A Closer Look at the P33-Million McLaren 620R Luxury Car
Nothing screams luxury louder than a McLaren sports car. The British automotive manufacturer, which has been around since 1985, is known for not only luxurious cars but also innovative models. Take, for example, the McLaren 620R, a road-legal iteration of the McLaren 570S GT4. While it came out in the latter part of 2019, the limited-edition supercar recently made the national headlines after claims that one of the 350 units ever produced may or may not be owned by a local town mayor.
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What to Know About the McLaren 620R
At the heart of the 620R is a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 620 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain propels the car from 0 to 100 kph in a mere 2.9 seconds and reaches 124 mph in 8.2 seconds. The top speed is an impressive 200 mph, making it the fastest in the Sports Series lineup. This performance is not just about straight-line speed; the 620R delivers the fastest lap times in its category.
McLaren's approach to the 620R is unique. Instead of merely adding racing aesthetics to a road car, they took the 570S GT4 race car and added a passenger seat, road tires, and number plates, creating a vehicle that is a good choice for the track and the road. It also has a pair of nostrils in the carbon fiber bonnet, allowing acceleration in airflows and an increase in dive forces. The dive planes found on the corners also aid in brake cooling. The optional roof scoop further enhances its aerodynamic profile.
The 620R's suspension system is a marvel of adjustability. It boasts two-way adjustable coilover dampers, stiffer springs, and anti-roll bars, offering 32 settings for rebound and compression. This allows drivers to fine-tune the car's performance based on weather, road surface, and personal driving style. For those who prefer a more conventional setup, the standard adjustable adaptive dampers from the Sport Series are available, albeit with a slight weight penalty.
Braking is handled by carbon-ceramic brakes, featuring 390mm discs and six-piston calipers at the front and 380mm discs and calipers at the rear. The braking system is borrowed from the McLaren Senna, ensuring exceptional stopping power. The car comes standard with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R road tires, but for track enthusiasts, Pirelli slick tires are available, offering an eight percent increase in contact patch and a four percent improvement in lateral G.
Inside, the 620R is focused on performance. It features super-lightweight carbon-fiber race seats, a six-point harness, and larger carbon gear shift paddles. The interior is stripped down, with no carpets or glovebox, and the bulkhead is made of carbon fiber. Optional features include air conditioning, sat-nav, and a radio, allowing some customization for comfort.
Driving the 620R is an intense experience. Despite its track-focused setup, it retains a surprising level of comfort on the road. The adjustable coilovers allow the car to adapt to varying road conditions, maintaining body control and pliancy. The grip from the Trofeo R tires is substantial, inspiring confidence and allowing drivers to push the car harder than they would with a standard road car.
On the track, the 620R truly shines. With slick tires fitted, it offers incredible grip and precise feedback. The car's ability to brake late, turn in sharply, and accelerate out of corners with ferocious speed makes it a joy to drive. It provides a level of engagement and thrill that is rare in road-legal vehicles. The 620R is not just about raw speed; it's about the connection between the car and the driver, making every drive an exhilarating experience.
The 620R saw an end in its production in December 2020, with the last brand-new units arriving in North America back in March 2021.
Price Point of the McLaren 620R
A 2021 review by Visor.ph reported that the McLaren 620R locally costs P33 million, at least that's what the seller's asking price was. When it came out in 2019, the price point was at £250,000 (around P16.7 million).
McLaren 620R in the News
But this isn't the first time that the sports car was entwined in controversy in the local news. In June 2021, the Philippines' Bureau of Customs destroyed $1.2 million worth of 21 luxury vehicles seized between 2018 and 2020, including a rare McLaren 620R.
The vehicles were illegally imported into the country by various consignees and were seized at two locations—Manila and Cagayan de Oro. Aside from the 620R, there were also a Bentley, a Mercedes-Benz, a Lotus, and a Porsche 911 C2S.
A Facebook post by the BOC during the time detailed the events on how they found the McLaren 620R. It was reportedly delivered to the Philippines on July 16, 2020, when it was misdeclared as a Porsche Cayman. This allowed the vehicle's consignee to evade over P300,000 in duties and taxes.
The more recent headline, on the other hand, involved Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac. The controversy began when a photo of Guo posing with the McLaren surfaced on social media, taken during the 2024 League of Municipality of the Philippines General Assembly. The silver McLaren 620R had been entered into a car show contest in the nearby town of Concepcion, where it won first prize. Guo has denied owning the McLaren, claiming that she borrowed it from a friend specifically for the car show.
"Wala pong dokumento na magpapatunay na ako po 'yung may-ari. Kasi meron pong car show sa Tarlac that time. Hiniram ko lang po siya," Guo said during a senate hearing on May 27, 2024. The mayor is under investigation due to an alleged involvement with recently raided POGOs in Tarlac.
