McLaren 620R revealed as £250k GT4 clone
We scooped it in October and now it's here - the fastest Sport Series car yet
Two months after PH broke news of its forthcoming introduction to the world, McLaren has officially confirmed production of 350 620Rs, bridging the gap between its roadgoing Sports Series line-up and the current GT4 racer. As predicted, the track-focussed machine will inherit much of its chassis hardware from the competition machine but, with no motorsport restrictors to worry about, its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 is free to output 620hp and 457lb ft of torque - which, in a car that weighs 1,282kg dry, amounts to a lot of performance.
Consider: 62mph arrives in (a 720S-matching) 2.9 seconds, 124mph comes along at 8.1 and top speed is 200mph. It’s officially the fastest Sports Series car yet. And the straight-line stuff isn’t even the 620R’s party piece; as scooped by PH, the car’s chassis and suspension componentry is what really sets it apart from the field. The crossover between racing car and road machine is significant, to the extent that - tyres and number plates aside - the two appear damn near identical.
At its core is McLaren’s familiar MonoCell II monocoque, with aluminium front and rear crash structures. But practically everything else around it has been tuned up to track specification. Just like in the GT4, you get two-way manually adjustable coilovers, with 32 clicks of adjustment for the damping rates - and the hardware changes the suspension lighter than the road version, contributing a 6kg saving from the total. It also means the setup can absorb the higher lateral loading of slick tyres without further adjustment.
The weight saving is continued in the wishbones and uprights, which are made of aluminium, while the anti-roll bars provide additional resistance. The suspension struts themselves are now bolted to solid stainless steel top mounts in place of rubber ones, improving steering response and feedback through the rack, while the M838TE engine is held in place with its own firmer mounts, organically reducing inertia under load. Additionally, McLaren’s F1-derived Inertia Push technology, which uses kinetic energy stored in the flywheel, provides extra torque.
Stopping is courtesy of 390mm front and 380mm rear carbon ceramics discs that work with forged aluminium calipers – which, tellingly, have been engineered with a focus on providing optimum feel and performance when they’re subjected to track work. Hammering the car’s circuit honing home is the optional fitment of proper slick rubber, which extends the contact patch by eight per cent over the standard-fit (and still bloody sticky) Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R road boots. They come wrapped around 19- and 20-inch wheels, capable of working with both the treaded and untreaded rubber.
On top of the no doubt immense mechanical grip will be an enhanced aerodynamic package that includes an adjustable carbon fibre rear wing identical to the GT4’s (barring the fitment of a brake light) to produce up to 185kg of downforce. While a large front splitter and dive planes combine to add up to 65kg of downforce over the nose. The 600LT, by comparison, produces no more than 100kg combined with its body pieces.
In short - and as you might expect - this is pretty much as close as you’ll be able to get to a GT4 racing car for the road. As such, the cabin is pared-back to the essentials, with the carbon bucket seat and six-point harnesses, racing wheel and extended shift paddles all inspired by the motorsport model. McLaren also fits its track telemetry system as part of a centre-mounted, seven-inch touchscreen. What you don’t get are sat nav, floor carpets or a glovebox, nor is there air con or a sound system. Although you can have the first three refitted as no cost options, while you’re required to hand over extra cash for a lightweight Bowers and Wilkins audio system.
Naturally, there are a raft of colour and trim customisations on offer, although only three exterior colours are offered as standard: McLaren Orange with white stripes, Silica White with orange stripes or Onyx Black with orange stripes. Numbers can be fitted too for the full race effect, while a Senna GTR-mimicking decal livery is also on offer. Suffice it to say we’re expecting most of the 350 620Rs to get their own, unique look – including that lucky PHer who passed on news of the model’s arrival back in October. Orders are being taken now, with prices starting at £250,000. For those fortunate enough to get their hands on one, production starts next month.
570S -> 600LT -> 620R
Not so different surely?
540C, 570S, 570S Spider, 570 track pack, 570 GT, 600LT, 600 LT Spider, and now the 620R
all have the same engine,chassis etc ! and all current cars !!! and some other GT sports series also just called the NEW GT again with 620PS !!!
the GT3 is: GT3, GT3 touring or GT3 RS, I guess there is now a GT3 RS WP but that's more to do with the petrol filter issues needing to be added.
If you're being really nitpicky then you'd say 911 Carrera, C2S, C4S, turbo, GT3, GT3 RS, GT2 RS plus cab versions of the C2, C2S, C4S, turbo, then you have the targa versions as well.
I don't see the issue.....They have, in reality, a 570S and a spider, a slightly more hardcore version in the 600LT in coupe and spider, and then a more hardcore version in the 620RS.....no worse than Porsche by any means.
Senna is very different to a 720S which is also different to a 570S.
Easy way to think of it is actually how McLaren sell them.
Sports series range (570S/600LT/620RS and the spider versions)
Super series range (720S and spider)
Ultimate series (Senna).
GT range (GT)
There, not that difficult, is it?
And Cayman -> 911 -> Carrera GT/918 also goes: Mid engine F4/F6 -> Rear Engine F6 -> Mid Engine V10/V8 Hybrid.
While Sports Series -> Super Series -> Ultimate Series goes: Mid engine V8 -> Mid engine V8 -> Mid engine V8.
