At this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, McLaren will première a track-only version of the McLaren 650S coupé, called the 650 Sprint. The stripped-out racer will make its global debut alongside four new models planned for the Californian event, including the McLaren P1, the 650S Spider and the P1 GTR.
Based on the recently launched McLaren 650S coupé, the track-focused 650S Sprint is fitted with developments to the Brake Steer system, even more refined active aerodynamics and a race set-up for the ProActive Chassis Control (PCC). These upgrades deliver a more engaging GT racing experience, without losing any of the refinement and balance found in the road car.
The 650S Sprint is powered by the same 3.8-litre, twin turbo V8 M838T engine, which produces 641bhp and 667Nm, and power is sent to the rear wheels by the same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In standard form this helps the 650S sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds.
The cabin is built around lightweight and inherently strong carbon fibre MonoCell chassis, and features an FIA-approved roll-cage to further cocoon the driver. A lightweight carbon fibre racing seat, with full 6-point harness, offers an optimised driving position, while an air-conditioning system is retained. An integrated fire extinguisher system is also installed inside the car.
The 650S Sprint shares a number of design features with its bigger brother, the 650S GT3 race car. For instance, a larger motorsport fuel ‘bag’ tank with quick-fill connectors is added, as is optimised cooling through the larger GT3-developed front radiator with a GT3-inspired bonnet integrating radiator exit ducts, and the addition of front wings louvres to further optimise airflow over, and around, the bodywork.
The 650S Sprint has a lower ride height with recalibrated adaptive damping for revised spring rates, and sits on 19-inch centre-locking racing wheels, fitted with Pirelli slick or wet tyres, while an onboard air jacking system enables quick tyre changes.
Stopping power is also enhanced and provided by a race-prepared braking system developed for the 650S Sprint. This system combines with the road car’s highly effective Brake Steer system and enhanced active aerodynamics to offer superior braking performance. This allows for later braking into corners, but also improved brake feel and greater cornering speeds.
A range of further options and upgrades are available including a CFD (computational fluid dynamics) developed aerodynamic package including carbon fibre rear wing and front splitter, a passenger seat with six-point harness, and further lightweight components including a polycarbonate windscreen.
In the UK, the 650S Sprint will be priced at £198,000 and will be available from all official McLaren retailers worldwide or direct from McLaren GT.
