McLaren 650S Le Mans: When History Cannot Be Forgotten

Quoting McLaren Automotive, "every one of the 106 models of the McLaren F1 built has a story to tell." A story which often begins with "Do you remember the time when..." and continues with the reveal of a memory of something that deserves to be fixed and preserved in time.

Twenty years after the the chequered flag was waved at the end of the 1995 race, five McLaren F1 GTR monsters crossed the line, winning 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th place. Marking this impressive achievement, five special editions of the McLaren F1, named the McLaren F1 Le Mans, are commissioned. Of course, each one of them is signifying the cars that finished back then.

The special edition of McLaren will be powered by the familiar 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 engine which will still produce unchained 641 HP and 678 Nm (500 lb ft) of peak torque. This run from 0 to 62 mph is achieved in 3 seconds, while the top speed is that of 207 mph.

With a design inspired by the race-winning #59 McLaren F1 GTR, the McLaren 650S Le Mans will inherit many of the iconic race-winner characteristics. For example, the anniversary car will feature the notable roof-mounted ‚‘snorkel‘ air intake and wing louvers. Combining the incredible tone of the 1995 car with a slightly modernized twist, the 650S Le Mans becomes an example of excellence and uniqueness.

Of course, there are updated components which further shape the presence of the limited edition model. Some of the carbon fiber features include: front splitter and rear bumper but there are also MSO-developed extended side blades and the distinctive MSO rear diffuser. The exterior of the F1 Le Mans has metallic Sarthe Grey paint color which is borrowed from the color of the race-winning McLaren F1 GTR. For additional exclusiveness there is a 'Le Mans' logo adorning the wheels and the trailing edge of the door blades. What is more, one-of-a-kind ‘Le Mans Edition' lightweight wheels – 19-inch at the front, 20-inch at the rear – are fitted around the design of the motorsport rims used on the 1995 racers.

Inside, the car has black leather and Alcantara upholstery, with a pair of sports seats in black finish and contrasting McLaren Orange Alcantara in the center. Not betraying its nature, the automaker embosses another 'Le Mans' logo on the headrest of each seat, as well as on the floor mats.

Limited to 50 units only, the 2015 McLaren 650S Le Mans is priced at £244,500. Deliveries will begin in mid-2015.

McLaren 650S Le Mans (2015)

Source: McLaren