Ferrari LaFerrari Review and Exclusive Images

Ferrari LaFerrari Review 

The Ferrari LaFerrari is one of the most extreme, powerful and downright exceptional production cars ever created by any manufacturer, serving as the ultimate embodiment of speed and innovation in this great era of hypercars.

As a successor to the legendary Ferrari Enzo, the LaFerrari is among the likes of the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder in an elite class of hypercars that have reached heights beyond what most manufacturers could ever dream of achieving.

This force of nature is not only armed with a hair-raising, naturally aspirated V12 engine, but also applies F1-inspired hybrid technology to further enhance its performance, and was the first flagship Ferrari to do so.

Technology and performance are where it thrives, but it also looks magnificent and drives like the best Ferrari ever made – and it might just be exactly that.

Ferrari thinks so highly of it that its bold name, “LaFerrari”, literally means “The Ferrari” – perhaps pointing out that this is the ultimate personification of the company at its best. This could well be one of the most iconic hypercars of our generation, and we’re here to bring you exclusive LaFerrari images and access from our time at Tom Hartley Cars.

How Many LaFerraris Were Made?

It’s not quite as exclusive as the Koenigsegg we saw recently, but just 499 LaFerrari examples were created and they were only made available to serious Ferrari collectors – those with at least five Ferraris to their name, apparently.

You also had to be personally approved by then-chairman Luca di Montezemolo before being able to purchase the LaFerrari.

How Much Does a LaFerrari Cost?

When it was initially launched, the LaFerrari’s price was £1,150,000 (around $1.5m), but it’s long since sold out and, if you’re lucky enough to afford one and come across one for sale in the UK, it’s likely to cost you upwards of £2.4million in 2019.

The LaFerrari’s cost is only going to continue to rise, as its appreciation rate will inevitably increase each year. 

LaFerrari Top Speed, 0-60mph, and Performance

Packed with a monstrous 6.3-litre V12 engine optimised for high-rev horsepower, the LaFerrari would’ve been more powerful than most, even before adding its hybrid system.

The hybrid tech isn’t just used to make the LaFerrari more environmentally friendly, but to make this already-rapid car even faster.

The V12 perfectly coordinates with the F1-inspired Hy-Kers hybrid system (which consists of a battery pack and electric motor) to produce a mouth-watering combined output of 950bhp and 663lb-ft of torque.

It works in silence as an inconspicuous partner to the engine, effortlessly supplementing the V12’s performance by adding power, refining response and enhancing delivery.

The LaFerrari’s top speed is 218mph (350km/h), and it goes from 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in 2.9 seconds, hitting 124mph (200km/h) just four seconds later. 

It set a Fiorano track time of 1m20s, which might not mean too much to you, until you find out it’s a whole 5s faster than the Enzo and 3s quicker than the F12berlinetta, making the LaFerrari the fastest road car in the company’s history. No Ferrari ever created has raced around the Fiorano as quick as the LaFerrari.

Its presence is heard before it is seen, with the roaring V12 sounding like the true epitome of power. It sends shivers down your spine as you push the ‘Engine Start’ button and bring the LaFerrari to life. We felt as if it had a similar sound to the much-loved Ferrari Enzo, despite being over a decade newer than the modern classic.

Ferrari provided a whole new definition of ‘fast’ with the LaFerrari, offering the ultimate performance backed by the most soulful soundtrack of them all, the V12.

With so much power, you’d expect to be pretty on-edge driving it, but you’re not.

There’s no doubting that LaFerrari’s appearance, sound, stats, price-tag and pretty much everything else about it is intimidating, but its driveability makes you feel at-ease (ish!) behind the wheel. As you’d expect, the handling and throttle response is razor-sharp, as is the feedback, and it’s probably the most natural-feeling luxury hybrid out there.

LaFerrari Design: Interior and Exterior

The LaFerrari looks every bit the hypercar – it’s mind-blowing. It looks so extreme and spaceship-like that the very sight of it is mouth-watering.

On the outside, it’s striking and bold, with a sleek profile that stays true to the classic Ferrari sports cars of the past. Walking around the car, we were able to follow the curves, vents and tiny details that have been carefully sculpted to create a beautifully smooth body.

Its prominent front wing is very F1-like, and aerodynamics obviously played a large part in how it was designed, with active aero features including front and rear diffusers, an underbody guide vane and a rear spoiler.

The aerodynamic features react automatically when the driving conditions suit, helping generate better downforce without creating unwanted drag.

If you’re more into your soft-tops and convertibles, there’s also a LaFerrari Aperta, a spider version which was introduced three years after the coupe we got to see. You don’t need us to tell you that it, too, is absolutely stunning.

LaFerrari Interior Design

So, getting inside the LaFerrari – it’s actually physically not as awkward as you’d think. It’s hardly a tight squeeze and you’re definitely not on your hands and knees trying to crawl out of it either, unlike some of the less practical supercars we’ve seen.

Once you’re in, carbon-fibre pretty much covers the cabin along with some bits of upmarket Alcantara, which gives the LaFerrari a very performance-orientated, but high-quality finish.

Its fully digital dashboard is distinctive and only adds to the spaceship-like feel on the inside, and the steering wheel is where most buttons and switches are – including the ‘Engine Start’ button and the Manettino dial, which gives you Sport, Race and Wet modes.

Something of note when we were inside the LaFerrari was the seating position; you sit very low, but it’s not necessarily a problem because the steering wheel and pedals are adjustable and can be moved towards or away from you – race-car style. There’s a nice degree of comfort and each customer has tailor-made seats fitted prior to delivery.

