Iconic sports car manufacturer McLaren is building a small batch of the 650S to celebrate a successful assault on the Le Mans 24-hour race 20 years ago.
Just 50 units of the 650S Le Mans will be built – a relatively large number expressed as a percentage of the total McLaren F1 production tally of 106 cars. The special 650S features styling details – among them a roof-mounted snorkel for air induction – to pay tribute to the F1 GTR that not only won Le Mans back in 1995, but also took out 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th places in the event.
McLaren has roped in Peter Stevens, who designed the F1 originally, to assist with the design of the commemorative 650S.
"The design of the McLaren F1 rewrote the rulebook," Stevens was quoted as saying in a press release.
"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."
Unique cosmetic features of the car include louvres in the front quarter panels to reduce aerodynamic downforce over the front wheels. The 650S Le Mans is finished in Sarthe Grey with McLaren Orange for the logos on the wheels and doors. McLaren Orange (Alcantara) is also a coordinating colour for the interior, offsetting the black leather and Alcantara combination used throughout.
Mechanically, the Le Mans edition is unchanged from the standard 650S. The 3.8-litre engine pushes the 650S Le Mans past 100km/h in three seconds.
Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres are fitted to alloy wheels measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 at the rear, harking back to the motorsport wheels fitted to the F1 in 1995. Carbon ceramic brakes are complemented by orange callipers.
Production will be limited to coupes and the asking price is £244,500 (AUD $451,428). Deliveries are anticipated to commence later in 2015 and buyers are invited to join McLaren at Le Mans for the anniversary celebration.