German automaker Mercedes-Benz revealed its Vision SLR concept car at the 1999 North American International Auto Show, referencing the Silver Arrows cars from the company’s golden age of racing in the 1950s. Deciding that it wanted to bring the car to production reality, it called upon McLaren to realize its ambitions.
The tie-up made sense, because Mercedes-Benz was supplying McLaren with Formula 1 engines at the time, and also owned a 40% stake in the company. This bruising grand tourer, called the SLR, was the result. Throughout its eight years in production, numerous variants were created, including the Stirling Moss edition, which was limited to 75 cars, had no roof or windscreen, and could only be purchased by existing SLR owners.
Going it alone: McLaren MP4-12C
Number built: Circa 3,500
Variants: Coupe, Spider, HS (Five cars built), X-1 (One-off car built upon special request)
Engine: 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged McLaren V8
After McLaren and Mercedes parted ways in the late 2000s, the arrival of the MP4-12C in 2011 heralded the start of a new era for the Woking-based company. Although the F1 was built completely in-house, its engine was a BMW product, so this car marked the very first time that McLaren built a road car exclusively using all of its own technology and know-how.
The car is full of technological wizardry, such as a carbon fiber composite chassis, brake steer and hydraulic cylinders in the suspension in place of shock absorbers. It is also reported to be quite a lot faster than McLaren claims it to be, with an independent reviewer timing a 0-60 mph run at a miniscule 2.8 seconds, and topping out at over 215 mph. The car went out of production in 2014 when it was replaced by the 650S.
The babies: McLaren Sports Series
Number built: Still in production
Variants: 540C, 570S, 570GT
Engine: 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged McLaren V8
The entry-level McLaren range, known as the Sports Series, was launched in 2015, however don’t expect entry level to mean cheap – a 570S, which is pictured, will still cost you around $180,000. The 540C is the most basic model of all, however the car will not be marketed and sold in North America – the 570S is the base model there.
In its own words, McLaren has said that this model range has been designed for everyday usability and drivability, in contrast with some of the other models it sells. The 570GT, for instance, is a less track-focused version of the 570S, which is intended for long road trips and weekends away. Nevertheless, all of these cars have power outputs of 540 horsepower or more, so they can never, ever be accused of being slow!
The mid-rangers: McLaren Super Series
Number built: Still in production
Variants: 625C, 625C Spider, 650S, 650S Spider, 650S Le Mans (limited to 50 cars), 650S Can-Am (limited to 50 cars), 675LT, 675LT Spider
Engine: 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged McLaren V8
Despite them being placed above the Sports Series cars in McLaren’s production car range, the Super Series was actually introduced earlier via the 650S. The car is based on the aforementioned MP4-12C, however it features 25% newer parts and more power than its predecessor. Although it was introduced as a brand-new model in early 2014, it’s actually an update and refresh of the MP4-12C. Its styling also pays homage to the P1, which you’re about to see below.
A year later, in early 2015, McLaren introduced the 675 LT, or Long Tail, which features elongated bodywork over the 650S, even more power and a lighter kerb weight. In fact, a 675 LT is some 220 lbs lighter than a 650S is. The weight saving was achieved by stripping out the interior, removing the air conditioning, installing new carbon fiber race seats and, in typically fastidious McLaren fashion, all the window glass has been made 1mm thinner to save 7 lbs! A brand-new 675 LT will set you back some $345,000.
Funotic.com Where Fun Never Ends
