After much speculation and teasing, McLaren released the all-new, P1-inspired 650S in 2014. This model takes the place of the aging MP4, and delivers a mammoth 640 horsepower. Just a few months after its official debut, McLaren released a concept version of the 650S from its bespoke arm, McLaren Special Operations. This pitch-black concept obviously caught the attention of movers and shakers, as McLaren announced right before the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed->ke3879 that the MSO 650S would indeed be a limited-production vehicle.

This MSO 650S draws most of its styling cues from the concept that debuted in early 2014. Its carbon-fiber side wings and rear bumper center section, and rear diffuser are all taken directly from the concept. Even the sinister black color that the concept wore when it debuted is part of the production model. In fact, the only straying this concept-turned-production does on its way to driveways is the addition of new interior bits and some featherweight wheels.

Click past the jump to read about this awesome, limited-edition supercar.

2015 McLaren Special Operations 650S

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

Exterior

On the outside, the mods from MSO are subtle and most of them are directly from the MSO 650S Concept we saw earlier in 2014. From the front end, all is normal in the 650S , as MSO chose not to nip and tuck the nose at all. On the sides, a large set of carbon-fiber side blades combine well with the lower spoiler that sits on the front of the base 650S. The carbon-fiber treatment continues out back, where a the center section of the three-piece bumper is made from the lightweight material. Rounding out the custom body work is an aggressive rear diffuser that looks ready to tackle any race track you throw its way.

The MSO 650S also receives three special paints developed only for it: Papaya Spark, Agrigan Black, and Sarigan Quartz. Two of the colors may look familiar to you, as the Papaya Spark is a play on the famed McLaren Orange and the Agrigan Black is the hue that we all saw on the concept model.

No bespoke model is complete without swapping out the rollers, and the MSO 650S is no exception. This sexy rig inherits a set of 10-spoke, Palladium-colored, super-lightweight rimes. "just how lightweight?" you ask. they are four kilograms (8.8 pounds) lighter than the stock rims, to be exact. As if dropping 2.2 pounds per rim isn't enough, MSO also adds in a set of titanium wheel bolts.

McLaren Special Operations 650S - Exterior Dimensions

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

Much like the exterior, the MSO 650S' cabin underwent light modifications. these changes start with carbon-black, leather-wrapped upholstery with Alcantara inserts. Satin-lacquered carbon fiber dons the center console, while gloss-finished air vents and gearshift help add in some contrast. Rounding out the interior changes is an MSO-branded, carbon-fiber sill plate with a plaque signed by Frank Stephenson.

Drivetrain

While the press release that McLaren released said nothing about the engine, I think it is safe to assume that this custom model will boast the factory-spec engine. This gives the MSO 650S a total of 640 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque from its 3.8-liter V-8. This power heads through a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission on its way to the rear wheels. Once the power gets to the back end, the MSO 650S sprints to 60 mph in three seconds and doesn't stop until it tops out at 207 mph.

2014 McLaren Special Operations 650S - Drivetrain/Specifications

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

The MSO 650S is limited to only 50 units, of which customer can choose either roadster or coupe. As with most limited-edition, semi-bespoke supercars, the MSO 650S is expensive. It checks in at a nauseating £252,500 for the coupe model and £272,500 for the Spider model. In good old American dollars, that comes out to $428,722 and $462,680 (as of 6/25/2014), respectively. As a reference, the base 650S Coupe runs £195,250 ($331,516) and the base Spider runs £215,250 ($365,475).

Competition

Ferrari 458 Speciale

Those who like the performance of the 458 Italian should love, love, love the Speciale version. Thanks to its 596-horsepower, 4.5-liter, V-8 engine, the prancing horse can hit 60 mph in under three seconds. Ad to that a lighter chassis, retuned suspension and an upcoming Spider model, and the 458 Speciale iready to do battle with this limited-run McLaren.

At £208,000, the Speciale is just a tad more expensive than the MSO 650S.

2014 McLaren MSO 650S Coupe Concept

Conclusion

As if the 650S wasn't awesome enough, now McLaren goes and turns its MSO division loose on it. The modifications are subtle enough to not distract from the car's natural beauty, but aggressive enough to give it a little extra character. On top of that, it is limited to just 50 units, making this a very exclusive car. I only wish that there were some engine modifications involved.