It turns out that the new McLaren 650S variant we recently told you about is a new special edition model built to celebrate the 20th anniversary of McLaren’s famous win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, made with the original F1 GTR race car. The latest special edition’s a road car, and just 50 examples are destined for production, all of them coupes.

It's called the McLaren 650S Le Mans and it features styling inspired by the #59 F1 GTR that took the overall victory at Le Mans back in 1995, such as a roof-mounted air intake. Responsible for some of the enhancements is none other than Peter Stevens, famed designer of the F1.

He worked closely with McLaren’s personalization department MSO to design the air intake as well as subtle louvers up front that help to boost downforce. The car also wears extended side blades and a custom MSO rear diffuser.

“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 louvers and the roof-mounted air intake, with groundbreaking technologies,” Stevens said of the design. “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.”

The look of the 650S Le Mans is further enhanced by the metallic Sarthe Gray paint job, inspired by the color of the race-winning F1 GTR. This is offset by a few elements finished in McLaren’s signature orange. As a final touch, the wheels, 19 inches up front and 20 inches at the rear, feature a design that mimics the one used on the race cars.

Inside, the designers have gone with black leather and Alcantara trim. For the seats, a splash of orange offsets the sombre look of the cabin. A Le Mans logo is embossed on the headrest of each seat, and on the unique floor mats, paying further homage to the anniversary. A dedication plate on the door card also identifies the limited nature of the model.

No changes have been made to the power unit, which means the car’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter still delivers 641 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Drive is to the rear wheels only, via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Performance figures include 0-62 mph acceleration in under 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 207 mph.

Deliveries of the McLaren 650S Le Mans commence in the summer. Anyone lucky enough to get their hands on one will also be invited to join McLaren at a 20th anniversary celebration of the Le Mans victory. Perhaps it’s at this event that McLaren will confirm rumors about its interest in racing once again at the famous French circuit.

The next couple of months are going to be extremely busy for McLaren as the British automaker launches a handful of new models in quick succession. Just this week we saw the covers come off the 650S Le Mans special edition, which features unique body elements penned by McLaren F1 designer Peter Stevens.

Another new McLaren set for debut will be the long-awaited Sports Series, the automaker’s new entry-level model. This car or perhaps cars (several versions are in the pipeline) will be shown for the first time at the New York Auto Show in April. But before then, at March’s Geneva Motor Show to be exact, McLaren will also introduce its hardcore P1 GTR and another track-focused model, the latter of which has been teased this week.

Yes, previous reports of a new track-focused 650S variant have proven true, with McLaren confirming just such a car for debut in Geneva. Few details are known but teaser photos confirm it will be 650S-based. We’re expecting more power than the stock 650S’s 641 horsepower, with some suggesting we may see a hellish 666 hp extracted from McLaren’s ubiquitous twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8. That equates to 675 hp in the metric figures McLaren uses.

Teaser for new track-focused McLaren 650S variant debuting at 2015 Geneva Motor ShowTeaser for new track-focused McLaren 650S variant debuting at 2015 Geneva Motor ShowThe name 675 LT has been making the rounds, with the “675” portion representing the power output and the “LT” signifying an extended long-tail design similar to that used on the legendary F1 GTR Long Tail. The teaser photos reveal a new low-mounted side air intake and what appears to be an extended rear section.

McLaren already offers a track-focused 650S in the form of the 650S Sprint. However, the Sprint is designed for the track only and is not street legal in most countries. The new 650S variant, whatever it’s called, should be fully capable on the road as well as the track. McLaren is likely introducing the model to challenge Ferrari’s facelifted 458, which also debuts this year and is thought to pack a new turbocharged engine.

Look for a reveal of McLaren’s new 650S variant in late February before an official debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3.

The new model is the latest addition to the newly named McLaren Super Series range, which also includes the 650S and the Asia-market 625C. It is described as the "lightest, the quickest and the purest" version in the family.

