Unveiled in 28 May 1992, the McLaren F1 was created to deliver the ultimate, no compromise, cost-no-object road driving experience. So immense was its capabilities that, even today, 23 years later, few road cars have matched its performance numbers. It was only natural that the F1’s abilities be brought to the track, and 28 F1s were constructed as race cars, carrying the ‘GTR’ badge. The 24 Hours of LeMans was the target.
Results arrived quickly. In 1995, five McLaren F1 GTRs dominated LeMans, finishing 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th. To commemorate this achievement, five special editions of the McLaren F1, badged the McLaren F1 LM, were commissioned – one for each of the cars that finished. Now, 20 years on, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has released details of a special edition 650S, built to celebrate the anniversary of this LeMans victory. Only 50 McLaren 650S Le Mans will be available globally, with a design inspired by the race-winning #59 McLaren F1 GTR.
In collaboration with Peter Stevens, the designer of the McLaren F1, the McLaren 650S Le Mans will be offered as a coupé only, but with a modern twist. The ‘LeMans’ borrows a number of heritage GTR styling enhancements from the race-winner, most appreciably the iconic roof-mounted ‘snorkel’ air intake. This fully-integrated ‘snorkel’ channels airflow to the familiar 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine, 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 fronts, 20-inch rears – are styled to evoke the competition rims fitted to the 1995 racers. The rims wear the McLaren-developed Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres and are mated with carbon ceramic brakes and McLaren Orange calipers as standard.
Visual carbon fiber details abound, including the front splitter and rear bumper, MSO-developed extended side blades and the distinctive MSO rear diffuser. The McLaren 650S Le Mans’ exterior sports a metallic Sarthe Grey paint, 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.
