Road-legal version of the McLaren 570S GT4 released as the 620R

Since its customer debut in 2017, the McLaren 570S GT4 has become the most successful GT race car built by McLaren, achieving more race wins and podiums than any other to date. Now, as the ultimate track-focused, track-ready but roadgoing McLaren Sports Series model, McLaren builds the new 620R as a celebration of the achievements of the 570S GT4.

The McLaren 620R is a unique proposition, delivering a pure motorsport experience in a road car with authenticity: It looks like a race car, handles like a race car, performs like a race car and feels like a race car.

The result overall is a seamless transition from race to road - and vice versa. Exclusive and extreme in equal measure, the McLaren 620R retains the DNA of a fully homologated track car yet is free from the restrictions that race regulations apply.

Both the 620R and the 570S GT4 share the same single-piece carbon fibre Monocell II chassis, which provides the foundations for the strength and low weight of the 620R, with a targeted lightest dry weight of 1,282kg. This carbon fibre core - a McLaren signature that in different guises features in every car in the company's range - also underpins the dynamic precision and composure for which McLarens are renowned. These characteristics have been enhanced in the 620R by the inclusion of the GT4's adjustable aerodynamic elements, race-derived suspension components and powertrain recalibration to increase power and performance.

The 620R also has the same 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine used in the GT4 car, but with a significant difference in power output. Freedom from racing regulations has allowed the engine electronic control unit and turbocharger management to be reconfigured to achieve 610bhp, making this the most powerful Sports Series car yet.

The engine also develops a total torque of 620Nm, helping to deliver benchmark performance figures of zero to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds and zero to 200km/h in 8.1 seconds. Maximum speed is 322km/h.

The use of stiffer powertrain mounts reduces drivetrain forces under acceleration, minimising the effect of inertia under high load, while the seven-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch transmission delivers super-fast shift times, further aided in the Track model by McLaren's Inertia Push technology, which converts built-up flywheel energy into a momentary burst of torque on upshift. For added drama on the road the driver can select Sport mode and hear the upshift 'crack' created by a split-second cut of the ignition spark during a gearshift.

Fitment of the GT4's two-way manually adjustable coilover motorsport dampers, which feature 32 clicks of adjustment per corner to allow a driver to tailor compression and rebound rates to suit their driving style and track conditions, also adds to the 620R's motorsport credentials.

The suspension in the 620R features lightweight aluminium wishbones and uprights as well as stiffer anti-roll bars and springs than those fitted on a regular Sports Series model, further enhanced by swapping rubber top mounts for solid stainless steel alternatives to provide noticeable improvements in steering control and feedback, above and beyond the very high standards enjoyed in all McLaren cars.

Stopping power comes from McLaren's latest lightweight braking system, which in the track-focused set-up on the new 620R comprises carbon ceramic discs (390mm front, 380mm rear) and forged aluminium brake calipers all round, with improved pedal response, modularity and resistance to fade even after repeated hard-driven circuit laps.

The 620R will be limited to just 350 customer orders, all hand-built at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey.