Our Mission: To Produce Lightweight Super Sports Cars That Thoroughly Entertain the Driver

In the not-too-distant future, all cars will likely reach a major crossroads.

At this crossroads, a clear distinction will be made between 'machines for transportation' and 'cars for the joy of driving,' with no possibility of turning back or intersecting.

Dramatic advancements in driving automation and connectivity will eradicate traffic accidents and congestion. Concurrently, progress in electrification will fundamentally solve environmental and energy issues. Furthermore, usage patterns will significantly change, with an increase in 'using' cars rather than 'owning' them, through services like car-sharing.



As a result, 99 percent of the 'machines for transportation' in the world will become far safer, more convenient, and more comfortable to use than driving today's cars.

By then, the very concept of a car and the image of travel by automobile will have fundamentally changed.

The remaining one percent will be 'cars for the joy of driving (only).' The 99 percent versus one percent figures are merely illustrative; the actual ratio could easily be 99.9 percent to 0.1 percent, or even 99.99 percent to 0.01 percent. The point is the overwhelming majority versus the minority.



Currently, almost all car manufacturers aim to be part of that 99 percent. However, there is one manufacturer that clearly states, 'We are in the one percent.' That manufacturer is McLaren.

This ultra-luxury British sports car maker, with its background as a dominant force in F1, openly declares, 'We only build two-seater sports cars with powertrains mounted mid-chassis, using a carbon fiber monocoque.'

It's a remarkably resolute, perhaps even stubborn, stance. The words of Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive, remain consistent.

'Our mission is to produce lightweight super sports cars that thoroughly entertain the driver through overwhelming performance.'

They have no intention of building popular SUVs or four-door models, and they adamantly state they will not produce front-engined sports cars either.

It was this McLaren, the '600LT,' that I drove at the Hungaroring circuit in Hungary.

0-100 km/h Acceleration Rivals the Higher-Tier LT Model, the '675LT'

The 600LT is a special limited-edition model developed from McLaren's basic 'Sports Series' within its current lineup, which is divided into three tiers: 'Ultimate,' 'Super,' and 'Sports.'

The '600' refers to the engine horsepower, and 'LT' stands for Long Tail, a name derived from the 'F1 GTR Long Tail' of the 1990s.

Subsequently, in 2016, based on the Super Series,675LTand675LT Spiderwere born, making the 600LT the fourth LT model.

'The DNA of the LT series is to further enhance the driver's connection with the car through optimized aerodynamics, increased power, weight reduction, and circuit-oriented dynamics,' says Alex Long, Commercial Operations Director.

The production volume is undecided, but the production period is set at one year.



The 600LT is approximately 100 kg lighter than the '570S Coupe,' the core model of the 'Sports Series,' and its 3.8-liter V8 engine produces a maximum output of 600 ps and a maximum torque of 620 Nm, as indicated by its name.

With a lightweight body and a powerful engine, it naturally becomes faster. Astonishingly, the acceleration time from a standstill to 100 km/h is just 2.9 seconds. Cars that can achieve this in under 3.0 seconds are rare, and this figure rivals that of the higher-tier LT model, the '675LT' (which boasts a maximum output of 675 ps!).

Furthermore, it reaches 200 km/h in only 8.2 seconds, with a top speed of 328 km/h.



Weight reduction has been implemented everywhere. Through the use of a new aluminum chassis and lightweight materials throughout the cockpit, the dry weight has been reduced to 1,247 kg. The power-to-weight ratio is an astonishing 2.08 kg/ps.

In addition to increased power and reduced weight, exclusive parts for the 600LT have been incorporated, such as an extended front splitter and rear diffuser for improved aerodynamics, a fixed rear wing, and a carbon fiber flat bottom.

Braking Distance from 200 km/h to a Standstill is Only 1 Meter Longer Than the 'P1'

For comparison, I first completed three laps of the course in the '570S Coupe.' On the Hungaroring circuit, with its combination of elevation changes and various corner types, the 570S Coupe demonstrated unquestionable speed.

Beyond its speed, the comfortable ride is a common virtue of McLaren cars. Even when attempting a sudden deceleration from 200 km/h at the end of the straight, the car remained stable, with no hint of brake fade.

As I became more familiar with the track and gradually increased my pace, I continued to lap at higher cornering speeds. The speed and level of refinement were such that one could only wonder what more could be desired.



Then, switching to the 600LT, the engine exhaust note was immediately different. With the tailpipes pointing upwards, the sound resonated just behind my head, making my body tremble.

While the 570S Coupe had a firm ride compared to other sports cars, the 600LT felt even more refined. The steering response was sharper, clearly distinguishing it from the 570S Coupe.

Completing a lap and accelerating down the main straight, the first corner appeared as I passed 200 km/h. The moment I firmly applied the brakes, the first surprise occurred. The speed dropped dramatically, and the brakes exerted such force that I could feel the tires pressing into the road.



I thought I had braked as late as possible, but there was still plenty of margin. The 600LT navigated the first corner at a safe speed without any loss of composure. The brakes were terrifyingly powerful, yet the chassis was so rigid that the car's attitude remained perfectly stable.

The 600LT's brakes combine lightweight aluminum calipers with robust carbon-ceramic discs. The system is borrowed from the higher-tier 'Super Series.'

Combined with a completely new brake booster, the pedal feel and response during braking have been significantly improved, and the braking distance from 200 km/h to a standstill is a mere 117 meters, only 1 meter longer than that of the limited-production hypercar, the P1.

Even on the Track, Its Limits Are Difficult to Reach

The next aspect that surprised me was its exceptional aerodynamic performance. While driving on straights and gentle high-speed corners, I could feel the airflow pressing the body down onto the road, stabilizing the car. This was clearly perceptible, not only when I was driving myself but also when riding as a passenger with a McLaren test driver.



The 600LT possesses such extreme performance that even on a circuit, it is difficult to explore its limits.

With optional parts, further performance enhancements are possible, which is truly admirable. It offers performance that is remarkably close to that of a high-level racing car, yet it is road-legal.



'While the 600LT is built to be usable in daily life, it is not made for daily life. It is purely a car for the enjoyment of driving. No matter how high-performing, the SUVs that are popular now are cars for daily life,' says Mr. Long.

The 600LT is an idealistic supercar that purely pursues the joy of driving. And the philosophy behind McLaren's car manufacturing, which created it, is also stoically idealistic.

McLaren 600LT | McLaren 600LT
Body Size | Length 4,604 x Width 2,095 x Height 1,194 mm
Weight | 1,261 kg
Engine | 3,799 cc V8 Twin-Turbo
Max Output | 600 ps (441 kW) / 7,500 rpm
Max Torque | 620 Nm / 5,500-6,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AT (SSG)
Drivetrain | MR
Tires Front/Rear | 225/35R19 / 285/35R20
Top Speed | 328 km/h
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 2.9 seconds
0-200 km/h Acceleration | 8.2 seconds
100-0 km/h Braking | 31 meters
200-0 km/h Braking | 117 meters
Fuel Economy (NEDC combined) | 11.7 L/100 km (8.5 km/L)
Fuel Economy (EU WLTP combined) | 12.2 L/100 km (8.2 km/L)
CO2 Emissions (NEDC combined) | 266 g/km
CO2 Emissions (EU WLTP combined) | 276 g/km