On 18 June 1995, the production-based McLaren F1 GTR crossed the line on the start/finish straight of Circuit de la Sarthe as the overall victor, having completed 298 laps of the legendary circuit ahead of much faster Le mans Prototypes. Twenty years later, the Woking-based firm is honouring that win with a limited edition model, the 650S Le Mans.
Developed by McLaren Special Operations, with assistance by F1 designer Peter Stevens, the 650S Le Mans boasts styling cures inspired by the #59 F1 GTR of the Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing that took the chequered flag in 1995, such as the front wing louvres and roof-mounted air intake, model-specific 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloys, and orange calipers on the standard carbon ceramic brakes.
The 650S Le Mans can be further distinguished from its regular brethren by the metallic Sarthe Gray finish, another throwback to the race-winning F1.
In the cabin, the 650S Le Mans has been fitted with black leather and Alcantara, with contrasting orange upholstery on the seats. A Le Mans logo has been embossed on the front of the head restraints and floor mats, while a plate on the door denotes the limited nature of the model.
Nothing has changed mechanically. So the 650S uses the same twin-turbocharged 3,8-litre V8 engine.
Just 50 examples will be built and sold globally, with deliveries set to start halfway through the year.
