17 jun 2020

• Special edition 720S coupé celebrates the anniversary of McLaren’s 1995 race win
• June 18, 2020, marks 25 years since JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas and Masanori Sekiya claimed victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on McLaren’s first appearance as a constructor in the world famous race
• Celebratory 720S available in McLaren Orange or Sarthe Grey with orange and grey interior colours to contrast or complement
• Additional features include roof scoop, unique 5-spoke LM wheels and carbon fibre racing seats
• Limited to just 16 examples in Europe of 50 worldwide, each with a Le Mans dedication plate and ‘McLaren 25 Anniversary Le Mans’ logos

McLaren Automotive is celebrating one of McLaren’s greatest motorsport achievements – victory on its first attempt in the 24 Hours of Le Mans – with a special edition 720S coupé. Just 16 of this Le Mans edition will be available in Europe, from a total of 50 worldwide.

The 720S Le Mans has been created to mark 25 years since McLaren F1 GTR #59 won the world-famous endurance race. Driven by JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas and Masanori Sekiya, the car took the chequered flag on June 18, 1995. Three other McLaren F1 GTRs finished in the top five, with victory at Le Mans also ensuring McLaren a place in motorsport history as winners of the French 24-hour classic, the Formula 1 World Championship and the Indianapolis 500.

Taking the 720S supercar to a new level of exclusivity, each of the Le Mans edition cars carries a dedication plate featuring a ‘McLaren 25 Anniversary Le Mans’ logo. The VIN of each car will begin with 298, in recognition of the number of laps completed by the race-winning F1 GTR – one more than its closest rival.

Customers have a choice of exterior and interior colour combinations, with all cars featuring a portfolio of unique features as standard:

Exterior

• Choice of two exterior paint themes - McLaren Orange or Sarthe Grey
• ‘Ueno Grey’-painted body side lower, rear bumper and front bumper lower
• ‘McLaren 25 anniversary Le Mans’ logo on lower body side panel 
• Gloss black roof scoop with polycarbonate rear glazing
• Carbon fibre louvred front fenders 
• Unique 5-spoke LM wheels that echoes the design of the #59 F1 GTR wheels and also feature ‘Le Mans’ etching
• Gold-coloured brake calipers
• Gloss black contrast body components 

Interior

• Choice of two bespoke black Alcantara^® themes with accents in McLaren Orange or Dove Grey 
• Carbon fibre racing seats
• Embroidered headrests with ‘McLaren 25 anniversary Le Mans’ logo
• 12 o'clock steering wheel marker, linked to interior accent colour
• Dedication plate with ‘McLaren 25 anniversary Le Mans’ logo
• Floor mats with ‘McLaren 25 anniversary Le Mans’ logo 

The fully-functional roof scoop channels air to provide additional cooling for the powertrain and helps to drive heat evacuation – ideal for the additional demands of circuit driving. The carbon fibre louvred front fenders reduce aerodynamic lift generated by the rotation of the front wheels, as well as reducing vehicle weight.

720S Le Mans owners will be able to experience the astonishing performance delivered by the mid-mounted, 720PS M840T 4.0-litre McLaren engine. The twin-turbocharged V8 propels the car from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 2.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) in 7.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 341 km/h (212 mph). A carbon fibre Monocage II central structure and Proactive Chassis Control II suspension system help to ensure that the 720S is the lightest car in its class, with an unparalleled breadth of dynamic ability.

In common with every McLaren 720S, an extensive range of optional specification is offered, with MSO Defined and MSO Bespoke treatments also available to owners’ requirements. An array of gloss finish visual carbon fibre 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 fibre hood air intakes, door mirrors, rear fender air intakes; front splitter and rear bumper lower and roof and front air intakes.

To further enhance the motorsport connection and for track use, a titanium harness bar and 6-point harnesses from the MSO Defined range can be added. Satin finish visual carbon fibre air vents, extended shift paddles and extended sill trim with McLaren branding from the same range are also available, and two option packs of satin finish visual carbon fibre interior components can be specified.

