McLaren turns to racetrack with road-ready, 611-hp 620R

For McLaren Automotive's newest nameplate, the British exotic brand is turning to the racetrack.

The 620R is essentially a road-legal version of McLaren's 570S GT4 race car, and it looks the part: the large rear wing, as well as the front bumper and splitter, are giveaways. The wing, bumper and splitter were redesigned from the 570S GT4 to meet homologation standards.

Power is supplied by the same 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine from the 570S GT4, but since there are no racing regulations with the 620R, McLaren noted that output is actually higher, with 611 hp and 457 pound-feet of torque. With those figures, McLaren says, the 620R is the most powerful model under its Sports Series.

Other track-ready features include semislick tires as well as a lightweight braking system made up of carbon ceramic discs and forged aluminum calipers.

McLaren will build 350 of the 620R, with production beginning in January.

Pricing starts at $299,000, excluding shipping.

The 620R is the latest model introduced as part of McLaren's Track 25 business plan as the brand continues its quick pace of product additions. The 620R follows the Speedtail, GT and Elva.