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McLaren Unveils 650S GT3 Race Car at the Goodwood Fos

2015 McLaren 650S GT3 17 photos
Photo: McLaren
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Just like the 12C road car has evolved into the 650S, so too does McLaren's awesome GT3 racing machine shed its skin and adopt a new name. Say hello to the new king of the track, same as the old, only better.
The 650S GT3 shares its identity with the world at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Based on the road car that's just been launched under the same name, this machine designed to comply with the FIA's GT3 racing class is more aggressive. A body made up almost entirely of carbon fiber features 52mm wider tracks than the 12C GT3 and is propelled by a modified version of the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8.

Power is unfortunately down from 650 PS to just 500 PS, according to racing regulation. McLaren has changed the gearbox attached to it, from the old Ricardo an Xtrac sequential. McLaren also say that they've worked on pretty much every aspect of the car. For example, the new roll cage is not only lighter than the old one, but it's also got more legroom and headroom. Also to the benefit of its future drivers, a composite steering wheel has been redesigned and a new dash sits behind it.

McLaren is ready to receive orders for this orange jewel of the racing track, retailing for £330,000 plus taxes. Only 15 race cars will be made for the 2015 season, but the owners of the current 12C GT3s can upgrade to the latest specification as well.

The 650S GT3 hasn't won a single race yet, but on looks alone, it's already winning hearts. Bravo Woking, Bravo!
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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