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

Ends

Notes to editors:
A selection of high resolution images accompanying this release is available to download from the McLaren Automotive media site – cars.mclaren.press

About the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans race
McLaren made its 24 Hours of Le Mans debut in 1995 with seven McLaren F1 GTR cars entered in the endurance classic. It was the first time the McLaren F1 GTR had competed in a race of greater than four hours’ duration and the first time the production-based machine had competed against sports-prototype cars.

Leading from the second hour of a race held in treacherously-wet conditions, McLaren F1 GTRs dominated from then on with the Ueno Clinic-sponsored #59 Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing McLaren F1 GTR driven by JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas and Masanori Sekiya emerging victorious. The trio completed 298 laps - one more than its closest rival – in chassis 01R, which was the original GTR development car and run in the race by Lanzante. The win headlined a McLaren 1-3-4-5 finish and Sekiya became the first Japanese driver to win Le Mans. McLaren F1 cars raced in the following three editions of Le Mans, claiming further podium finishes and a class victory in 1997.

McLaren F1 GTR 1995 specification
Engine: 6064cc V12, 60 degrees
Transmission: 6-speed straight-cut gearbox with limited slip final drive differential
Power: 600bhp (608PS)
Torque: 527lb/ft (714.5Nm) @ 4500rpm
Maximum speed: 205mph (330 km/h)
Kerb weight: 1050kg (2314.9 pounds)
Body: Carbon fibre monocoque chassis with carbon fibre composite body panels
Suspension: All-aluminium double wishbones front and rear
Wheels: Front 18x10.8 inch, rear 18x13 inch
Brakes: Carbon fibre discs front 380mm, rear 355mm, 4-piston monobloc aluminium calipers

About McLaren Automotive:
McLaren Automotive is a creator of luxury, high-performance supercars.

Every vehicle is hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in Woking, Surrey, England.

Launched in 2010, the company is now the largest part of the McLaren Group.

The company’s product portfolio of GT, Supercar, Motorsport and Ultimate models are retailed through over 95 retailers in more than 32 markets around the world.

McLaren is a pioneer that continuously pushes the boundaries. In 1981, it introduced lightweight and strong carbon fibre chassis into Formula 1 with the McLaren MP4/1.

Then in 1993 it designed and built the McLaren F1 road car - the company has not built a car without a carbon fibre chassis since. As part of the Ultimate Series, McLaren was the first to deliver a hybrid hypercar, the McLaren P1™.

In 2018, the company launched its new £50m McLaren Composites Technology Centre in the Sheffield region in the North of England that will see it produce the next generation of lightweight carbon fibre ‘tubs’ that are at the heart of all McLaren cars.

2019 saw McLaren launch the 600LT Spider as well as the new GT, the track-only Senna GTR and unveiled the 620R and the McLaren Elva. In 2020, McLaren launched the 765LT.

To support the development, engineering and manufacture of its range of innovative sportscars and supercars, McLaren Automotive partners with world leading companies to provide specialist expertise, technology and solutions. These include AkzoNobel, Ashurst, Dell Technologies, OnePlus, Pirelli, Richard Mille, and Tumi.

McLaren Group:
The McLaren Group is a global leader in luxury automotive and technology and comprises three businesses: Automotive, Racing and Applied.

Further information:

Piers Scott
Global Communications & PR Director | McLaren Automotive Limited
Phone:+44 (0) 1483 241380
Mobile: +44 (0) 7387548837
Email: piers.scott@mclaren.com

Amel Boubaaya
Head of Lifestyle and EU Communications | McLaren Automotive Limited
Phone: +44 (0) 1483 261500
Mobile: +44 (0) 7920 531357
E-mail: amel.boubaaya@mclaren.com

Media website: cars.mclaren.press
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mclarenautomotive
Twitter: www.twitter.com/McLarenAuto
You Tube: www.youtube.com/mclarenautomotivetv