LONDON: McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has created the limited production 650S Can-Am which is inspired by the McLaren Can-Am racers of the 1960s.
Only 50 examples will be made globally, all based on the 650S Spider, and priced from £255,850 (over RM1.6mil)
The Can-Am series, or Canadian-American Challenge Cup, was a no-holds-barred battle of power and speed around some of the most iconic circuits in North America and Canada. It attracted the best drivers of the time including Graham Hill, John Surtees, Jackie Stewart and, of course, Bruce McLaren. The championship started in 1966, only a year after Bruce McLaren Motor Racing was established and in the series that followed, the young Kiwi became one of most successful names in the sport.
Key to the success of the McLaren Can-Am racers was the use of the latest technologies and materials. This principle is carried through to today’s 650S Can-Am. Where lightweight materials such as aluminium and mallite were used in the construction of yesterday’s racers, the modern-day celebration features extensive carbon fibre usage that also includes the MonoCell chassis.
A carbon fibre retractable hard top features for the first time while further carbon fibre is used for the bonnet, Airbrake, front splitter, rear bumper centre, door blades and 650S Can-Am branded sill cover. MSO has also created a unique set of lightweight forged alloy wheels inspired by those of the 1960s racers with a gloss-black finish on each of the five spokes and a diamond cut rim. Held in place by titanium bolts, the wheels are shod with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. Carbon ceramic brakes with black painted callipers are standard equipment.
Further unique features include carbon fibre louvered front wings and a new quad-exit, polished stainless steel exhaust system. The louvres are designed to reduce pressure over the front wheels and increase downforce, while the four circular tailpipes at the rear of the car housed within a new visual carbon fibre rear grille echo the aggressive and purposeful throttle trumpets of the historic models. They also provide the 650S Can-Am with a unique soundtrack.
Like the 650S Spider, this limited production model features the award-winning 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 which produces 641bhp and 678Nm of torque. Performance and economy figures are just as exhilarating: zero to 100kph sprint takes a mere three seconds and its top speed is 329kph.
The 650S Can-Am is offered in three colours - Mars Red, Papaya Spark (orange) and Onyx Black.
Inside, the standard sports seats are upholstered with leather and Alcantara, which complement the exterior. Carbon fibre features extensively throughout the cabin while a further bespoke Can-Am touch is the unique dedication plaque on the driver’s door.
