McLaren working on 650S GTR, too

Tue, Jan 20 2015

We know McLaren is working on a GTR version of the already-absurdly-good P1, now Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reports that the Woking firm is also preparing a track-only 650S to wear a GTR badge. The closest it has come to doing so thus far is the 650S F1 GTR, a special edition created by McLaren Special Operations and limited to 50 units that celebrated the 20-year anniversary of the McLaren F1 conquering Le Mans.

That car only featured trim differences, though. The GTR we're meant to see at the Geneva Motor Show in March is rumored to have more power, be around 220 pounds lighter, and get new bodywork, particularly in the rear where P1 themes can be found including open bodywork that allows views of powertrain internals. According to a translation of the Autovisie article, "McLaren's design boss Frank Stephenson has been allowed to let off steam." Motor Authority says it could get a Long Tail option, a la the F1 GTR Long Tail. The Dutch report additionally states that it won't carry the name 650S.

Almost a year ago McLaren gave hints about the range of 650S racing models it was preparing. This rumored GTR sounds harder than the 650S Sprint (pictured) but we'll have to wait until March to see where it fits in with the GT3 model and the ghost of the 12C Can-Am Edition.

By Jonathon Ramsey