Just a few weeks ago GTspirit went behind the scenes at McLaren Special Operations to get an exclusive sneak peek at MSO’s technicians hard at work building the first ever MSO 650S Spider that had its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014.
Fast forward two weeks and the jigsaw of carbon and aluminium was blasting up the legendary Goodwood Hill with former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button behind the wheel! Being treated as VIPs in the marques hospitality, that was adorned by the very P1 that we drove in Bahrain and the all new 650S GT3 car, was a very pleasant experience and guests mingled around the 650S Concept car that shone under the bright lights.
Back to the 650S! After battling through the dense crowds in the Michelin Supercar Paddock we saw the car in all its glory up-close and in one piece. Ticking cool alongside another P1 development car, finished in an attention grabbing yellow, the shared nose and striking lines became more obvious than before.
The most drastic changes are found in the carbon both inside and out of the car. The carbon of the front and rear bumpers as well as the carbon skirt the runs along the doors of the car have all been finished in a matte satin. The wheels use a design that was first seen on the 12C, a car that is no longer being produced, the Super Lightweight wheel that have been refreshed with a gloss Palladium finish with unique diamond cut detailing to the inside of the spoke edges. Against the all new Sarigan Quartz, a vibrant metallic silver that has been given a warm hue with the addition of a golden metallic infusion, the car looks beautiful, especially when seen in motion.
The interiors satin carbon is contrasted with high gloss black switches and a very special plaque featuring the signature of McLaren Automotive’s Design Director, Frank Stephenson, who had a lot of creative input and influence over the changes that MSO implemented.
The 650S and P1 looked fantastic along side one another and were certainly two of the stars of the show!