Being so wide, the view out the front is good but the rear view could be better, as with most hypercars. The harness is also a bit of a pain to get on quickly, but with 950bhp and hitting 218mph, the extra safety isn’t exactly a bad idea. 

So Fast, So Impeccable... Where Next? 

So, a few years on from the outstanding LaFerrari’s debut, what can possibly compete with it? Where could we possibly go from here?

There’s a few in the mix, from the Bugatti Chiron and McLaren Senna, to the Koenigsegg Agera RS and upcoming Mercedes-AMG One.  

But, as far as an authentic all-rounder with an engaging drive, immaculate design and thunderous power goes, has any other hypercar quite hit the heights of the LaFerrari yet? We don’t think so. 

The LaFerrari, as its name suggests, is the utmost expression of what Ferrari strives for – excellence. You could call it the King of Kings, as it proudly represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s work to date, incorporating all that’s great about the Prancing Horse.

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New Bugatti Chiron Sport “110 ans Bugatti” Celebrates Anniversary

Bugatti have marked the 110^th anniversary of the company’s existence with an immaculate special edition of the Chiron Sport, labelled the “110 Ans Bugatti”.

A mere 20 units of this special edition Bugatti will be produced, making them extremely exclusive and highly sought-after among supercar enthusiasts!

Official images were revealed on February 7^th, showing off a beautiful matte Steel Blue model that unmistakably pays homage to Bugatti’s French roots and the luxury models from the 1920s.

With the mechanical performance of the incredible Bugatti Chiron Sport, a deluxe exterior and a striking interior to match, the “110 Ans Bugatti” is an excellent celebration of the 110^th birthday of the first ever Bugatti – the Type 10.

The History of Bugatti

The first car ever created by Ettore Bugatti was the Type 10, which made its debut way back in 1909 – hence the “110 Ans Bugatti” name of this special edition, which translates to “110 years of Bugatti”.

At the time, the purpose of the Type 10 was to be a light, powerful and nimble form of transport –not only to match the competition but to surpass it in every way, a goal that Ettore could accurately apply to today’s Bugatti models.

In terms of its appearance and being light and small – the Bugatti “110 Ans” is not necessarily similar to the legendary Type 10. The new special edition is hardly light and not very small at all, but it sure is powerful, generating a jaw-dropping 1,479bhp.

It may be unsustainable for such a powerful machine as the Bugatti Chiron “110 Ans” to maintain the ‘light and nimble’ characteristics obtained by its predecessors, but with engineering mastery, the power of this new special edition Bugatti certainly does the company’s creator justice.

Bugatti's French Connection

Bugatti’s new special edition Chiron Sport pays an obvious tribute to how proud the company is of its French heritage, with a blue theme throughout and the iconic Tricolour appearing all over the vehicle. 

Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann referred to the importance of their roots in Molsheim, in the Alsace region of France, stating that France was not only a monumental part of the company’s past but also the planned location for their future.

It’s also worth noting that the luxurious two-tone colour scheme is a purposeful feature in reference to the pioneering models during the 1920s.

The Design of Bugatti's "110 Ans" Chiron Sport

Bugatti’s “110 Ans” special edition version of the Chiron Sport is distinctly representative of Bugatti as a company. Their newest model is beautifully sculpted, as we have come to expect as standard from the French manufacturer, with an added elegance provided by its matte Steel Blue paintwork.

The French Tricolour 

A prominent feature of the new Bugatti is the French tricolour, one of the most iconic symbols of any nation around the world, which appears numerous times on both the interior and exterior alongside the words “110 Ans Bugatti”.

The “Le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge” (blue, white and red) decorates the exterior side mirrors, fuel filler cap, and (most notably) the underside of the substantial rear wing.

The theme continues inside the car, with the tricolour visible on both headrests, the back of the front seats, and centrally at the top point of the steering wheel.

You would expect something so extraordinary and eye-catching to stand out awkwardly on most vehicles, but the tricolour seems to only complement the Bugatti Chiron. It just works.

What does the "110 Ans Bugatti" Chiron Sport Look Like?

The new Bugatti’s exterior is quite simply stunning to look at. Its body and front-end is matte Steel Blue carbon fibre, whereas the rear-end is overlaid with matte paintwork.

Its wheels are painted Nocturne matte black, with the bright contrast of the French Racing Blue brake callipers visible through the gaps in the alloys.

At the rear of the “110 Ans Bugatti”, a distinct diffuser is finished with gleaming Steel Blue carbon that juxtaposes with the dark, matte black exhaust system.

The sky view roof consists of two fixed glass panels above the driver and passenger’s seats, which is included as standard for these limited edition Bugatti models, but is an optional extra for standard Chiron examples.

Flashes of the previously mentioned French Racing Blue occasionally appear around the exterior – including a small Bugatti emblem at the centre of the alloy – but the supercar’s true vibrancy is more obvious as we step inside.

Bugatti Chiron Sport "110 Ans" Interior

The interior of the “110 Ans Bugatti” is especially striking, with the French Racing Blue covering the headrests and seatbelts, giving the inside of the vehicle an added edge.

As previously mentioned, the tricolour is expertly embroidered at the top of the steering wheel, and stretches centrally from the top of the headrest to the bottom of the seat. Bugatti certainly haven’t held back in displaying their commitment to their French roots.

Bugatti have utilised Alcantara for the trim, but the majority of the interior is immersed in blue leather, with elements of carbon fibre found throughout the car for adequate weight reduction.

