McLaren 650S GT3 Revealed at Goodwood

Stephen Elmer
by Stephen Elmer

McLaren’s latest supercar has now become the brand’s newest race car, unveiled today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The McLaren 650S GT3 replaces the current 12C GT3 race car on which it is based, introducing a new sinister look to the McLaren team. The car is built using a carbon fiber monocell chassis with a body that has been honed for aerodynamics. An aggressive front splitter with huge air intakes make up the front of the car, while carbon fiber body work and rear wing complete the package. Overall, the 650S GT3 is 55mm wider than the 12C.

Of course, the suspension has been heavily revised compared to the road going car and McLaren says the advancements have been made primarily for endurance racing.

SEE ALSO: K-Pax McLaren 12C GT3 Revealed

Putting the power down is a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes about 500 hp routed through a six-speed manual transmission controlled by wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Special attention was also paid to cost of ownership, with McLaren saying that parts have been optimized for long life and reduced maintenacne costs. A new 650S GT3 will sell £330,000. Existing owners of the 12C race car will also benefit from the new car through the offer of an upgrade package that includes many of the enhancements made to the 650S.

15 examples of the 650S GT3 will be built, with delivery before the start of the 2015 race season.

GALLERY: McLaren 650S GT3

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Stephen Elmer
Stephen Elmer

Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>

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