Building on the highly successful McLaren 12C GT3, the McLaren 650S GT3 was unveiled at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed - the latest generation track focused racer, which will contest GT3 championships across the globe from the 2015 season. The 650S GT3 is the second generation GT3 car from McLaren GT, the GT race car building arm of McLaren, and follows in the slipstream of the 12C GT3, now competing in its third competitive season.

Based on the recently unveiled McLaren 650S, and built around the same lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell chassis, the GT3 iteration has been honed to offer enhanced aerodynamics and improved levels of cooling.

At the front, an aggressive splitter and larger air intakes dominate the purposeful new look, while on the flanks, the all new lightweight carbon fibre bodywork wraps around reworked air intakes, which offer further optimised cooling.

Inside, the 650S GT3 provides improved levels of safety for the driver. Protection offered by the carbon fibre MonoCell chassis is further enhanced with the addition of a redesigned and light, FIA-approved, rollcage.

As with its predecessor, the 650S GT3 is fitted with a bespoke motorsport digital dash display, which sits behind the unique 650S GT3 steering wheel, inspired by the McLaren Mercedes Formula One car. New to the 650S GT3 is a fully FIA-approved McLaren GT developed race seat, fitted with a six-point race harness as standard.

The 650S GT3 is equipped with the latest generation 'M838T' power unit. Race-prepared and including a McLaren developed ECU, the engine is coupled to an all new six-speed sequential motorsport transmission. The 650S GT3 produces around 493bhp controlled by the FIA's Balance of Performance (BOP) regulations.

Around 15 examples of the 650S GT3 are planned to be produced and delivered for the start of the 2015 season. With the optional upgrade package for 12C GT3, this could see an additional 15 cars running the new design from next season.