McLaren unveils its new 650S Sprint ahead of Pebble Beach Concours debut
[Not a valid template]Just when we thought the most powerful Land Rover ever would take Pebble Beach Concours honours…
Just a couple of months after unveiling the new 650S GT3, McLaren has now released official images of its track only 650S Sprint, similar in principle to the 12C Sprint crankandpiston.com shot testing at the Dubai Autodrome.
Based on the road-going 650S, the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 remains intact albeit with ‘unique engine and transmission calibration to further enhance on track drivability’, though performance figures have yet to be confirmed. Key focus on the new Sprint meanwhile concerns aerodynamics around the MonoCell chassis and weight reduction, the newboy boasting a race-prepped braking system, more aggressive ProActive Chassis Control and revised dampers for more responsive cornering, and a lower ride height, to emphasise ‘a more engaging GT racing experience, without losing any of the refinement and balance found in the road car’.
Inspiration from the new McLaren’s more aggressive GT3 sibling comes in the shape of a new, larger race-spec fuel tank and a GT3-esque front bonnet, with larger air louvres and front radiator for optimised cooling. Inside, the Sprint’s stripped out cabin includes a new carbon fibre race seat (HANS-approved, natch) and an FIA-approved rollcage. Even the air conditioning has been retained for ‘driver comfort’, though you can take that statement with a pinch of salt.
Slap on 19-inch lightweight racing wheels, Pirelli slicks, and a new white/Tarocco Orange livery and you have yourself a 650S Sprint ready to his the showrooms. At a whacking great $330,000 a pop.
