This year brings the 20th anniversary of the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans race, in which McLaren cars came 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th. To celebrate, McLaren Special Operations have teamed up with Peter Stevens, designer of the McLaren F1, to produce a very special version of the 650s.
Only 50 of the special cars will be made and, judging by the first photos, we’d happily have each and every one of them. Known as the McLaren 650s Le Mans Edition, the cars are inspired by the model which took first place in 1995 – the number 59 F1 GTR.
One feature borrowed directly from the GTR is the air ‘snorkel’ mounted on the roof – looking a bit like an automotive mohawk – that allows air to flow faster towards the engine. The car has also received special Le Mans edition alloys, 19 inches at the front and 20 at the rear, as well as side blades, a rear diffuser and a carbon front spoiler. Downforce is further increased by louvres on the front side panels which reduce pressure on the front wheels.
The Le Mans edition is powered by a 3.8 litre twin turbo V8 and, if it’s like its siblings, can do 0-62MPH in just 3 seconds, before sprinting to a top speed of around 210MPH.
Stylistically, it’s just stunning. The sleek exterior lines are further enhanced by the limited edition Sarthe Grey paintwork and McLaren orange accents. It looks like everything that’s good about McLaren, but with an exceptionally distinguished finish. Inside is just as good, with sumptuous black leather that’s embossed with the Le Mans logo.
As if the car itself wasn’t tempting enough, purchasers will also be invited to McLaren‘s exclusive anniversary celebrations later on in 2015. If there’s one ‘must have’ car this year, this may well be it…..