McLaren 620R: a superlative track-day toy
The McLaren 620R is a thrilling machine on the racetrack, and you can drive it home too. Jasper Spires reports.
This is the “raciest McLaren road car yet”, says Top Gear. Its new 620R offers lovers of track-day toys a taste of devastating racing-car power, and you can drive it home. It’s not the most practical of cars for everyday use. Indeed, it has no “nose-lift” as standard, so it “might not even make it off some driveways”. It will set you back £250,000 and at speed it might potentially “write cheques your driving talent won’t cash”. But it is “the most exciting and involving” McLaren you can buy. It’s a lot of money for what is for the most part a “dedicated track toy”, but it will “draw you in”. Driving it is sure to become “quite addictive”.
It’s an indulgence, but a “perfectly executed one”, says Auto Express. “There’s a precision to the chassis that only motorsport experiences can deliver, the 3.8-litre V8 engine is tuned to its peak, and the experience of driving it on road or track is unlike” that of any other car, including its McLaren stablemates. It goes from rest to 62mph in 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 200mph. Isn’t that a bit much for the road? “Not really.” True, there is a “hard edge to the chassis that picks out lumps and bumps” in the road, but “the pay off is a car that fizzes with energy and is awash with ability that doesn’t make you risk everything to enjoy it”.
For around £60,000 less you could have McLaren’s 600LT, which will be better to drive on the road and on a track test beat a Ferrari Pista and Porsche 911 GT3 RS, says Andrew Frankel in Autocar. The 620R is, of course, both “quicker and even better to drive on track”, but around £60,000 better? Probably not, but “that’s not what people are paying for”. With only 225 being made worldwide, this will be the rarest McLaren road car in existence. That makes it “not just a very special car, but a quite exceptionally rare one, too”.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
Jasper is a former writer for the MoneyWeek and he wrote on an array of topics including travel, investing in crypto and bitcoin, as well as cars. Previous to that he freelanced at The Art Newspaper, PORT Magazine and The Spectator. Jasper is currently a freelance writer at FAD magazine and he has an English literature degree from the University of Exeter, and a Master's degree from UCL.
-
Should you invest in biotech?Healthcare and biotech stocks offer tempting valuations following years in the doldrums
-
How to limit how much of your Christmas bonus goes to the taxmanIt's Christmas bonus season but the boosted pay packet may mean much of your hard-earned reward ends up with HMRC instead of in your pocket
-
8 of the best ski chalets for sale nowThe best ski chalets on the market – from a traditional Alpine-style chalet in Switzerland to an award-winning Modernist building in Japan’s exclusive ski areas
-
The best Christmas gifts for your loved onesWe round up the best Christmas gifts with a touch of luxury to delight, surprise and amaze family and friends this festive season
-
The best UK Christmas markets for a wassail of a timeWe round up the best UK Christmas markets to visit, from London's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland to Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens
-
Reinventing the high street – how to invest in the retailers driving the changeThe high street brands that can make shopping and leisure an enjoyable experience will thrive, says Maryam Cockar
-
8 of the best houses for sale with electric vehicle chargingThe best houses for sale with electric vehicle charging – from a converted World War II control tower in Scotland, to a Victorian country house in Cumbria
-
Nine of the best luxury Christmas hampers to buyWe take a look at the best luxury Christmas hampers – an indulgent selection of the finest cheeses, wines, chocolates and puddings for a quality celebration
-
Six of the best Christmas wines to buy this festive seasonMatthew Jukes tips the best Christmas wines for a festive tipple
-
5 of the best Christmas markets in Europe to visit this winterWe round up the best Christmas markets in Europe for the perfect festive break – from Portugal to Switzerland
