McLaren is really taking the time to pat itself on the back for winning Le Mans back in 1995. The P1 GTR is being billed as an homage to the F1 GTR Le Mans winner, and we thought that'd be the extent of its anniversary celebration. This week, though, it revealed the 650S Le Mans, a special edition designed to give another hat tip to the past. The upgraded version of the mid-level McLaren borrows design cues from the F1 GTR.
"As the chequered flag fell at the end of the 1995 [Le Mans] race, five McLaren F1 GTRs crossed the line to finish 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th," recalls McLaren.
In celebrating that gripping finish, McLaren Special Operations will build fifty 650S models, each with styling reminiscent of the #59 F1 GTR that took home the first place prize. The Le Mans edition 650S models were designed with input from Peter Stevens, designer of the timeless McLaren F1.
The most prominent feature to make its way over from F1 racer to 650S road car is the roof-mounted snorkel that routes air to the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 while titillating the ears of the occupants with an enhanced soundtrack. The car also has downforce-increasing louvres on the front fenders. McLaren-developed Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires hug "Le Mans Edition" lightweight wheels styled after the 1995 race car rims. Those wheels measure 19 inches up front and 20 in back. A set of standard carbon-ceramic brakes with McLaren Orange calipers bring those wheels grinding to a stop.
A coat of metallic Sarthe Grey paint creates a dark, menacing look reminiscent of the 1995 race car. Other exterior enhancements include MSO-developed extended side blades and rear diffuser, carbon fiber components like the front splitter and rear bumper, and McLaren Orange Le Mans logos.
Pop the doors open and you're treated to a cabin dressed heavily in black leather and Alcantara. It includes black sport seats with McLaren Orange Alcantara inserts, Le Mans headrest badging, unique Le Mans floor mats and a limited edition plate on the door card.
The 650S Le Mans is available globally exclusively as a coupe for £244,500 (US$370K). It doesn't include any powertrain upgrades, so buyers will have to make due with 641 bhp, 500 lb-ft, three seconds to 62 mph, and a 207-mph (333-km/h) top speed. Deliveries will begin in mid 2015.
Source: McLaren