Special Edition "110 Ans Bugatti" Performance

This limited edition Bugatti is pretty much identical to the standard Chiron Sport in terms of its performance, which isn’t necessarily a downfall.

With the Chiron Sport setting a 0-62mph time of under 2.4 seconds and hitting a ridiculous top speed of 261mph, what more would you ask for? As a Sport version of the Chiron, the driver will experience stiffer suspension, modified steering, and torque vectoring, among other more advanced features.

The Chiron Sport’s power output peaks at 1,479bhp and 1,180lb-ft of torque thanks to its 8.0-litre W-16 engine.

Per reports, the Sport version is an astonishing five seconds faster than the standard Chiron around the track, demonstrating just how dynamic and breath-taking this model really is.

Our Verdict

Where some special edition supercars fail to leave a real mark on the industry, this Chiron Sport “110 Ans” will be remembered for all the right reasons, and seems to be receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from motor enthusiasts across the world.

The model’s tribute to France is far from subtle, but the intrepid nature of the design successfully displays just how proud the company is of its French heritage.

Bugatti’s Chiron Sport “11 Ans” edition is everything a special edition supercar should be – aesthetically pleasing and exclusive, with an authentic and meaningful purpose.

Take a look at our other articles including reviews of supercars from Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin and McLaren. Be sure to 'Like' our Facebook page to stay up to date with the latest supercar news!

Aston Martin Vantage Supercar with Manual Transmission in Production

A new, manual transmission variant of the latest Aston Martin Vantage is due to be available later this year, with company CEO – Andy Palmer – confirming production in 2018.

It will be the first time a Mercedes-AMG V8 engine has been paired with a manual gearbox, rather than the standard direct-shift gearbox (DSG), so the variant's development is not without its challenges.

The decision of Aston Martin's relatively newly appointed CEO to go against industry trends by offering a manual variant is bold, but demonstrates his goal of preserving the traditional transmission option.

It's not the first time that Aston Martin has displayed such an intention, as exemplified by the manual transmission V12 Vantage S produced back in 2016.

Reactions to the Manual Vantage 2019

Opinion is divided among some automotive enthusiasts, but talk of the manual transmission variant seems to be welcomed by most.

Some love the idea of a traditional manual variant of a brand new Aston, but some feel that manual transmissions have no place in contemporary supercars.

The aim of a manual transmission is to generate a more engaging drive, allowing car purists to experience a closer connection with the car, which inevitably attracts interest from old-school car fanatics.

Seven-speed manual transmissions have become a rarity in the industry in recent years, but Aston Martin is seemingly devoted to earning kudos from enthusiasts who are calling for the conventional feel to be maintained.

Despite a delight amongst many car traditionalists that the manual variant is being made available, the lack of a manual transmission did not deter customers from buying the new Aston Martin Vantage V8 in its original form.

The Automatic Aston Martin Vantage

The standard, automatic new Vantage followed the DB11 as the second model of Aston Martin's 'second century plan'.

The 'second century plan' was a simple proposal made by Aston's CEO in 2016 of how he aimed to transform the company to become genuine competitors against the likes of Ferrari and Bentley, including the launch of seven models in seven years.

Aston's Vantage models were immediately successful with pre-orders covering the whole production run of 2018 and a waiting list going into the beginning of 2019.

Despite Aston Martin not necessarily having an explicit 'need' to produce a manual variant of the model, it is fast becoming an important part of the brand's identity under Palmer.

With prices starting at around £120,900 (around $160,000) for the standard version, the Vantage is competing with the likes of the McLaren 540C, Audi R8 and, of course, the Porsche 911 Turbo. All of which are available around the £100,000-130,000 ($130,000-170,000) mark.

The New Manual Vantage's Specs and Performance

The manual variant is expected to account for a far lower percentage of sales in comparison to the standard automatic range, and emissions tests will undoubtedly favour automatic gearboxes, but Aston is remaining resolute regardless.

A new variant of the Vantage will need tweaking in terms of both its parts and its tuning in order to work well with the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre engine, as the 4.0-litre AMG does not come with a manual gearbox elsewhere. 

The manual variant's gearbox is likely to be seven-speed and the car is expected to be available in the same guises as the standard automatic Vantage from 2018, implying that an S version is imminent.

In its standard form, the Vantage produces 503bhp and 505lb ft of torque, less than the 600bhp plus generated by more powerful AMG cars. 

A manual transmission variant will lose some of the car's performance, at least in terms of the hard numbers, in place for an anticipated greater driving experience. 

A clutch pedal and gearstick is always going to mean a slight decline in acceleration, so expect the Aston Martin Vantage's 3.6 second 0-62mph time to slow slightly and the 195mph top speed to possibly decrease. 

Our Verdict

Contemporary cars tend to avoid old-school, seven-speed manual transmissions, but Aston Martin is staying true to its commitment to traditionalist car-lovers in recent years.

In an increasingly automated industry, we appreciate Aston Martin's passion and dedication to the familiar manual transmission and can see no harm in preserving the choice between manual and automatic cars.

It may not be popular for the mass production at the moment, but Palmer and Aston Martin are reluctant to let manual transmission cars fade into the abyss.

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New Lamborghini Huracán Evo | Specs, Design and Price

The first official images and details of the new Lamborghini Huracán Evo have been released ahead of its public reveal at the Geneva motor show later this year, introducing a more powerful, aerodynamic and technologically advanced upgrade.

Its sharp, edgy and angry-looking design is typically Lambo-esque, maintaining a grip on the company’s traditionally unique design.