And Cayman -> 911 -> Carrera GT/918 also goes: Mid engine F4/F6 -> Rear Engine F6 -> Mid Engine V10/V8 Hybrid.
While Sports Series -> Super Series -> Ultimate Series goes: Mid engine V8 -> Mid engine V8 -> Mid engine V8.
Ferrari have V8 or V12s in a couple of models and your bill doesn't quite fit there...?
Ferrari have V8 or V12s in a couple of models and your bill doesn't quite fit there...?
I'd say the Ferrari naming works well, the GTC4 is available with a V8 and V12 and again follows what every other car manufacturer does in terms of differentiating what are distinct, different models and what are merely variations of a specific model.
McLaren One
McLaren One S
McLaren One SS
McLaren One SSS
McLaren One SSSS
McLaren One SSSSS
McLaren One SSSSSS
McLaren One SSSSSSS
If you think they're all the same cars then you're just showing how ignorant you are. Or do you think "same engine, same car"? In which case, a BMW 730d must be an identical car to a 330d, I guess.
McLaren One
McLaren One S
McLaren One SS
McLaren One SSS
McLaren One SSSS
McLaren One SSSSS
McLaren One SSSSSS
McLaren One SSSSSSS
If you think they're all the same cars then you're just showing how ignorant you are. Or do you think "same engine, same car"? In which case, a BMW 730d must be an identical car to a 330d, I guess.
The engine, I agree, I think they could do with something more special for the top of the range cars. It's certainly got the punch, but I don't think it sounds special, personally. But to say all of the cars are the same isn't true. They're a sports car manufacturer, not a saloon manufacturer.
PH when Ferrari or Porsche announce SUV - we don't need this rubbish, they should stick to sports cars
also PH when McLaren make a range of sports cars - they need to branch out and make other cars like SUVs and estates
1. McLaren come up with something that is actually discernibly different (V6, I hear?)
2. Employees/fans stop claiming McLaren make anything other than one car with minor tweaks
3. Critics accept that minor tweaks equate to being a different model
2.) They make 4 distinct models with very different purposes and component make-up.
- The Sport Series has 'normal' independant coil sprung suspension, is much more compact and has simple static aero.
- The Super Series has the hydraulically linked anti-dive and anti-roll suspension set up, active aero, is physically larger and has a bigger engine
- The Ultimate Series has cutting edge technology in both materials and aerodynamics
- The GT is packaged completely differently with a focus on comfort and refinement
3.) If you can't tell a 570s from a Senna and can't appreciate that they are completely different vehicles then you are a blind fool.
Yes they share elements and an engineering philosophy, but that's because it is a company with limited resource and also some of them are the best tools for the job.
Are you suggesting that they should bin the carbon fibre tub for something inferior in say the sports series, just to make a difference to the car on paper. They invested a hell of a lot of money in to the design, development and refinement of that technology and it is the best tool for the job thanks to its strength/weight ratio.
Or should they have develop a brand spanking new v12 for the Senna that delivers the same power output that was achieved by revising elements of the V8, just to make it a bit different?
Or should they have compromised the weight, handling and packaging of the GT, developed a brand new chassis, engine subframes, gearbox and electronics architecture bespoke to that single model just to move the engine to the front to make it more like a 'traditional' GT?
To say that the Sports Series, Super Series, GT and Ultimate Series are the same cars with MINOR tweaks is ridiculous.
Are you saying then that the Skoda Octavia and VW Golf are the same car? They share the same platforms and engines. Both are front wheel drive, powered by Inilne 4 engines. That must make them exactly the same car with minor tweaks in your mind.
McLaren have got this VERY wrong IMO
Firstly: If you want a proper GT to drive to somewhere South of Paris with a reasonable amount of luggage stored in a proper boot. You want a 2+2, not a 2 seat mid engine car where the luggage space is on display above the hot engine. Then you'll be looking at Aston, Bentley or Ferrari at this price point. McLaren don't offer anything comparable. They are losing sales by not bringing to launch a proper competitor.
Secondly. Their range is constantly being renewed. This is not news, but buyers get the arse when their brand new car is already superseded within 5-6 months. It kills residuals. It doesn't make buyers love the brand. And as result, next time they wont buy another McLaren unless they REALLY want whatever car it is.
Oh and to the above screecher who asked about Octavia vs Golf. Yes they ARE different cars. Golf is generally a Hatchback. Octavia is a) cheaper and b) generally a saloon. By doing that VAG hit 2 sectors of the buying public. Those who want a 5 door hatch and those that want a 4 door slightly larger, and a bit cheaper saloon. For very little in terms of production cost difference.
If only McLaren realised that not everyone with £200K to spend (or £10K deposit + £1K a month) wants a 2 door, carbon tubbed, mid engine V8TT car...
Which McLaren got superseded within 5-6 months? I think it's usually 3 years or so, isn't it? 12c > 650S > 720S about 3 years apart each. 570S/600LT/620R are only 1st generation cars. P1 got replaced by the Senna, only after a number of years though? Or are you saying the 600LT is a replacement for the 570S? In which case a GT3 is a replacement for the 911 S?
But yes, I agree they need more cars in their range to suit a wider buying demographic, but to say they replace car every 5-6 months simply isn't true IMO.
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