Track-focused McLaren 650S Sprint to debut at Pebble Beach

McLaren GT will premiere its latest model at this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, with the wraps set to come off the track-only 650S Sprint. The stripped-out racer will make its global debut alongside a number of other models from McLaren Automotive, and completes the brand's display with four global debuts planned for the Californian event, including the McLaren P1 GTR.

Based on the recently launched McLaren 650S Coupe, the track-focused 650S Sprint is fitted with developments to the Brake Steer system, even more refined active aerodynamics and a race set-up for the ProActive Chassis Control (PCC). These upgrades deliver a more engaging GT racing experience, without losing any of the refinement and balance found in the road car.

As with the 650S, the aerodynamically optimised design of the 650S Sprint offers increased levels of downforce, and the revised air intakes carried across from the road car allow for optimized cooling of the 3.8-liter twin-turbo M838T engine. In the 650S Sprint, the proven powerplant is retained from the 650S road car, with a unique engine and transmission calibration to further enhance on-track drivability and driver engagement.

The cabin is fully track-focused and stripped out to minimize weight, but with no compromise to driver safety or comfort. Built around the lightweight and inherently strong carbon fiber MonoCell chassis, the interior also features an FIA-approved rollcage to further cocoon the driver. A lightweight carbon fiber HANS-approved racing seat, with full six-point harness, offers an optimised driving position, while an air conditioning system is retained. An integrated fire extinguisher system is also installed.

McLaren GT recently announced the 650S GT3 racecar, which will be seen in competition starting next season, and the 650S Sprint shares a number of design features with its bigger brother. A larger motorsport fuel bag tank with quick-fill connectors is added, as is optimized cooling through the larger GT3-developed front radiator with a GT3-inspired hood integrating radiator exit ducts, and the addition of front wings louvers to further optimise airflow over, and around, the bodywork.

The 650S Sprint has a lower ride height with recalibrated adaptive damping for revised spring rates, and sits on 19-inch center-locking racing wheels, fitted with Pirelli slick or wet tires, while an onboard air jacking system enables quick tire changes. Stopping power is also enhanced and provided by a race-prepared braking system which combines with the road car's highly effective Brake Steer system and enhanced active aerodynamics to offer superior braking performance. This allows for later braking into corners, but also improved brake feel and greater cornering speeds.

A range of further options and upgrades are available including a CFD-developed aerodynamic package including carbon fiber rear wing and front splitter, a passenger seat with six-point harness, and further lightweight components including a polycarbonate windshield.

The 650S Sprint will be priced at $332,000.