Simply Abu Dhabi XXXV

2 5 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The 600LT is marginally wider than the 570S and features a more aggressive, 27mm deeper front splitter, new side sills, a massively oversized rear diffuser and a chunky fixed rear wing. This all helps it develop an impressive 100kg of downforce at 250km/h. Like all McLarens, the carbon fibre tub is so rigid that unlike any other car you’ll find, removing the roof has had zero impact on its structural integrity, meaning it doesn’t require extra bracing and therefore adding more weight. Inside, it’s a familiar layout for McLaren buffs with a tablet-like display dominating the console and a minimalist rule applied liberally, including the lack of any buttons or controls on the steering wheel. Storage is also on the minimal side with no glovebox or door pockets, an awkwardly placed cupholder under the dash behind the infotainment screen and a small covered tray in the centre console for your phone and maybe a set of keys. The centre console features two rotary dials to select engine and suspension settings, the roof button and the starter button, and that’s pretty much it. If you want to compromise slightly and add a few more comforts at the expense of weight, a luxury pack can be ordered that includes a 12- speaker Bowers and Wilkins stereo, electrically adjustable seats and a power-operated adjustable steering column. The low-slung 3.8-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine and seven-speed sequential transmission are the same units McLaren has used since the 12C but at 592bhp with 620Nm of torque from 3,500rpm, it has been tweaked to produce 30bhp more than the 570S. In full acceleration mode this is a violent car off the line. On a track test its traction control allowed muted wheel spin to get maximum power to the road through the rear wheels before it launched to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds and 200km/h in 8.4 seconds. Keep it planted and where you’re allowed it will wind out to 324km/h. Lowering the roof takes 15 seconds and can be done at up to 40km/h but once down, or in this heat with the roof up and with the small rear window between the head rests lowered, the sound from those pipes was nothing short of operatic. Add to this the massive air inlets which feed the turbos just behind the doors – and next to your left ear – and driving the 600LT Spider makes you feel like you’re sitting in the middle of the mechanical action, as if the driver’s seat is somewhere in the bowels of the engine bay. It is utterly intoxicating. I have never driven any car that returns that kind of sensory explosion. The steering is hydraulic rather than electrically assisted, so the feel coming back through the fingers gives you a natural connection to the road and you know exactly where you are with available grip. At a steady cruise with the chassis and powertrain settings in Normal, the 600’s ability to isolate its occupants from rough roads was exceptional and despite fearing speed humps and looking for the suspension buttons to raise its skirts, it rarely needed to as it soaked up bumps with ease. For those who really enjoy their driving, preferably alone and early in the morning when the weather is perfect, the AED980,000, 600LT Spider is magic beyond words but in any other situation it requires concentration and acceptance that you will compromise comfort and convenience to indulge in your supercar dreams.