Motoring

Roadworthy Racer

by BTM

Tue, 07 January 2020

Roadworthy Racer

McLaren has announced the 620R, the first car in its class to offer true motorsport credentials in a fully road-legal package. The limited-edition coupé – just 350 will be built – evolves the competition specification of the McLaren 570S GT4 to deliver a race-car experience on either track or road.

A high level of commonality with a 570S GT4 race car has been integral to the development of the 620R from the outset. They have the same, single-piece carbon fibre Monocell II chassis providing the foundations for the strength and light weight of the car, with a targeted lightest dry weight of 1,282kg.

The 620R has the same M838TE 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 ECU and turbocharger management to be reconfigured to achieve 620PS (610bhp), making this the most powerful Sports Series car yet. The engine also develops torque of 620Nm (457lb/ft) and, even with lap times more important than sheer top speed, the combined outputs help to deliver benchmark performance figures of 0-100km/h in 2.9 seconds and 0-200km/h in 8.1 seconds. Maximum speed is 322km/h (200mph). 

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

#MOTORING #MOTORING BITES #BTM JANUARY 2020