Aesthetically, the Evo looks more aggressive than the previous Huracán, and the good news is that its performance matches its appearance.

The Huracán has previously been labelled as Lambo’s ‘baby supercar’, but the model seems to have come of age through this revamped Evo version.

With the same engine as the powerful  Lamborghini Huracán Performante, and with design upgrades giving the car an added maturity, the Evo seems more than ready to challenge the likes of the McLaren 570S.

Here, we outline the Huracán Evo’s cost, design, specs and much more!

Lambo Huracan Evo: The Feel

Lamborghini have claimed that their new Huracán Evo has been designed to amplify your daily routine – essentially making your every-day life better.

They do not want to alter your daily routine massively, but to improve and evolve it to become a refined version of the past. 

Similarly to what they have done with the Evo, which is an enhanced, upgraded form of the original 2014 Huracán.

The Huracán Evo’s smooth feel is largely influenced by its ability to anticipate the driver’s needs, implementing a new ‘feed-forward’ method rather than the familiar feedback system.

It is able to provide such an intimate driver-vehicle connection due to state-of-the-art control systems and displays which manage the car and allow the Evo to use its surroundings and the driver’s input to create the ultimate driving experience.

The Huracán Evo also utilises four-wheel drive, which further enhances the quality of the handling and performance.

What Does the New Huracan Evo Look Like?

In terms of the exterior, Lamborghini have not made many radical changes to the original iconic shape, but there are a few more tweaks and enhancements in order to augment aerodynamics and performance. 

The Huracán Evo remains in touch with the universally recognisable Lambo stamp, being noticeably low, with a razor-sharp body.

The Y-shaped front bumper is distinctive and the bonnet lines are akin to the classic Lamborghini Countach, whereas the skirt air ducts are similar to those of the Murciélago.  

The Huracán Evo’s race-car-like exhaust has been repositioned upwards to sit almost centrally at the rear of the supercar, much like the highest performing Lamborghini models.

The new Evo pays homage to the manufacturer’s racing routes, but is not to be confused with the Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo Evo – which began production in 2018 as a competitive race-car. 

However, the raised exhaust increases airflow, thus improving the car’s aerodynamics and downforce by a substantial amount.

The Aerodynamics

With the exhausts being shifted upwards, Lamborghini claim that they have successfully managed to improve the aero by five times of that achieved by the first generation Huracán.

How do they achieve such impressive aerodynamics?

An upgraded front bumper manipulates the airflow, ushering the air through a front splitter with an integrated wing, thus creating a double airway beneath the body, while the improved flaps allow additional aerodynamic load. 

The outcome is an increased downforce, pressing the vehicle towards the ground for a smoother and crisper drive.

For a first-hand look at all the design features of the Huracán Evo, and for a bit of entertainment, be sure to check out Lamborghini’s configurator. 

The New Evo's Interior

Whereas the exterior was tweaked with certain features, the interior of the new Huracán Evo has seen major updates including significant technological advances and new, innovative material options.

How the inside of the car looks depends largely on the owner’s taste, with three different options available for the interior materials.

Its indoor features are inspired by traditionally Italian design, with all options offering materials of the highest quality.

The three materials available for the interior are:

• Leather
• Alcantara
• Carbon Skin

Carbon Skin is an exclusive, Carbon Fibre material that has been developed especially for Lamborghini.

The technological advances are what really set the Evo apart from its previous version though, with highly complex advances being made to how the car is run.

Technology Advances 

Despite the Huracán Evo not necessarily changing massively on the outside, there’s more to the Evo than meets the eye.

The Lamborghini Integrated Vehicle Dynamics (LDVI) system is the so-called ‘brain’ of the Huracán Evo, and is the complex processor behind the car’s ground-breaking ability to anticipate rather than react to the driver’s commands.

It uses the driver’s input, the selected driving mode and the external environment to predict the driver’s wishes. 

This technology represents a shift from the traditional ‘feedback’ logic, to a safer, smoother ‘feed-forward’ one.

Lamborghini have pushed the boundaries of its technology systems, as visually demonstrated by the new Human-Machine Interface – the HMI. It may not have been creatively named, but what it does is certainly impressive.

Traditional, and now somewhat archaic, buttons have been removed in place for the 8.4-inch multi-touch screen display – the HMI. 

The screen allows you to control almost everything, from the entertainment to the highly sophisticated driving dynamics. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto installed, which is pretty a cool quirk. 

Live traffic alerts will also display here, and you are able to use the HMI to adjust the lights inside the cockpit as you please.

A telemetry system is also in place, featuring two new communicating cameras in order to improve the quality – as well as safety – of the overall drive. 

Huracan Evo Specs and Performance

The new Huracán Evo boasts the same 5204cc naturally aspirated V10 engine as its powerful relative, the Performante.

Both therefore share a number of identical performance figures, hitting 631bhp at 8,000rpm, 442lb ft of torque at 6,500rpm.

That works out as an improvement of 30bhp and 29lbs better than the old Huracán LP-610.

The upgraded Huracán Evo hits a top speed of over 325km/h (202mph), which is an increase of at least 6km/h (3.7mph) on that of the Huracán LP580-2 Coupé and the same as the LP610-4 Coupé.

The supercar also set great times of 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 2.9 seconds, and 0-200km/h (124mph) in 9 seconds flat, identically matching the Huracán Performante to 100km/h and a mere 0.1 seconds slower to 200km/h. 

Lambo have pumped money into the development of futuristic Magnetorheological suspension, which intelligently uses electromagnetic currents to smooth the bumps and cracks on the road.