As expected, the 675LT takes inspiration from the iconic F1 GTR that was introduced in 1997 and quickly earned the 'Longtail' monicker thanks to a stretched profile.

The number 675 is a reference to 675ps, or 666 horsepower, making the 675LT the most powerful model in the family. It is also lighter than the 650S and brings more downforce, though the company has not yet announced full specs.

The company expects to begin shipping the 675LT later this year.

McLaren has unveiled its ‘most track-focused, yet road legal, model in the Super Series’ range, the all-new 675LT, which is set to headline Woking’s stand at the Geneva Motor Show alongside the P1 GTR.

Powered by McLaren’s established 3.8-litre twin turbo V8, the 675LT kicks out (surprise, surprise) 675PS – slash 666bhp – giving it a 549PS/ton performance figure. Said power also equates to a 2.9 second 0-100kph time and a 330kph top speed, thanks to a stringent weight saving regimen that has seen the newboy drop more than 100kg over its sister models and record a 1230kg kerb weight.

McLaren has also emphasised that design of the LT – shorthand for Long Tail, another McLaren F1 hall of famer – showcases an altogether darker side than previous models. Apparently. The look of the carbon fibre festooned model has been styled much more aggressively than the 12C, 650S and P1 that came before it, but do be sure to let us know where. On the other hand, the ‘airblade’ rear spiler is also 50 percent bigger than that used on the 650S, so there is that.

The new 675LT will also appear in five different ‘By McLaren’ hero specifications/colour schemes including Silica White, Delta Red, Napier Green, Chicane Grey and traditional McLaren Orange. Expect the price to reflect the exclusivity.

Engine V8 / Twin Turbo / 3799cc
Power 666bhp @ 7,100rpm
Torque 516lb ft @ 5,500-6,500rpm
Transmission Seven-speed SSG
Weight (dry) 1,230kg
0-100kph 2.9sec
0-200kph 7.9sec
Top speed 330kph
Price TBC

The McLaren 675LT will make its world debut at the 85th Geneva Motor Show, with a clear focus on performance, light weight and ultimate levels of driver engagement – all key attributes of a McLaren ‘Longtail’. Offered as a Coupé only, the 675LT will be the most track-focused, yet road legal, model in the McLaren Super Series, with a power to weight ratio that eclipses established rivals. The sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes just 2.9 seconds, with controlled torque delivery ensuring optimised traction off the line. Acceleration continues at relentless pace with the 200 km/h barrier broken in 7.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).

The first images of the car demonstrate a more aggressive look for the McLaren brand than has been seen before. Styling cues run from the extended carbon fibre front splitter, through an extended door blade and additional cooling intake, to the circular twin titanium exhaust pipes, giving a hint to the performance available for the most powerful and lightest model in the McLaren Super Series. The active ‘Longtail’ Airbrake is 50 percent bigger than the one fitted to the 650S yet, due its carbon fibre structure, is actually lighter. This is just one of the enhancements that add up to a dry weight of just 1,230kg.

More than 50 percent of parts have been changed in the 3.8-litre V8 engine to deliver increased levels of power, torque and driveability. Upgrades include new, more efficient turbos, detail design changes to the cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds, new camshaft and lightweight connecting rods, and a faster-flowing fuel pump and delivery system. These changes are so significant, that the engine unit receives a new, unique code – M838TL. The low weight, low inertia power unit produces, as the name suggests, a power output of 675PS and a power-to-weight ratio of 549PS per tonne.

The 675LT is as fully track-focused as it is road legal with around a third of parts modified to suit this purpose compared with the 650S Coupé and Spider that continue in production alongside it. Yet, like its iconic predecessor, the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’, from which the LT name is derived, this is a car that is as exciting to look at as it is to drive. It also embodies the key attributes of the ‘Longtail’ ethos targeting light weight, optimised aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement.

