Mention 'McLaren' and 'motorsport' in the same sentence in 2015 and it's likely people will think of the current F1 debacle. Rather a shame given the success not only of days gone by but also the current 650S GT3 in global sportscar racing.
Cynicism fading slowly away...
It's often forgotten in fact how successful McLaren was in Can-Am, that fantastically wild and thrilling series of the 60s and 70s that we still
can't get enough of
. It won five consecutive Canadian-American Challenge Cups between 1967 and 1971, with sub-tonne cars producing anything up to 900hp.
So to mark 50 years since Can-Am first terrorised North American race tracks, McLaren has created the 650S Can-Am. There will only be 50 - natch - and they will cost £255,850. Alongside the Mars Red seen here, it will also be offered in Papaya Spark (orange) or Onyx Black.
The colours and graphics are about where the similarities with the racing car end though. Unless you count the four exhausts, intended to 'echo the aggressive and purposeful throttle trumpets of the historic models'. It's essentially a standard 650S Spider - a coupe isn't offered - with a few very desirable MSO options. Certainly no bad thing.
The extras include some carbon fibre. A lot of carbon fibre, in fact. It's used for the new hard top, the bonnet, the rear grille, the airbrake, the front splitter and the Can-Am branded sill cover. Nice. As well as the exhaust and new forged alloy wheels, the exterior is noticeable by the addition of louvred front wings, reducing pressure over the front wheels and increasing downforce.
Inside you'll notice more carbon, more Can-Am badging and the standard seats. Certainly it looks a more comfortable place to travel very fast than an actual Can-Am car...
As mentioned, there are just 50 available globally so the 650S Can-Am surely won't be available for long. See here for more details via McLaren's microsite and best of luck in the EuroMillions tonight!