With such technology working alongside the LDVI and V10 engine, it comes to no surprise that the Evo knows its way around the track.

There are plenty of driving settings to experiment with in your spare time or on the track, including the Strada, Sports and Corsa modes.

Drive is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox, which is where things get pretty intricate.

The Huracan Evo's Four-Wheel Steering

Lamborghini have utilised a combination of the active front steering system and the rear steering system in order to provide optimum control under all circumstances.

Equipped with an EPS (Electronic Power Steering) system, the Evo is able to adjust its handling to ensure that the driver receives the most comfortable experience when behind the wheel. 

That’s not the only fancy steering system it possesses, with the LDC (Lamborghini Dynamic Steering) programme also on board.

The LDC supports the EPS by dynamically offering a variation of the steering ratio, once again adjusting to the driving circumstances.

The high-tech systems manage the Huracán’s four-wheel steering (also known as all-wheel drive) in order to cater to the driving mode selected, offering a fluid and efficient drive.

How Much Does the New Lamborghini Huracan Cost?

The new Huracán Evo is expected to be up for sale at the price of $261,274 in the USA, and £206,000 in the UK. 

A relatively modest price for a Lamborghini, but the Evo still costs around $60k more than the McLaren 570S and is even more expensive than the masterpiece that is the 2018 McLaren 600LT – which itself is $240,000 (£185,500).

Its price has increased slightly in comparison to the original Huracán, which was sold at around $250,000 (£190,000) when it first hit the road. 

Regardless, it is around $13,000 cheaper than the Huracán Performante, which is essentially an Evo with a rear wing and the active aero features.

As far as supercars go, it is far from an extortionate price for its customers, with the legendary Aventador starting at $393,695 in the USA (£271,146 in the UK), over $100,000 more expensive than the Evo.

How Does the Huracan Evo Compare to Other Lamborghinis?

It may be missing the more advanced adaptive aerodynamic package, but the new Evo possesses a number of similarities to the Performante, including similar wheels, optimised intakes, an improved under-body and raised exhausts.

Sharing almost identical performance figures, we expect many supercar drivers to favour the Evo over the more expensive Performante. 

Against its original 2014 version, the Huracán Evo has evolved and upgraded to become a more efficient, aerodynamic and quite possibly better-looking supercar. 

Lambo have claimed an incredible 500% improvement on the downforce of the original Huracán, making the Evo a far more aerodynamically efficient monster this time around.

The main difference, as you may have gathered, is its interior technology, which impacts and essentially controls what we see on the exterior.

Despite some performance and aesthetic dissimilarities, the computer control systems are the primary difference, with the Evo far outweighing the 2014 model on the tech front. 

Our Summary of the Huracan Evo 

With its highly complex control systems and technology far too sophisticated for most of us to really comprehend, this Huracán Evo may not get the credit it deserves until you dive deeper into what’s really going on under the bonnet.

For a reasonable price amongst its competitors, the new Evo offers a modern, stylish and exhilarating upgrade to the already-popular 2014 Huracán.

At first sight, it is mean-looking, aggressive and sharp, exactly what we have come to expect from one of the most easily recognisable manufacturers in the world.

Lamborghini’s design features are always going to turn heads, and what’s great about the Evo is that it can perform on the track as well as the road.

Matching its more expensive sibling – the Performante – for speed, the Evo will undoubtedly be a favourite among many supercar fanatics. It has certainly impressed us!

The original Huracán was not perfect, and this facelift is exactly what was needed.

Its performance has improved, its exterior is more appealing, and its interior systems have seen remarkable upgrades. 

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McLaren 600LT: Upholding the Lineage of the ‘Longtail’

The McLaren ‘Longtail’ lineage personifies the brand’s identity at its bravest, purest, and most extreme.

The newest, and certainly more than worthy, member of the McLaren ‘Longtail’ (or LT) family is the gripping McLaren 600LT.

Extreme weight reduction, flame spitting top-exit exhausts, and immaculate steering – the McLaren 600LT is deserved of the LT label, as brave and as bold as a track-focused, road-legal car can be. 

In over two decades of ‘Longtail’ existence, seldom has McLaren labelled its cars with the historic and prestigious LT tag. The 2018 McLaren 600LT is only the fourth car to sport the name and it 

encapsulates the expected performance-driven ethos of its predecessors.

All LT models are raw, thrilling and absolutely ground-breaking. Their shared focus consists of optimised aerodynamics, reduced weight, increased power and a track-centred connection with the driver.

The 600LT is no different, pushing engineering and design possibilities to their limits in order to provide an invigorating, intoxicating driving experience.

Heritage: The 'Longtail' Bloodline

The story began with the McLaren F1, which was ironically never designed with the intention of track racing. However, something quite spectacular happened when it did eventually take to the track. 

The McLaren F1 GTR dominated and won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995, with McLaren becoming the only manufacturer to win it at the first attempt. The F1 GTR then evolved into the iconic ‘Longtail’, which came about two years later.

From there, the ‘Longtail’ family continued to grow with the stunning achievements that are the McLaren 675LT Coupé and McLaren 675LT Spider in 2015-16.

Next up is the new McLaren 600LT – a real head-turner that has all the makings of a true ‘Longtail’.

McLaren 600LT Specs 

The 600LT maintains the agility and dynamism of McLaren’s Sports Series but has been injected with the spine-tingling, adrenaline-pumping nature of the ‘Longtail’.

McLaren have crafted the 600LT in carbon fibre, using extreme weight-saving measures – including the carbon fibre MonoCell II Chassis – to achieve a weight reduction of 96kg.