THE KEY TO THE ‘LONGTAIL’ SUCCESS: LIGHT WEIGHT AND AERODYNAMIC

Despite the revised, longer bodywork, the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ was over 100kg lighter than its hugely successful predecessors. As it was nearly 20 years ago, weight reduction has been a key focus throughout the development programme for the 675LT and, in a subtle nod to its bigger brother, the result is a saving of over 100kgs over the other models in the Super Series. This savings have been achieved through the extensive use of carbon fibre for the body panels, along with lightweight engine, chassis and body structure parts. In the pursuit of minimal weight, and to suit its purposeful intent, even air conditioning has been removed, but can specified as a no cost option.

Below a newly designed front bumper sits a prominent carbon fibre front splitter, which works the air harder, complementing new front wing end plates to increase downforce levels over the front bodywork. The turbulent air from the front wheel arches is ‘cleaned’ as it flows towards the rear bodywork by sculpted carbon fibre side sills which run the full length of the lower bodywork. A subtle air intake is incorporated ahead of the leading edge of the rear wheel arch, below a more pronounced side intake behind the door, both of which feed clean cool air into the side-mounted radiators.

The aero balance is optimised by the active ‘Longtail’ Airbrake which, as with the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’, is larger – 50 percent larger than on other Super Series models. The reprofiled design flows into the lines of the new carbon fibre rear wings. Two circular exhaust pipes, forged from titanium, exit centrally through exposed bodywork below the rear wing. Despite a more complex design, the bespoke crossover system is designed to optimise performance and reduce weight, saving 1.1kg. The rear deck and sections flanking the exhaust pipes remain exposed; designed to evacuate hot air from the engine bay as efficiently as possible, while a lightweight polycarbonate rear screen features further louvres. A louvred carbon fibre rear bumper reduces air pressure over the rear wheels, while the rear design is completed with a dramatic integrated carbon fibre diffuser.

FIVE UNIQUE ‘BY McLAREN’ 675LT THEMES

The 675LT is offered in five ‘By McLaren’ hero specifications, which includes four bespoke colours never previously offered: Silica White, Delta Red, Napier Green and Chicane Grey are all newly formulated paint hues for the 675LT. The famous heritage McLaren Orange completes the themes unique to the model. Each of the five ‘By McLaren’ specifications is complemented within the stripped out interior with carefully selected materials and colours.

The purposeful driver-focused cabin of the 675LT gives even further indication of track potential. A pair of ultra lightweight carbon fibre-shelled bucket seats, upholstered in Alcantara® as standard and modelled on those in the McLaren P1™, provide comfort and support with no compromise on overall weight. A subtle 675LT logo features on the headrest of each seat, and is also present on the rev counter. In a change to the other models in the Super Series, the air conditioning controls are now incorporated within the intuitive touchscreen infotainment system.

The McLaren 675LT will make its global debut at the 85th Geneva Motor Show at 12.15 CET (11.15 GMT) on Tuesday 3 March 2015.

McLAREN 675LT TECHNICAL STATISTICS

PERFORMANCE
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 2.9 seconds
0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) 7.9 seconds
Top speed 330 km/h (205 mph)
Power-to-weight 549PS per tonne

ENGINE & POWERTRAIN
Engine Configuration V8 Twin Turbo / 3799cc
Power 675PS (666 bhp) @ 7,100 rpm
Torque 700Nm (516 lb ft) @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
Transmission 7 Speed SSG
CO2 275g/km

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Dry weight 1,230kg
Weight distribution 42.5 / 57.5
Length 4,546 mm
Width 2,095 mm
Height 1,188 mm

For those considering the purchase of a 650S, but who are unimpressed with its standard options list, McLaren has some good news.

The British supercar company is upping the ante for 2016. Previously, opting for the carbon fiber front splitter, side skirts, intakes, rear bumper, and mirror casings would have set buyers back a cool $22,500. But all those fancy body bits will be standard issue for the 2016 models.

