With the McLaren 650S->ke4801 already in production in both Coupe and Spider guises, it was only a matter of time until McLaren Special Operations (MSO) would come up with its unique upgrades for the British sports car->ke506.

Only a design study for now, the MSO 650S Coupe Concept blends aligns to the current trend that sees sports car manufacturers blending race-like body parts with special paint options, but offers no powertrain enhancements, leaving them to the track-focused model the Brits are working on.

With plenty of carbon-fiber parts inside and out and rolling on a set of lightweight wheels, the MSO comes in an attractive and unique package that's likely to preview an upcoming limited edition vehicle. For now, though, the MSO 650S has embarked on a tour across China->ke2090 hoping to draw enough attention to make production worth while.

Even though the fancy body coating and most of the upgrades can't be had right now, MSO is already offering a couple of updates for current 650S owners. But until a more extensive bundle becomes available, let's see what the MSO concept->ke169 has to offer and what sets it apart from the standard 650S.

Click past the jump to read more about the McLaren MSO 650S Coupe Concept.

2015 McLaren MSO 650S Coupe Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 McLaren MSO 650S Coupe Concept
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 640 @ 7250
  • Torque: 500 @ 6000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Although subtle, the MSO body upgrades give the 650S Coupe a more aggressive, race-inspired appearance. While the front end is enhanced by only a carbon-fiber spoiler, the menacing effect is more visible around back, where a custom carbon-fiber diffuser and a GT3-like bumper with carbon-fiber center piece have been added.

The trademark McLaren->ke284 side blades are now longer courtesy of MSO and, besides adding to the sports car's blacked-out look, these parts also improve aerodynamics via better airflow along the sides. Upgrades continue at the corners, where unique, lightweight alloy wheels painted in Satin Black are ready for some track action in their Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires.

Finally, the concept's exterior is rounded off by a spectacular Agrigan Black with Ruby Red Metallic flake finish. Developed in MSO's own laboratory, allows the car to change color under different lighting conditions.

Length

4512 MM (177.63 inches)

Width

2093 MM (82.40 inches)

Height

1199 MM (47.20 inches)

Wheelbase

2670 MM (105.11 inches)

Track, F/R

1656 MM / 1583 MM (65.2 Inches / 62.3 Inches)

Curb Weight

1,330 KG (2,932 Pounds)


Interior

The racing theme continues in the cockpit as well with the addition of fixed-back, carbon-fiber competition seats wrapped in carbon-like black leather. Built on the same design seen in the P1 supercar, the racing seats provide a lower position in the cabin and decrease the vehicle's weight by 33 pounds. Other visual improvements carbon-fiber inserts painted in Satin Black and Gloss Black switchgear and bezels.

Drivetrain

Aside for Satin Black engine covers and a similar finish applied to all carbon-fiber parts, nothing else has changed under the hood. With no performance improvements, the MSO 650S benefits from the same 640 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque coming from the 3.8-liter V-8 engine. Just like the standard model, the concept accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and reach its top speed at 207 mph.

Engine

3.8-Liter Turbo V-8

Output (HP @ RPM)

640 @ 7,250

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

500 @ 6,000

Transmission

Seven-Speed Dual Clutch

0-100 KM/H (62 MPH)

3.0 s

Top Speed

207 mph


Prices

Although the MSO 650S Coupe Concept is only a one-off design study, McLaren is monitoring public reaction and the vehicle could make it into production at some point. Until then, customers can only order the MSO side blades and rear diffuser for their regular 650S. These parts can be had for £5,114 and £7,245 respectively ($8,615 and $12,204 at current exchange rates) in the UK, but there's no word on actual U.S. pricing.

Competition

Ferrari 458 Speciale

Based on the Ferrari 458 Italia, the Speciale is nearly 200 pounds lighter and benefits from an additional 34 horses when compared to its older borther. Tweaked to deliver a total of 596 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, the 4.5-liter V-8 engine enables the Speciale to reach 62 mph from a standing start in only three seconds and hit the 124-mph mark in 9.1 seconds.

Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the unit also enables the vehicle to reach a top speed of 202 mph, while delivering 1.33 g in lateral acceleration with help from a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires.

Performance aside, the Speciale stands out in a pack of 458 Italia models thanks to its blue and white stripes, an aerodynamically enhanced front end and a new exhaust setup. Priced from $298,000, the 458 Speciale fetches about $30,000 more than the McLaren 650S Coupe.

Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4

Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014, the Lamborghini Huracan hit the stage to replace the ancient Gallardo. Also named after a fighting bull, the Huracan comes with a 5.2-liter V-10 engine under the hood that sends the power to the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Output sits at 610 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, placing the Huracan below the McLaren 650S, but a bit above the 458 Speciale. When it comes to sprinting from naught to 60 mph, the Huracan needs about three seconds, while top speed is rated at 205 mph.

Design-wise, the Huracan leaves the dated Gallardo styling behind, but borrows some of its cues from the Aventador. However, the entry-level supercar does have an identity of its own and even got conventional doors. Pricing for the Huracan has yet to be announced, but it should fetch at least $250,000.

Conclusion

Adding race-inspired body parts and seats, as well as a high-end, bespoke paint job, will only make a McLaren 650S more appealing. In today's market, when Bugatti is selling limited-edition models for $3 million a piece, an MSO 650S like this one would make a lot of sense, especially if its price tag will sit below the $400,000 mark. But the question remains, will the Brits build it or just settle with a Chinese tour of the concept?