The bodywork is stiffer yet lighter, more aerodynamic and generates an incredible amount of downforce due to its many minute details.

Thanks to its twin-turbo V8 engine – which has a capacity of 3,799cc – the 600LT is the most powerful McLaren Sports Series vehicle ever, generating 592bhp and 620nm of torque.

The chassis is so sharp that you are able to dissect corners on your way in as if in slow motion, aided by the controlled and accurate steering that provides super clear feedback. 

McLaren 600LT Stats and Figures

• -          Top speed of 204mph
• -          0-62mph in 2.9 seconds
• -          0-124mph in 8.2 seconds
• -          Lightweight for a supercar at a mere 2,749lbs (1,247kg)
• -          Low priced for what it offers, starting at $240,000 (£185,500) when it was released

The McLaren 600LT Vs. The 675LT

The 600LT is no match for the 675LT in a straight line; however it does generally have the edge on the track due to its superior cornering speeds.

Priced at almost $330,000, the 675LT is relatively expensive for a supercar, whereas the 600LT starts at a far lower $240,000 for those who are fortunate enough to afford it. 

The McLaren 600LT Vs Ferrari 488 Pista and Ferrari 488 GTB

The 600LT’s value for money is demonstrated here once again, matching the $316,300 Ferrari488 Pista with a 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds, despite not being direct rivals.

McLaren’s 600LT has a quicker 0-62mph and 0-124mph time than the more directly comparable (yet still more expensive) earlier model, the Ferrari 488 GTB. 

The McLaren 600LT Vs. The Porsche 911 GT2 RS 

The 600LT has a better 0-124mph time than the Porsche911 GT2 RS, measuring times of 8.2 and 8.3 seconds respectively.

To be able to compete with and match some of these great hypercars is impressive, but the numbers were not necessarily at the forefront of the engineers’ minds when sculpting the 600LT.

They wanted to create the most engaging driving experience possible, and they did just that. There aren’t many, if any, supercars that provide the same unforgettable exhilaration as the 600LT.

Just to add to the excitement, this limited-edition model is expected to be succeeded by a Spider version in 2019, just as its older sibling, the 675LT, was.

Design and Aerodynamics 

The 600LT’s designers set out to lay a benchmark for sports cars and have done so emphatically.

Everything about the car has been included to prompt the most stimulating experience possible, including its extraordinary top-exit exhaust and its long, wide and low physical appearance.

The designers found inspiration in the 675LT and the original ‘Longtail’, building the 600LT with full intention of using it on the road and track. Though comfortable on the road, the track is where it comes to life.

The 600LT's Flame-Spitting Top-Exit Exhausts

Having a dominant presence and demonstrating a real sense of the wow-factor is what sets apart great supercars from good supercars. The McLaren 600LT is absolutely a great supercar.

Its most eye-catching and unique feature is the mesmerising top-exit exhaust system, which illustrates the bravery of McLaren to break boundaries with this new addition to the Sports Series. 

Staying true to their ‘form follows function’ mantra: the exhausts reduce the 600LT’s weight significantly, improve engine responses and provide better powertrain cooling. The exhausts also practically breathe down the neck of the driver, amplifying the roar inside the car.

Despite providing many practical benefits for the 600LT, the exhaust system’s most memorable characteristic is that it shoots flames upwards from the car – which looks seriously cool. The party trick is definitely worth a watch; you’d be missing out if you didn’t!

The exhausts perfectly encapsulate the need for exhilaration, demonstrating the extreme measures that McLaren have taken to offer the best driver experience possible.

The 600LT is certainly a showman as well as a finely tuned, well-balanced whippet on the track.

Aerodynamics 

McLaren have a knack for making great track-focused road cars with pioneering aerodynamic features, and the 600LT is no exception.

Some of the features that aid its aerodynamics are:

• -          A new front splitter and side splitter
• -          An extended rear diffuser
• -          A fixed rear wing
• -          Carbon fibre flooring with integrated break ducts

These features consequently make for increased downforce, with over 220lbs being produced at 155mph.

The 600LT is long (as you’d expect from a ‘Longtail’), wide and low, improving its control under pressure, agility at low speeds and stability at higher speeds. 

The longer rear of the car also enables the new fixed rear-wing to be pushed back further, once again maximising the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle. McLaren really left no stone unturned with this one.

Its appearance is somewhat aggressive due to its dimensions, but is arguably easier on the eye than the McLaren Senna – which is purposely built for track performance.

A large portion of the 600LT’s features improve the aerodynamics, including the Carbon Fibre Aero Winglets that are located behind the front wheels, cooperating with the carbon fibre side skirts.

These are also included on the masterpiece that is the McLaren P1, but that car starts at a slightlyhigher $1.15 million - over six times the price of the 600LT.

The final characteristic that aids the 600LT’s aerodynamics is its “shrink-wrapped” bodywork design, which helps the fluidity of the ride as it gently guides the airflow over every panel.

McLaren 600LT Interior 

Due to its track-based focus, the interior is relatively basic in comparison with the high-tech gadgets and displays of today’s cars.

Its basic nature is not necessarily a downfall though, as the controls are perfectly aligned for a free-flowing ride and the steering wheel’s positioning and design provides great comfort whilst on the track and road.

Weight-reducing carbon fibre seats are fitted as the standard – identical to those first seen on the P1 and then the 675LT – saving a significant 46lbs whilst also offering a great driving position and a fully optimal view of the road ahead.

