McLaren 650S Exterior McLaren 650S Interior

McLaren recently debuted its latest bespoke model, or McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the MSO 650S, which has gone above the competition and stands out as the future of super cars. McLaren launched the McLaren Special Operations division in 2011 to offer a full personalization service for owners. MSO grew out of the Customer Care program. Frank Stephenson, the chief designer of the company, designed the MSO 650S.

This model replaces the MP4 and delivers 640 horsepower, among other powerful features. The bespoke model is available in both a coupe and a spider, and only 50 examples will be made. The MSO 650S follows much of the same styling cues from the basic 650S model, but features like its carbon-fiber side wings make it really stand out.

What does the Exterior Look Like?

The majority of changes to the bespoke model are aesthetic, and they were all overseen by Stephenson. The bespoke 650S exterior features a similar front end to the base models, but the sides have a large set of carbon-fiber side blades with a lower spoiler than the base 650S. The three-section back bumper also features a center section made from carbon-fiber. The custom bodywork also includes the rear diffuser.

The wheels also stand out from the base models, with 10-spoke, Palladium-colored super lightweight rims. The rims weight 8.8 pounds (4 kilograms) less than the standard rims and feature titanium wheel bolts. The reduced weight of the wheels is one of the significant differences between the bespoke and base versions of the 650S.

There are three special offered only for the bespoke 650S: Agrigan Black, Sarigan Quartz, and Papaya Spark. The Papaya Spark is similar to the famous McLaren orange color, and those familiar with the concept model will have seen the Agrigan Black.

What are the Interior Features?

The interior of the MSO 650S features carbon black leather and Alcantara upholstery to provide a luxurious interior. There is also stylish satin lacquered carbon fiber detailing in both the driver and passenger areas. The air vents and the power train switchgear feature a gloss finish. The seats sit lower in the cabin, which will decrease the overall weight by 33 pounds. There is also a signature dedication plaque on the sill panel that shows any passenger or bystander that it is a real MSO 650S.

What about Performance?

The MSO 650S features a powerful and fast performance, as expected from any super car. It has the same 640 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque as the standard model, powered by a 3.8-liter turbo V-8 engine. The MSO 650S can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 207 miles per hour. It features a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

Additional Features

The bespoke 650S comes with a sketch signed by the designer, Frank Stephenson. Owners will also receive a leather hold-all featuring the MSO brand. This bag is handcrafted from a black carbon fiber leather with black handles and stitching and Alcantara lining.

The Future of the 650S

The MSO 650S may only be a limited design study, but McLaren has said it will monitor it to see the public reaction and might choose to produce it at a later date. Customers who have a base model 650S can order the MSO side blades and rear diffuser to upgrade their model themselves, although it will still not be exactly the same as the MSO 650S. The luxury, power and design of the bespoke McLaren 650S promises to be a game changer for the super car industry.

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photo credit: Frim Photography