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650S Le Mans Ltd: 478kW McLaren tribute

  • Celebrates 1995 Le Mans win
  • Inspired by the #01R McLaren F1 GTR
  • Only 50 to be made
  • Penned by designer of the McLaren F1

LONDON, England - Each of the 106 McLaren F1 models 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 automaker’s motorsport history – the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans.

As the chequered flag was waved for the 1995 race five McLaren F1 GTRs crossed the line to finish 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th.

In honour of this achievement, 20 years on, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has released details of its special-edition 650S Le Mans, of which only 50 will be available later in 2015.

TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND

In collaboration with Peter Stevens, designer of the iconic McLaren F1, the design of the limited edition 650S, offered only as a coupe, was inspired by the race-winning #59 McLaren F1 GTR.

IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 McLaren 650S Le Mans

Some design elements borrowed from the F1 GTR include its roof-mounted "snorkel" air intake, channeling airflow to its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8. It’s front wings have shutters to reduce pressure over the front wheels and increase downforce.  

It uses Le Mans Edition light alloy rims (19” front, 20” rear) inspired by McLaren’s 1995 racers and McLaren-developed Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres as well as carbon ceramic brakes with orange callipers.

Power remains the same as the standard version with its V8 producing 478kW/678Nm, enabling it to sprint to 100km/h in three seconds and reach 333km/h.   

SPORTY INTERIOR

The 650S Le Mans uses carbon-fibre elements throughout. including for its front splitter and rear bumper and has MSO-developed extended door sills and a diffuser. Its grey paint job is a tribute to the colour used by the F1 GTR.

It has a black leather interior which extends to its sports seats. A Le Mans logo is embossed on the head restraint of each seat and on the mats.

The price of a McLaren 650S Le Mans is estimated at R4.3-million, deliveries will commence in mid-2015, and, the automaker says: "Buyers of the McLaren 650S Le Mans will receive an exclusive invitation to join McLaren at its 20th anniversary celebration of the famous victory at the historic Le Mans circuit.”


LIMITED EDITION: The McLaren 650S Le Mans will carry a price tag equivalent to R4.3-million. Image: Newspress / McLaren

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