McLaren 600LT Spider 2020 Review

The 2020 McLaren 600LT Spider isn't a hypercar, but it's no everyday sports car either. Basically, it sits right in the middle of the supercar range for McLaren, and it's aimed at the discerning track-day enthusiast for whom budget is of little concern.

Equipped with little in the way of creature comforts from the factory, the 600LT Spider makes a bold statement for a $260,000 car. Its mission, at all costs, is to eliminate weight and increase performance. That means no air conditioning, no stereo and no frills. What you get is a 592-horsepower turbocharged V8, a couple of seats and a folding metal roof. This supercar will thrill you with a sonorous exhaust and let the wind blow through your hair. But if you want to blast Metallica's "Master of Puppets" as you cruise up the coast, that'll be extra. Sure, you can add creature comforts such as power-adjustable seats, air conditioning and a 12-speaker stereo if you like, but those are all compromises that are left to the options sheet.

As you'd expect, a car like the 600LT Spider has some drawbacks. The ride is firm, the vehicle is low and hard to get out of, and the cabin, while upscale, is missing pretty much any modern technology you would expect in a vehicle one-tenth of the price. Are those deal-breakers? Not really. With the 2020 McLaren 600LT Spider, you get exactly what you pay for: a high-class, high-speed supercar without compromises for comfort.

Which 600LT Spider does MatoCar recommend?

Since the McLaren 600LT Spider only comes in one trim level, choices are restricted to options and option packages. We recommend springing for the Luxury package that adds power-adjustable heated seats, a power-adjustable steering column and a 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo — and if you want any unique touches, take a look at the McLaren Special Operations catalog.

The McLaren 600LT Spider is available in a single well-equipped trim level. The 600LT is powered by a turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 (592 horsepower, 457 lb-ft of torque). It sends power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Standard equipment includes a folding hardtop, 20-inch rear wheels and 19s on the front, Pirelli high-performance Trofeo R tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, and McLaren's onboard lap-timer system. Air conditioning, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, voice controls, and a four-speaker audio system are not standard (not including them saves weight), but they can be equipped as no-cost options.

The 600LT offers plenty of options to choose from, some bundled together in packages and others as stand-alone items. The Luxury package adds power-adjustable heated seats, a power-adjustable steering column and a 12-speaker stereo. Multiple carbon-fiber packages add carbon-fiber touches on both the interior and exterior, including door inserts, splitters and diffusers, spoilers and exterior mirror casings. Available through McLaren Special Operations, there are even more carbon-fiber bits, lightweight racing seats, titanium wheel bolts, unique exterior logos, and a myriad of interior and exterior color specifications.