The McLaren 600LT marks the beginning of the next chapter in the McLaren 'Longtail' (LT) story and at the same time sets a new sports car benchmark as the fastest, most powerful and most track-focused - yet road legal - Sports Series McLaren has created. Inspired by the renowned McLaren 675LT and its iconic 'Longtail' racing predecessor, the McLaren 600LT is built to excel on roads and race circuits alike.

The new addition to the LT family has all the physical hallmarks of a true McLaren 'Longtail', including a silhouette elongated by 74mm; it also has an extended front splitter, lengthened rear diffuser and fixed rear wing. In total, more than 23% of parts are different on a standard McLaren 600LT compared to a McLaren 570S Coupe.

Extreme weight-saving measures were at the heart of the McLaren 600LT programme from its outset, with a reduction of 96kg against the DIN weight of a 570S Coupe targeted and achieved.

Built using the lightweight carbon fibre monocoque chassis for which McLaren is renowned, the 600LT further benefits from new carbon fibre bodywork that lowers vehicle weight as well as optimising aerodynamic performance.

Unique top-exit exhausts ensure that the new LT model has a distinct aesthetic appearance that identifies it as something particularly special, as well as delivering a substantial weight saving and an incredible aural experience.

The minimalist, track-focused interior has Carbon Fibre Racing Seats first seen on the McLaren P1, and lightweight Alcantara trim material features extensively.

Super-Lightweight carbon fibre seats developed for the McLaren Senna are available in lieu of the standard seats if customers are looking for further weight savings; McLaren Special Operations (MSO) offers a range of features that includes a carbon fibre roof and cantrails and vented carbon fibre front fenders.

With every lightweight option fitted, the lightest dry weight of the new McLaren 600LT is as low as 1,247kg.

To deliver the extreme performance appropriate for an LT, the McLaren 600LT is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.8-litre V8 engine that benefits from an uprated cooling system and reduced back pressure in an exhaust system that is even shorter and more extreme than that of the McLaren Senna. Peak power is 592bhp, with maximum torque of 620Nm and the power-to-weight ratio of the McLaren 600LT at lightest dry weight is an astonishing 474bhp/tonne.

But the essence of a McLaren 'Longtail' is more than its physical silhouette and more even than reduced weight and increased power; the absolute remit of the McLaren 600LT is to engage and excite drivers to the highest levels imaginable.

To this end, the new model features the forged aluminium double-wishbone suspension and lightweight braking system from the second generation McLaren Super Series; bespoke, track-focused Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres; quicker steering; sharpened responses from the throttle and brake pedals; significantly firmer engine mounts and exhausts that are mounted virtually behind the driver's shoulder to bring the incredible sound of the powertrain into the cabin.

Volume of the new McLaren LT will be strictly limited. Production of the 600LT Coupe will begin in October 2018 and last for around 12 months, with build slots scheduled around existing Sports and Super Series models, as well as the sell-out Senna, Senna GTR and BP23.  The specialist carbon fibre body panels of the 600LT will also ensure that it is significantly rarer than its Sports Series brethren. 

Like its 675LT predecessor, each 600LT will be hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre and is available to order now from McLaren Singapore - subject to availability. The base price of the McLaren 600LT starts from $819,000, excluding COE and options.