McLaren also offer the popular LT Super-Lightweight CF seats found in the Senna, which reduce an even more impressive 54lbs. It’s more about personal preference with the seats, so be sure to check your options if you are ever going to own or drive a 600LT. 

Another interesting feature of the interior is its use of delicate Alcantara – a microfibre material – throughout the cabin, which once again keeps weight to a minimum for maximum performance.

It honestly is stripped back to the basics. There is no carpet in the footwells or under the seats, and if you really want to reduce weight, you can even remove the air conditioning, audio system, and navigation system.

That, of course, is the car in its most bare form. All features mentioned above can be added as optional additions should you want them.

What is it like to drive the 600LT?

The McLaren 600LT maintains a constant connection with its driver, providing an engaging, thrilling experience while remaining incredibly accurate and precise. You stay in full control of the vehicle without fail and its handling is smooth and well-balanced.

Brilliant on corners, the car offers clear feedback and crisp steering. You will get a rush of energy knowing that you’ll ace the corner, with additional reassurance from the narrow – yet exceedingly grippy – Pirelli Trofeo tyres.

It responds instantaneously so that you are able to correct mistakes easily, as the car adjusts with great clarity.

A natural on the circuit, this is where the 600LT comes to life – accelerating effortlessly whilst remaining in touch with the driver’s commands.

McLaren have succeeded in personifying the identity of the Sports Series through the 600LT, and its balanced and controlled nature does not deter it from offering an enthralling experience to match the best hypercars.

The 600LT (pictured) is currently for sale with InternationalCollectibles, with many special features including the Senna’s lightweight seats and the unusual amethyst paint, giving it an extra unique look.

Our Summary and Verdict 

The McLaren 600LT is a raw representation of the company at its most extreme, existing purely to deliver the most heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping sensation possible from a road-legal car.

At first glance, it will catch your eye – especially with that exceptional top-exit exhaust – but actually driving it is what seems to make its users fall in love with it.

It is a product of brave engineering and intrepid design, sculpted for thrill-seekers to enjoy and for petrol heads to be in awe of.

The 600LT lives up to the expectations put in place by its predecessors, and even offers something different through its brilliant control on the track and its unique design quirks.

The McLaren 600LT preserves – and perhaps even strengthens – the legendary tale of the ‘Longtail’.

[Photo Credit: Freddy Atkins – Instagram account @TFJJ]

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A more detailed look at the McLaren Senna

It is unquestionable that McLaren have once again produced a masterpiece with the astounding McLaren Senna.

Paying homage to three-time Formula One World Championship winner and motorsports legend, the late Ayrton Senna, this carbon fibre hypercar certainly lives up to its name.

What is the McLaren Senna?

The McLaren Senna is a new addition to the company’s Ultimate Series range, sporting a 4.0 litre twin turbo V8 engine with 789bhp, which helps the super car go from 0 to 60 in just 2.8 seconds.

The Senna is a track-focused road car with a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox that encapsulates engineering brilliance and personifies McLaren’s identity at its most extreme, providing the ultimate driver experience.

Yes, McLaren’s masterminds have somehow found a way to make this beast entirely road legal.

How fast is the McLaren Senna? It can reach a top speed of a rapid 208mph. However, despite being quick, it’s not necessarily this that sets it apart from the rest.

Built primarily to create the most intense track driving experience possible, the beauty of the Senna is that you can tear up on the track and then drive home in it later.

Of course, you’re not expected to hit its top speed on the way to your local store, but there are plenty of race tracks that will welcome you with open arms if you arrive in this head-turner.

Although they share similarities, it is not to be confused with the track-only McLaren Senna GTR, which is not road legal.

Senna Vs the P1

The Senna is faster around a track than its Ultimate Series counterpart, the McLaren P1, due to an impressive 800kg of downforce at 155mph. The P1 and Senna are near enough identical in a straight line, until the 186mph mark, where the P1 does take a one second advantage.

 Despite their similarity, the Senna has more power per tonne (659bhp vs 647bhp of the P1) and is faster around the track due to the astonishing attention to detail that increases its grip and aero.

Who is Ayrton Senna?

The inspiration behind the car is Ayrton Senna, who won World Championships for McLaren in 1988, 1990 and 1991 before a crash led to him losing his life at just 34-years-old.

Although Senna himself is considered an idol by many, he is quoted as saying – “I have no idols. I admire work, dedication and competence” – and it evidently took an abundance of all three qualities to produce the supercar that is fittingly named in his honour.

Aesthetics and Design

What does the Senna look like? It basically looks how a supercar should look.

It may not be the best looking car McLaren has ever produced, but that was not its purpose. That being said, it’s far from an unpleasant car to look at and will absolutely turn heads for the right reasons.

McLaren themselves labelled the design “aggressive” and the extraordinary performance seems to have been at the forefront of their designers’ minds, with aesthetics taking the back seat on this occasion.

Staying true to their “form follows function” mantra, McLaren designed the Senna with performance and acceleration targets in mind, focusing on aerodynamics to maximise its quality on the track.

At first sight, the purpose-built track specialist looks notably wide and low, largely due to the prominent rear wing with layered slats. This wing, though an eye-catching feature, was not included for decorative reasons, but to aid the balance between the drag and the down-force. 

Performance

The Senna is the fastest McLaren road car ever around a racetrack. Along with the revolutionary RaceActive Chassis Control II, the Senna includes an abundance of technology that co-works to make the hypercar as fast as it is, including the drag reduction system (DRS).

