Honoring a special feat.
Twenty years ago, McLaren pulled off one of the most impressive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with their McLaren F1 GTR. Not only did the race car finish first, but also 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 13th – a stunning achievement for the endurance race. To celebrate that victory, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) teamed up with the designer of the McLaren F1 to create the limited-edition 650S Le Mans Coupe.
The new McLaren 650S Le Mans Coupe boasts a design inspired by the original Le Mans-winning No. 59 racer, with unique aerodynamics, graphics, and more to commemorate the achievement.
Peter Stevens, the original designer of the McLaren F1 was brought on as a consultant by MSO to create and design the new 650S Le Mans. Classic design elements such as the roof-mounted “snorkel” air intake was added on and is fully-functional, sending cool air into the engine bay while adding a more dynamic sound into the cabin. New front wings and louvres increase downforce and reduce lift. Special ‘Le Mans Edition’ lightweight wheels measuring a staggered 19- and 20-inches bear resemblance to those worn by the racers in 1995 and wear Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires developed by McLaren. Carbon ceramic brakes comes standard and sport calipers in McLaren Orange.
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,” said Stevens.
“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.”
Lightweight carbon fiber also plays a key role in the design of the McLaren 650S Le Mans. A front splitter, rear bumper, MSO-developed extended side blades, and rear diffuser help to reduce weight while also improving downforce. A special metallic Sarthe Grey paint, inspired by the race-winning No. 59 car is worn on the body while McLaren Orange ‘Le Mans’ logos are worn by the wheels and edge of the door blades.
Inside, a dedication plate of the door card of the 650S Le Mans greets drivers and passengers. A set of black sport seats wear black leather and alcantara with McLaren Orange alcantara in the center and embossed headrest logos. Black leather and alcantara are featured throughout along with new floor mats to add a touch of exclusiveness.
The McLaren 650S Le Mans will still be powered by the same 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine found in the factory 650S along with its 641 bhp and 500 lb-ft. of torque. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes just 3.0 seconds from rest while top speed is left at 207 mph.
The new McLaren 650S Le Mans will be available globally with deliveries beginning in mid-2015. Pricing for the limited-edition model will be £244,500 and include an exclusive invitation for owner and a guest to the McLaren 20th anniversary celebration at Le Mans.
McLaren 650S Le Mans Gallery
Source: McLaren
Is the McLaren 650S Le Mans a proper tribute to the 1995 Le Mans-winning F1 GTR?
