For those who always need to stand out, McLaren’s 650S MSO is a super-rare supercar

By Stephen Edelstein June 25, 2014

With only two models currently available, McLaren fans may be left itching for a new supercar, at least until the 986-horsepower P1 GTR shows up.

To keep its customers occupied until then, McLaren will unveil a 650S MSO special edition at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s a production version of the MSO Coupe Concept unveiled in China earlier this year.

MSO stands for McLaren Special Operations, the British carmaker’s bespoke division. In keeping with its mission statement, MSO has given this car a few extra touches that distinguish it from an off-the-rack 650S.

The production 650S MSO gets many of the concept’s carbon-fiber bits, all in a model-specific satin finish. However, it also gets its own 10-spoke alloy wheels, which weigh almost nine pounds less per wheel than stock, and are held in place by titanium bolts.

2015 McLaren MSO 650S Spider — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Buyers will also get to have their cars painted in the concept’s evil-looking Agrigan Black. Papaya Spark (orange) and Sarigan Quartz (silver) will also be available. The latter is an all-new color for McLaren, and features a hint of gold.

The interior is upholstered in carbon-black leather and Alcantara, and features plenty of carbon fiber bits. Each 650S MSO also comes with a weekend bag designed to match the interior design.

There are no apparent mechanical changes, so the MSO will pack the same 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 as the stock 650S, with 641 hp and 500 pound-feet of torque. That should get it from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 207 mph.

The McLaren 650S MSO will debut in convertible Spider form at Goodwood, but will also be available as a coupe. However, there won’t be many: Just 50 units will be built.

Pricing starts at 252,000 pounds (about $428,551 at current exchange rates) for the coupe and 272,500 pounds ($462,496) for the Spider. Deliveries will begin before the end of the year.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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