Creating an even faster, track-ready version of an existing supercar could be achieved very quickly – and cynically; an engine tweak here, a bigger wing there. But that’s not how McLaren has gone about creating the limited run 675 LT. The Long Tail name references the F1 Long Tails created for further dominance in motorsport, and this road car is designed to work on the track too.
There’s more power, but from an engine that is 50 per cent new, 100kg less weight thanks to extreme measures like a slimmed-down wiring loom, improved aerodynamics which also give the 675 a distinct look compared to its 650S sibling, and some clever features like the track telemetry App so that you can play at being an Formula One driver.
McLaren’s first road car of recent times was pretty and functional, but during the intervening years, the style and impact of each model has consistently improved. The 675 LT is both dramatic and attractive, with the aero package adding to the race car look. It gives the bigger (and much more expensive) P1 a run for its money in terms of looks.
On the image front, there’s very little to touch the 675 LT. Not only does it benefit from being limited to just 500 examples, the racing pedigree can’t be bought.
You’ll want to leave the shopping at home, although if you’re a bit of a show-off you can head for the local supermarket and return with 144 litres of goodies. More importantly, the cabin space is good; the dihedral doors open up and away, and although the bucket seats are slim and require a little care, once you’re in, the driving position is excellent and the view out is good. There are also a few areas to store odds and ends, even cup holders, but you won’t want to use those if you’re exploiting the performance.
If this car was a jet fighter, it would definitely be running rings around its enemies
The 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 delivers 666bhp (675PS in metric, hence the name) and 516lb.ft of torque. And with a kerb weight of just 1,230kg, the performance is utterly spectacular. A sub-3 second to 62mph is a given, but the 0-124mph time of 7.9 seconds is borderline ludicrous. It might be turbocharged but the engine is hugely flexible and responsive, and in the right engine mode, the quick-snap gear changes are accompanied by glorious pops from the exhaust.
The 675 LT’s behaviour on road and track is equally stunning. With the scant restrictions of the track to worry about, you can revel in the grip, balance and delicacy of its behaviour, even at high speeds and with big G-forces. As well as the aero changes, the 675 has tweaked ESP settings that are separate from the Handling mode, so you can have softer suspension on the road but still with a loose safety net or the complete opposite on the track. It’s surprisingly friendly yet enormously involving, and of course huge fun. If this car was a jet fighter, it would definitely be running rings around its enemies.
There is a substantial premium for the 675 LT over the 650S, but it’s worth remembering how much of the car is different. The unique exterior, revised suspension, lightweight parts and extra performance give a notably different feel from its sister car. Even the telemetry system, which gives you the kind of data level that Jensen Button and Fernando Alonso get to play with at weekends adds to the experience. And say it quietly, but a car like this limited to just 500 worldwide won’t lose too much money in a hurry.
Any lucky so-and-so in the fortunate position to buy one should be queuing up for a McLaren 675 LT. Its cost exceeds €350,000 and apparently, all 500 are spoken for.
There’s always a market for ‘everyday’ supercars but over and above that, the track-focussed versions are seemingly more in demand; the idea being you can drive your steed to the track, enjoy some hot laps and drive it home again, all without having to do anything other than fill it with fuel.
At a glance
Top speed
205km/h
0-100km
2.9seconds
Engine
3.8-litre petrol unit
Transmission
7-speed dual clutch gearbox driving the rear wheels
Power
666bhp
Maximum torque
516lb/ft of torque