In 1995, McLaren made its 24 Hours of Le Mans debut with seven McLaren F1 GTR cars entered in the endurance classic. It was the first time the McLaren F1 GTR had competed in a race of greater than 4 hours’ duration and the first time the production-based machine had competed against sports-prototype cars.
Leading from the second hour of a race held in treacherously-wet conditions, the McLarens dominated from then on with the Ueno Clinic-sponsored car driven by JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas and Masanori Sekiya emerging victorious. The trio completed 298 laps – one more than its closest rival. The win headlined a McLaren 1-3-4-5 finish and Sekiya became the first Japanese driver to win Le Mans.
This month, the company is celebrating that impressive achievement – victory on its first attempt in the 24 Hours of Le Mans – with a special edition 720S coupe. The 720S Le Mans takes the 720S supercar to a new level of exclusivity.
Each of the Le Mans edition cars carries a dedication plate featuring a ‘McLaren 25 Anniversary Le Mans’ logo. The VIN of each car will begin with 298, in recognition of the number of laps completed by the race-winning F1 GTR.
Powering the 720S Le Mans is the mid-mounted, 720 ps M840T 4.0-litre McLaren engine. The twin-turbocharged V8 propels the car from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 2.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 341 km/h.
A carbonfibre Monocage II central structure and Proactive Chassis Control II suspension system help to ensure that the 720S is the lightest car in its class, with an unparalleled breadth of dynamic ability.
The fully-functional roof scoop channels air to provide additional cooling for the powertrain and helps to drive heat evacuation – ideal for the additional demands of circuit driving. The carbonfibre louvred front fenders reduce aerodynamic lift generated by the rotation of the front wheels, as well as reducing vehicle weight.
Customers have a choice of exterior and interior colour combinations, with all cars featuring a portfolio of unique features as standard. Unique 5-spoke LM wheels echo the design of the #59 F1 GTR wheels and also feature ‘Le Mans’ etching with gold-coloured brake calipers behind them.
The interior has a choice of two bespoke black Alcantara themes with accents in McLaren Orange or Dove Grey. The carbonfibre racing seats have embroidered headrests with ‘McLaren 25 anniversary Le Mans’ logo.
To further enhance the motorsport connection and for track use, a titanium harness bar and 6-point harnesses from the MSO Defined range can be added. Satin finish visual carbonfibre air vents, extended shift paddles and extended sill trim with McLaren branding from the same range are also available, and two option packs of satin finish visual carbonfibre interior components can be specified.
Just 50 units of this Le Mans edition will be available for sale worldwide with a base price starting at £254,500 (about RM1.341 million).
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