 km/h of just 117 m.
These hide behind ultra-lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in custom Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, with a softer than usual sidewall structure to maintain the contact patch on less-than-ideal tarmac, plus a stiffer belt construction to improve cornering grip.
You’ll find further examples of weight saving in the Alcantara-trimmed interior, with no carpets (saves 5.7 kg), glovebox, door pockets (replaced with nets), air-conditioning, navigation or audio system – the last three are thankfully offered as no-cost options. As standard, you get carbon fibre racing seats from the P1 hypercar that save 21 kg, and you can also get the Senna’s “super-lightweight” chairs that trim even more weight.
McLaren Kuala Lumpur says it has already sold out its initial nine-car allocation, and that it is planning to bring in more; even so, with nine months of limited production left, you’d be wise to get your name in quick. The new showroom is located right next to the existing service centre at the Temasya Industrial Park.
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Exotic car is coming to Malaysia. Nice looking and power is superb as well. Price tag is truly amaze me.
how come Supercar prices sold w/out taxes?
It is sold with taxes, but taxes are not the same for every customer, so it’s not displayed
Doesn’t matter bro coz the price without tax itself is crazy already. The tax would be double than the actual car’s price i guess.
It is to show that if you have to ask what is the price including tax, you really cannot afford it.
Actually it is because most buyers place their cars in duty free aras like Langkawi and Labuan. Also there are foreign buyers buying cars allocated to Malaysia to skip the long waiting list in their respective countries.
Wow, this is such a beauty. Good for McLaren to kick Sime Darby out. You cannot rely on a lazy GLC to bring you sales.
Look now, sales are increasing higher and higher.
1mil for this? Why not wait for 675LT then?
675LT no longer in production lah.
With tax, it will be RM4 million. Indeed, Malaysia has the most expensive car prices in the world.
Time for us to reduce car prices to benefit the rakyat.
The same joker with the different name that says Malaysian car prices is highest in the world when in reality; Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia has higher car prices.
McLaren KL sold out all its 9 car allocation. No doubt consumer confidence brimming high again.
Top up a bit for Ferrari FXXK
Ever wonder why super luxury exotic cars like this always shown a price without taxes…?
Because the rich dont pay for taxes…
I wonder how is it relevant to Malaysian roads??
Almost the same price as the GT3 RS. This one seems more special. GT2RS cost about 50% more without taxes.