The DRS is essentially the adjustable rear wing, which is hydraulically controlled and continually adapts to cater to the driving situation, reducing aerodynamic drag in order to increase the top speed. It is used in Formula One to facilitate and promote overtaking, once again outlining the track-focused design.

The Senna does not include conventional springs and anti-roll bars, but new hydraulic gas-filled accumulators that do a great job in resisting roll. As with most features of this car, these accumulators also improve aerodynamics by keeping the body as level as possible. 

McLaren Senna Specs 

McLaren’s focus was weight rather than power, with the Senna weighing in at an agile 2,641lbs without fluids.

If you want to drive it rather than just look at it, you’ll obviously need some fluids and fuel, which takes the driving weight to around 2,866lbs.

Any unnecessary weight has been systematically omitted, and its features are as light as possible. The front wings weigh a mere 1lb each, and the rear wing – which can support up to 100 times its own weight – weighs just 11lbs.

Door mechanisms have also been updated from the heavier mechanical releases to more modern electrical ones, subsequently decreasing their weight by 20% and allowing optimum track performance.

The Senna's seats 

The car’s carbon seat shells are just 3.35kg each and the gear selector panel is fixed to the driver’s seat, moving fore and aft with it for a fixed reach.

Behind the driver’s seat there is storage room for two crash helmets and race suits, reiterating the minimalistic design centred on track racing. The seats are designed to maximise airflow around the driver’s back, which comes in handy when it gets pretty warm during track laps.

McLaren themselves like the unique carbon fibre seats so much that new models, including the McLaren 600 LT, are fitted with them. 

Reliability and Running Costs

Despite being road legal, the Senna may not be the cheapest McLaren to run on a day-to-day basis. Not that the typical owner of it will worry too much about the costs, but with nearly 800bhp and 800Nm of torque, it’s not expected to be cheap to run.

It comes to no surprise that it sinks a lot of fuel when driven hard, but the Senna offers quite a reasonable 22.8MPG and 280g/km CO2.

The McLaren P1, for example, is far more environmentally friendly than the Senna due to its hybrid engine, but causes nowhere near as much havoc on the track.

The Feel

The twin-clutch paddle gearbox located behind the steering wheel provides a comfortable and effortless drive wherever you are, but due to its track-focused nature, the Senna may not travel as fluidly on roads as your average car.

As we know, the track is where the Senna feels at home. On the circuit, Track and Race mode can be activated for quicker gear shifts, allowing you to get the most out of this car.

Peace of mind is provided by four high-class Pirelli Trofeo R tires as they keep you steady as you speed through the corners, maintaining as much speed as possible.

At higher speeds, the carbon ceramic breaks and rear ring work simultaneously to bring the Senna to a stop from speeds of around 140mph in under 200metres.

While it isn’t at its best on the road, the progressive oversteer proves useful for day-to-day driving and breaking on corners.

Adjustable Track Driving

Don’t mistake the Senna’s aggression for unpleasantness.

Reacting to every move made by its driver, the Senna is incredibly responsive, but it may take some time to become accustomed to the feel of the car. Steering is immaculate and the chassis adapts as and when required, allowing you to corner with ease. 

Its handling is refined by the RaceActive Chassis Control 2, using adaptive dampers which are programmed to react to movements within two milliseconds. Cornering is consequently improved as the dampers tighten in Race mode and lower the height of the car.

No stone was left unturned in the construction of the Senna and its highly complex algorithms mean that track performance is fine-tuned by its ability to adapt quickly to changing situations.

You’re obviously going to pick up some speed in this hypercar, so safety precautions – including the gas-filled accumulators – are in place to help ensure that you don’t roll or spin out of corners too often.

Should you break heavily or abruptly, the rear wing is also raised and helps bring the car to a smooth stop.

The McLaren Senna’s Stylish Interior

Firstly, it’s probably worth mentioning that the aforementioned lightweight doors open upwards, as all real supercars should.

On the inside, the modern carbon shelled seats – which can be bought in two sizes to suit the driver’s needs – curve slightly to provide a satisfactory level of comfort while cruising or on the track.

Quite a unique and quirky feature, the optional glazed door area allows you to view the road surface from your seat while driving, undeniably increasing the intense sensation and driving experience.

If you really do want to do the school run in the Senna, an added fixed passenger seat can be installed, as can a drinks holder. It’s probably not wise to take your coffee out on the track with you, though.

The layout controls and rising dashboard display complete this contemporary style, offering drivers an authentic supercar experience at the wheel.

McLaren Track Telemetry app

The flashy dash display contains an app that interacts with various on-board cameras to record data from your race laps, allowing you to analyse your performance or just to show off to the family.

Can You Still Buy the McLaren Senna and How Much Does it Cost?

Only 500 Senna models were made available for purchase, all starting from just under $1million.

All of which were snapped up in no time, meaning that the Senna is currently not up for sale, but keep your eyes peeled and your cash ready as second-hand cars could be available in the near future.

Bearing in mind how highly McLaren and its customers rate the extreme hypercar, as well as its ground-breaking track performance, the Senna’s asking price is not unreasonable for those that they are targeting.

Our Verdict

The immaculate, calculated design of the McLaren Senna makes for an incredibly aerodynamic finish that is exhibited by its outstanding lap times.

Down to every ounce and every inch, McLaren succeeded in sculpting the ultimate road-legal track car.

Ground-breaking, unique and ferocious around the track – the McLaren Senna is an apt homage to the legendary Ayrton Senna.

[All photos of the McLaren Senna were taken by Freddy Atkins (Instagram - @TFJJ) and can be found on International Collectables]