Triple Threat

With the new models from McLaren, Ferrari and Lamborghini, speed is served in three unique ways. The common denominator? More is better, of course.

- Jeremy Taylor, Viju Mathew and Wesley Tudor

TRACK ATHLETE

McLaren 620R

As I pull up to the hotel entrance, the 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 shudders the ground beneath my McLaren 620R. Also trembling, with palpable excitement, is the parking concierge, who appears barely old enough to drive. “Are those the Senna racing seats?” he blurts, transfixed, ignoring the other vehicles. For a model comprising just 225 examples, the 620R has a reputation that precedes it.

The grand finale for McLaren’s Sports Series, the 620R is a street version of the FIA-homologated 570S GT4 racer, with the same engine and carbon fibre chassis but unconstrained by motorsport regulations. On an open stretch of freeway, the 611bhp coupe, with 620Nm of grunt available at 3,500rpm, feels every bit the pole-position competitor, though the dual-clutch transmission manages the seven speeds with such stealth precision that it barely registers. Increased grip is thanks in part to a new front splitter, air intakes and vents on the carbon-fibre hood, plus the huge, three-way-adjustable rear wing. Altogether, it amounts to 185kg of downforce at 250km/hr.

The ripping engine and high-tech aero combine to help the 1,282kg (dry weight) coupe hustle to 97km/hr in 2.8 seconds before topping out at 322km/hr. Velocity is reversed via the indefatigable carbon-ceramic brakes fitted with forged-aluminium calipers. An optional motorsport-grade damper enables the aluminium wishbone suspension to be optimally customised for closed-course performance, while the road-focused adaptive damper found in my test model allows for three drive modes – Normal, Sport and Track – throughout the various handling and power-train settings.