It was an exciting time in racing, and is being followed up with exciting news today. More distinctive still is the Can-Am inspired quad-exit exhaust system, formed from polished stainless steel – created to evoke the throttle trumpets sprouting from the engine cover of the race cars.
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McLaren says that it has used the latest and greatest materials and technologies with this new Can-Am model. McLaren found particular success in this no-holds-barred Can-Am racing, and has released a new special edition McLaren 650S Spider to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Can-Am season.
The company will only build 50 units, each carrying a £255,850 (~$392,000 USD) price tag.
Can-Am – abbreviated from its full title of the Canadian-American Challenge Cup – began in 1966, attracting stars from across the motor racing world – names such as Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Dan Gurney and Keke Rosberg all competed in the series over the years. The hood, airbrake, rear center bumper, door blades, and the front splitter are also carbon fiber. Joining this are forged alloy wheels with a glossy black finish and diamond-cut rim. Harking back to the wheels on Bruce McLaren’s 1960s Can Am racers, they’re held on with titanium bolts and look absolutely fantastic when combined with the car’s Mars Red paintwork. Carbon ceramic brakes with black painted calipers are also standard. Other distinguishing features include the new front wings, which have been louvred to increase downforce. Each color is available with optional historic livery to match the Can-Am prototypes. 0-62mph arrives in three seconds flat, with a top speed of 204mph.
Can-Am was shelved in 1974, but during its relatively short existence, McLaren was one of the most dominant teams. The extensive use of lightweight visual carbon fibre, including for the retractable hard top, adds to car’s dramatic appearance and with the roof down, drivers are treated to a stirring V8 soundtrack just as Bruce and his teammates enjoyed’.
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A second color, Papaya Spark, serves as a modern take on the Can-Am racing McLaren Orange, while Onyx Black is similar to the base color used by McLaren customer teams in the later seasons.
