What's the news?
The latest piece of evidence that well-heeled car nuts want more exclusivity comes in the form of the production-ready MSO 650S. The coupé is priced from £252,500 and the Spider at £272,500 and just 50 examples will be made. MSO, in case you've forgotten, stands for McLaren Special Operations, and this production car was previewed by a 'concept' at the year's Beijing Auto Show.
Exterior
Differentiating the MSO from the common-or-garden variety 650S are a host of features that have been carried over from the Beijing concept. Chief amongst these is a liberal smattering of satin-finished carbon fibre, which has been placed around the extended side blades and in the rear bumper. The back end of the car also has what McLaren describes as a 'more aggressive rear diffuser.'
The MSO paint shop has been busy too, as three new hues have been developed specifically for the car, including Papaya Spark (a twist on McLaren Orange), Agrigan Black (a deep metallic black with ruby metal flake) and Sarigan Quartz, which is said to be a vibrant metallic silver with subtle gold infusion. Sounds good enough to eat! The wheels have also visited the paint shop, receiving a coat of Palladium to go along with their titanium wheel nuts.
Interior
Liberal use of carbon fibre continues inside where satin-lacquered weave is joined by a gloss finish to the air vents and Active Dynamics Panel (centre console to you and I). The seats have also been covered in carbon black leather and Alcantara while the finishing touch is a Frank Stephenson (head designer of McLaren) signed plaque.
Mechanicals
Having spent so much time adding carbon fibre everywhere it would appear MSO forgot to tinker around under the bonnet. No real shame there though as the standard 650S's 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine is hardly lacking. Whether the MSO changes make any difference to the car's 3.0-second 0-62mph sprint remains to be seen.
Anything else?
Mr Stephenson not only took time out of his day to personally hand sign fifty plaques, but he also doodled fifty sketches, all of which will be provided with the car. Alongside the signed sketch will be a bespoke leather holdall that is made from (you guessed it) black carbon fibre leather with carbon black handles and stitching, and an Alcantara lining.
Paul Healy - 26 Jun 2014