McLaren celebrates first Le Mans win with special edition 720S

MANILA: June 18, 1995 was the first time McLaren joined the 24 Hours of Le Mans. They won it that year with JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas and Masanori Sekiya behind the wheel.

To celebrate the 25^thanniversary of that achievement, the British automaker has announced a special edition 720S that will come in either McLaren Orange or Sarthe Grey and will have additional exclusive features including a Le Mans dedication plate and ‘McLaren 25 Anniversary Le Mans’ logos.

Called the 720S Le Mans, only 50 will be made available worldwide and the VIN (vehicle identification number) of each car will begin with 298, which signifies the number of laps completed by the F1 GTR at Le Mans 25 years ago.

A ‘McLaren 25 anniversary Le Mans’ logo appears on lower body side panel and it will have 5-spoke LM wheels that echoes the design of the #59 F1 GTR wheels and also feature ‘Le Mans’ etching.

The lower part of the body, rear bumper, and lower part of the front bumper will come in Ueno Grey hue while the gloss black roof scoop sports polycarbonate rear glazing.

It also has carbon fiber louvered fenders, gold-colored brake calipers and gloss black contrast body components.

The black Alcantara cabin can be had with either McLaren Orange or Dove Grey accents. It will sport carbon fiber racing seats with embroidered headrests with ‘McLaren 25 anniversary Le Mans’ logo, a 12 o'clock steering wheel marker linked to interior accent color, a dedication plate with ‘McLaren 25 anniversary Le Mans’ logo, and floor mats with ‘McLaren 25 anniversary Le Mans’ logo.

The mid-mounted M840T 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 McLaren engine produces 710 HP and will send the vehicle from 0-100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds. Keeping it steady as it accelerates is a carbon fiber Monocage II central structure and Proactive Chassis Control II suspension system.

MSO (McLaren Special Operations) Defined and MSO Bespoke treatments are also available to fulfill owners’ needs. They can choose from an array of gloss finish visual carbon fiber components, including diffuser, exterior door uppers, rear aero bridge, roof scoop and rear deck and service cover can be specified, with three-component ‘packs’ additionally available, comprising gloss finish visual carbon fiber hood air intakes, door mirrors, rear fender air intakes; front splitter and rear bumper lower and roof and front air intakes.

A titanium harness bar and 6-point harnesses from the MSO Defined range is an option along with satin finish visual carbon fiber air vents, extended shift paddles and extended sill trim with McLaren branding from the same range.

The McLaren 720S Le Mans is available to purchase now, from £254,500, (Php 16,015,029) with first deliveries in September. Prospective owners should contact their nearest McLaren retailer for more information or to place an order.

Also read: McLaren Automotive to enter PH market

Photos courtesy of McLaren Automotive