McLaren 600LT 3.8 V8

McLaren is known for making cars that are preternaturally quick, and the 600LT is perfectly equipped to deliver on this promise. Available solely as a convertible, this supercar gets its muscle from a meaty V-8 that churns out a prodigious 592 horsepower. The automaker claims that's enough to get the 600LT from zero to 60 mph in less than three seconds. The car's high points include a truly organic steering feel and a playful, frisky disposition. The cabin looks appropriately high end, but it's missing driver-assistance features that are commonly offered by vehicles that cost a lot less than this quarter-million-dollar driving machine. Still, if your focus is on pure performance, you'll likely be very happy with the swift, eye-catching 600LT.

McLaren has discontinued the 600LT coupe for the 2020 model year. That means the trim lineup now consists solely of the convertible, the 600LT Spider.

The 600LT Spider is now the only trim on the 600LT's roster, and it comes with a nice selection of standard features. The car's wheels are staggered—19-inch rims in front and 20-inch in the rear. Design elements such as a wing spoiler, black side moldings, and rocker side-panel extensions give this McLaren an appropriately intimidating vibe. The power-retractable hard top allows you to easily lower the roof when you want to enjoy the weather, and automatic LED headlights with an auto-leveling feature are on hand to illuminate your path when night falls. The list of standard exterior amenities also includes rear fog lights, LED taillights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated power-folding side mirrors. Within the cabin, racing seats are standard, along with a manually adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column. All models come with keyless entry and ignition, as well as an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The 600LT is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. Amenities such as dual-zone air conditioning and a stereo are absent to reduce curb weight, but they can be added at no extra cost. When it comes to driver-assistance features, a backup camera is standard, as well as front and rear parking sensors.

A twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 resides under the 600LT's hood, and this engine generates a potent 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. Its muscular V-8 gives this McLaren the goods to achieve breathtaking acceleration. McLaren estimates that the 600LT Spider will sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. We're big fans of this car's steering, which stands out for having a thoroughly natural feel. Keep in mind, though, that this McLaren's ride quality is undeniably stiff. This is a car built more for the track than the rigors of daily commuting.

The EPA hasn't provided fuel-economy estimates for the 2020 McLaren 600LT, but we estimate mileage of about 15/22 mpg city/highway. With the rival Lamborghini Huracán, mileage tops out at 13/18 mpg.

Dimensions within the McLaren 600LT Spider's cabin are snug, but the design is chic, and the materials used are of high quality. A flat-bottomed steering wheel faces the driver, and the center stack is topped by a pair of circular air vents. Options such as heated front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, and soft-close doors allow you to raise the luxury quotient within the cabin. As is typical for convertibles and high-performance exotics, the 600LT Spider doesn't exactly deliver a wealth of cargo space. It offers just 5.3 cubic feet of room for your gear.

McLaren has equipped the 600LT Spider with Bluetooth phone connectivity and a pair of LCD monitors. The options list includes a 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

The 2020 McLaren 600LT Spider hasn't received an overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). As is usually the case with supercars, the 600LT Spider comes with a slim selection of driver-assistance features.