McLaren 600LT previewed in Malaysia – 600 PS 3.8L biturbo V8, 0-100 km/h in 2.9 secs, RM998k before tax

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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