Two McLarens, One Goodwood Festival of Speed

McLaren is doing a two showings at one show special at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Great Britain. The automaker is showing off two new models, the production version of the MSO 650S and new 650S GT3 race car.

The 2015 MSO 650S is the production model of a concept with the same name that was making the rounds a couple of months ago. Much like the concept, the production version was designed by the folks at McLaren Special Operations (MSO). The production model features a number of satin-finished, carbon-fiber components such as distinctive side blades and three-piece rear bumper with a very menacing rear diffuser. The production model will have the choice of three colors: The concept’s Agrigan Black metallic paint with ruby red metallic flakes; Papaya Spark which looks to be evoking the iconic McLaren orange; and Sarigan Quartz which combines a silver paint job “with a subtle golden infusion.”

The MSO 650S also features a number of weight saving tricks such as unique ten-spoke wheels that are said to drop around nine pounds, and the use of carbon fiber and Alcantara in the interior. Finishing off the model is a a dedication plaque bearing the MSO badge.

Power comes a 3.8L twin-turbo V8 making the same 641 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque as the standard 650S.

The 2015 MSO 650S will begin around $420,980 and will be offered in a coupe or spyder. McLaren says there will be a limited run of 50 models.

#Two McLarens At One Goodwood Festival of Speed

Alongside the 2015 MSO 650S is the 650S GT3 Race Car. Just as the 650S is an evolution of the McLaren 12C, the 650S GT3 is the evolution of the 12C GT3.

The 650S GT3 utilizes the same lightweight carbon fiber MonoCell chassis as the standard 650S, but the body has been made to be more aerodynamically efficient thanks to a more aggressive front splitter and fixed carbon fiber rear wing. McLaren also added a number of air intakes to improve cooling. Inside, McLaren added a FIA-spec rollcage and a newly developed seat to improve driver support and comfort.

Power comes from a 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8 found in all McLaren models. In the case of the 650S GT3, the V8 makes 493 horsepower, a huge drop from the 641 horsepower you can find in the road going model. Thank the FIA's Balance of Power regulations for this drop in performance. Now it should be said all models who compete in any of FIA championships are also affected by the regulations.

Under the body is a updated suspension setup with revised suspension geometry and a wider track (up 52 millimeters). A new braking system comprised of monoblock six-piston callipers on the front and four-piston on the rear comes as standard.

McLaren says 15 examples of the 650S GT3 will be built before the 2015 motorsport season and cost £330,000 (about $561,900). Those who have bought a 12C will be happy to hear that McLaren is offering an upgrade package that will transform their cars into the 650S GT3. No mention on pricing for that package.