The additional equipment will come as a relative bargain. Pricing for the Coupe starts at $271,900 while the Spider starts at $286,900. Those prices are up about $4,000 compared to the 2015 base prices of $267,900 for the Coupe and $282,625 for the Spider.

Some less sexy, but unquestionably handy features—the front vehicle lifter, electric seats, parking sensors, and backup camera—will be available in the Enhanced Technology Package, which means getting them will cost $6,000 less than they do for the current model, for which they are only available individually.

The Track Telemetry App, which incorporates a host of data-logging features, can be had for a relatively reasonable $2,800, and drivers will also be able to select racing seats for the same price as the standard chairs. Upgrading to race-ready Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R rubber will run $1,300.

Ten new exterior colors will also be available.

Deliveries of the 2016 McLaren 650S will begin in December.

It was in 1966 that the inaugural season of the Canadian-American Challenge Cup was run, and one of the most successful manufacturers in the series was McLaren thanks to cars like the M1A and M1B plus drivers such as Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon.

To celebrate next year’s 50th anniversary of the start of the series, McLaren has created a special version of the 650S Spider whose design was inspired by the cars that won numerous Can-Am championships in the 1960s and ‘70s.

The special version is called the 650S Can-Am and just 50 examples will be built for worldwide consumption. It’s largely stock but there are unique design elements created by the bespoke division of McLaren, MSO.

Carbon fiber features throughout, including for the retractable roof for the first time. There is also a unique set of forged alloys held by titanium bolts. These wheels measure 19 inches across up front and 20 inches at the rear, and inside these are carbon-ceramic discs. The standard tires are Pirelli P Zero Corsas.

Further inspiration from the Can-Am racers sees carbon fiber louvered front wings and a new quad-exit stainless steel exhaust system. The louvered front wings are designed to reduce pressure over the front wheels, increasing downforce, while the four polished tailpipes at the rear of the car, housed within a new visual carbon fiber rear grille, echo the aggressive and purposeful throttle trumpets of the historic models.

The 650S Can-Am is offered in three colors, each inspired by a historic Can-Am livery. Premiering in Mars Red, the color has been matched to the M1B raced by McLaren and Amon for the debut season. Other colors available are Papaya Spark and Onyx Black. For the United States, the car is priced from $334,500. Deliveries are due to commence in the spring of 2016—50 years after the first Can-Am race was held.

Our famous win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995 was unprecedented: not only was the McLaren F1 GTR essentially a road car competing against purpose-built prototype racers, it was also the first entry by McLaren in one of the toughest endurance races in the world. Against all the odds, McLaren took the chequered flag, finishing 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th. We remain the only manufacturer to win the race at the first attempt.

2015 marks the 20th anniversary of this historic victory, and to celebrate the win McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has announced a new, limited edition model, the McLaren 650S Le Mans. Only 50 examples of this special car will be built, and all will be coupés.

The new car is unmistakably inspired by the famous No.59 F1 GTR that won in 1995 – one of the ‘crown jewels’ in our heritage collection, and on permanent display at the McLaren Technology Centre. Hence the new 650S will be finished in a metallic Sarthe Grey exterior paint colour, and will feature unique ‘Le Mans Edition’ lightweight wheels. Functional enhancements include a roof-mounted engine induction ‘snorkel’ and subtle louvres on the front wings, both iconic details found on the original F1 GTR. The new car also features a carbon fibre front splitter, rear bumper and Airbrake, plus MSO-developed extended side blades and rear diffuser. Inside, the 650S Le Mans is finished in leather and Alcantara, and features race inspired seats with Le Mans logos stitched into the headrests.

The new car has been developed by MSO in consultation with none other than Peter Stevens, the celebrated British designer who styled the original McLaren F1. Stevens describes the result as ‘a fantastic homage’ to the 1995 Le Mans winning car.

The new McLaren 650S Le Mans will be available globally, and deliveries are expected to begin by mid-2015.