- Limited edition model launched to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the McLaren F1 GTR victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Design and styling inspired by the race-winning chassis #01R McLaren F1 GTR including iconic roof-mounted ‘snorkel’ air intake
- Only 50 models, all coupés, to be made available globally
- Collaboration with Peter Stevens, famed designer of the McLaren F1
Every
one of the 106 models of the McLaren F1 built has a story to tell, with
those wearing a ‘GTR’ badge boasting a lineage back to one of the most
famous results in the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As the
chequered flag fell at the end of the 1995 race, five McLaren F1 GTRs
crossed the line to finish 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th. In honour of
this achievement, five special editions of the McLaren F1, badged the
McLaren F1 LM, were commissioned – one for each of the cars that
finished. 20 years on, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has released
the first details of a special edition 650S, built to celebrate the
anniversary of this result. Only 50 McLaren 650S Le Mans will be
available globally, with a design inspired by the race-winning #59
McLaren F1 GTR. Deliveries will commence later this year.
Designed
by MSO in consultation with Peter Stevens, the designer of the iconic
McLaren F1, the McLaren 650S Le Mans will be offered as a coupé only,
and will borrow a number of styling enhancements from the iconic
race-winner, most notably the roof-mounted ‘snorkel’ air intake. This
fully-integrated ‘snorkel’ channels airflow to the familiar 3.8-litre
twin turbo V8 engine, while also providing enhanced aural drama within
the cabin, while the front wings feature subtle louvres to reduce
pressure over the front wheels, increasing downforce. The unique ‘Le
Mans Edition’ lightweight wheels – 19-inch at the front, 20-inch at the
rear – are styled around the design of the motorsport rims fitted to the
1995 racers. The rims wear the McLaren-developed Pirelli P Zero™ Corsa
tyres and are mounted in front of carbon ceramic brakes as standard,
with McLaren Orange callipers.
Commenting on the McLaren 650S Le Mans, Stevens explains: “The
design of the McLaren F1 rewrote the rulebook. It was intended to offer
the ultimate, no compromise road driving experience. The fact that it
was transformed into a racer, and a race winner, was true testament to
the strength and integrity of the original design, which is something I
am very proud of.
“With
a mix of subtle design traits, the 650S Le Mans adds a modern twist by
blending the iconic lines of the McLaren F1, and heritage features such
as the wing louvres and the roof-mounted air intake, with groundbreaking
technologies. It is a fantastic homage to that original design, and to
the incredible race result achieved by the team in 1995 at one of the
most difficult, and most challenging races in the world.”
Power
and torque figures for the McLaren 650S Le Mans remain unchanged from
the standard production model, producing 650PS (641 bhp) and 678 Nm (500
lb ft) of torque. This sprint from zero to 62 mph is achieved in three
seconds and the top speed is 207 mph.
Visual
carbon fibre features throughout the limited edition model, including
the front splitter and rear bumper. The limited edition coupés also
feature MSO-developed extended side blades and the distinctive MSO rear
diffuser. The unique look of the McLaren 650S Le Mans exterior is
further enhanced by the metallic Sarthe Grey exterior paint colour,
inspired by the colour of the race-winning McLaren F1 GTR. A splash of
the famous McLaren Orange in the form of the ‘Le Mans’ logo adorns the
wheels and the trailing edge of the extended MSO door blades, while an
internal dedication plate on the door card identifies the limited nature
of the model.
The
interior is swathed in black leather and Alcantara®, while a pair of
sports seats are finished in black with contrasting McLaren Orange
Alcantara® in the centre. A Le Mans logo is embossed on the headrest of
each seat, and on the unique floor mats, paying further homage to the
anniversary.
The
McLaren 650S Le Mans is available globally, priced at £244,500, and
deliveries will commence in mid-2015. Owners of the McLaren 650S Le
Mans will receive an exclusive invitation for the owner plus a guest to
join McLaren at a 20th anniversary celebration of the famous victory at
the historic Le Mans circuit courtesy of McLaren.
