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McLaren 650S GT3 (2015–2018)
Photo: Hpeterswald · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
RCN Wiki · Gt-Racing

McLaren 650S GT3 (2015–2018)

By the RCN editorial team · Updated November 2026

The 650S GT3 is McLaren's customer GT3 racer of 2015–2018, built on the 12C GT3's carbon tub with a new Xtrac gearbox. It won Bathurst and the Blancpain Endurance Cup in 2016. FIA homologation ended in 2022, so buyers now use it on legends grids, open-class club racing and track days.

GT3MclarenFIA GT3, homologation GT3-037 [17]
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History

McLaren GT revealed the 650S GT3 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June 2014 12. It replaced the 12C GT3, which had received a £325,000 update package for 2013 21. The new car kept the carbon MonoCell tub and the 3.8-litre M838T twin-turbo V8 12. Output stayed around 500 PS under GT3 Balance of Performance 2. The track grew by 52 mm and the body followed the wider road-going 650S 12.

The main mechanical change was the gearbox. McLaren replaced the Ricardo six-speed sequential used in the 12C GT3 with an Xtrac unit 1. Managing director Andrew Kirkaldy said the old gearbox had been one of the team's weak areas 4. The Xtrac P1529 is a six-speed transverse transaxle rated at 800 Nm, built for long GT3 service intervals 815. New cars cost £330,000 plus tax 1. McLaren planned about 15 new cars plus around 15 upgraded 12C GT3s 12.

The car received FIA GT3 homologation GT3-037 from 1 February 2015 18. A revised version was shown ahead of the March 2016 Geneva show, quoted at 1,240 kg 5. That season was its best. It won the Bathurst 12 Hour, both Blancpain Endurance Cup titles and the Pirelli World Challenge GT crown 91011.

McLaren GT was run together with CRS, Kirkaldy's company. In November 2017 McLaren said the CRS contract would end that year and no more 650S GT3s would be built 6. The in-house 720S GT3 replaced it from 2019 618. CRS then claimed exclusive aftersales rights for the GT3 cars. The High Court dismissed that claim in November 2018, so McLaren now supports 12C GT3 and 650S GT3 owners itself 7. The FIA homologation expired on 31 December 2022 18.

Palmarès

Tekno Autosports won the Bathurst 12 Hour on 7 February 2016 9. Its drivers were Shane van Gisbergen, Álvaro Parente and Jonathon Webb 9. Garage 59 took the 2016 Blancpain Endurance Cup drivers' and teams' titles, winning two of the five races 10. Its drivers were Rob Bell, Côme Ledogar and van Gisbergen 10. Parente won the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge GT title for K-PAX Racing 11. K-PAX took the teams' title and McLaren the manufacturers' crown 11. Garage 59 kept a multi-car 650S GT3 entry in the Blancpain GT Series for 2018 23. The RacingSportsCars database records 16 overall wins and 9 class wins between 2014 and 2019 22.

What to check before you buy

Establish whether the car is a new-build 650S GT3 or a converted 12C GT3, and trace the chassis number through its race history: Both exist in numbers. A converted car keeps its 12C chassis number and history. Confirm the gearbox is the Xtrac P1529 six-speed sequential: The 650S GT3 switched from Ricardo to Xtrac; the gearbox is the clearest sign of a complete conversion. Ask for kilometres since the last engine and transaxle teardown, with invoices: One seller quotes 10,000 km for the engine and 8,000 km for the transaxle before teardown inspection. Ask which engine map is loaded and whether the standard calibration is available: High-boost maps exist and may stress the engine and turbos; they are not a Balance of Performance setting. Make sure the ATLAS diagnostic software, ECU lead and Bosch ABS lead come with the car: The car relies on McLaren electronics and remote diagnosis; without these tools basic setup work is hard. Inspect the radiator, its mesh guard and all four wheel bearings: Both failed on a British GT car in 2016 and caused retirements. Get written confirmation from the organiser of the series you plan to enter: The FIA homologation expired in 2022; acceptance now depends on each club or legends series.

Versions and evolutions

VersionYearsWhat changedHow to identify
12C GT3 (predecessor, context only)2012–2014Same tub and M838T engine with a Ricardo six-speed sequential gearbox. A 2013 package added a new ECU, aero, electrical system, dampers and extra cooling ducts; that car sold at £325,000. 21Narrower body and Ricardo gearbox. Has its own RCN card; many were later converted.
650S GT3 new-build2015–2017Wider 650S body, track 52 mm wider, Xtrac gearbox in place of the Ricardo, moved gearbox oil cooling and revised intakes. Sold at £330,000 plus tax. 2Chassis numbered in the 650S GT3 series (for example 650S008); Xtrac P1529 transaxle; original McLaren GT build papers.
12C GT3 to 650S GT3 conversion2015 onwardsFactory upgrade of an existing 12C GT3 to 650S GT3 specification, possible because the tub and engine are shared. One seller reports the kit cost £150,000. 1Original 12C GT3 chassis number in the car's papers and race history; check whether the Xtrac gearbox was fitted during conversion.
2016 revised car2016–2017Revised bodywork shown ahead of the March 2016 Geneva show, quoted at 1,240 kg. Engine and six-speed sequential gearbox carried over. A detailed change list was not published. 5Ask the seller or McLaren Customer Racing for the build specification and update record of the chassis.

Known issues

  • Ricardo gearbox on unconverted or part-converted 12C cars — McLaren said the 12C GT3 gearbox was a weak area and fitted an Xtrac unit to the 650S. A car still on the Ricardo box is not to full 650S GT3 specification. 4
  • Early 12C-era electrical and engine problems — McLaren reported electrical faults on the 12C GT3 in 2012 and some engine problems in 2013. Converted cars carry this early history in their tub and loom. 4
  • Radiator exposed to stones and contact — In British GT 2016 a front-end hit dislodged the radiator mesh and a stone then punctured the radiator, retiring the car. 12
  • Wheel bearing failure — A long, nearly ineffective brake pedal at Snetterton in 2016 was traced to a failed wheel bearing. 12
  • Non-standard engine calibrations — Some cars run high-boost maps with more boost and higher shift points. One seller estimates about 600 hp but says the setup was never dyno-tested. 15
  • Bodywork damage on ex-race cars — A K-PAX chassis had its front fenders, splitter and screens replaced after a 2021 Road America incident. Check carbon panels and the tub, not only the paint. 17

Checklist before you buy

  1. Establish whether the car is a new-build 650S GT3 or a converted 12C GT3, and trace the chassis number through its race history. — Both exist in numbers. A converted car keeps its 12C chassis number and history. 15
  2. Confirm the gearbox is the Xtrac P1529 six-speed sequential. — The 650S GT3 switched from Ricardo to Xtrac; the gearbox is the clearest sign of a complete conversion. 1
  3. Ask for kilometres since the last engine and transaxle teardown, with invoices. — One seller quotes 10,000 km for the engine and 8,000 km for the transaxle before teardown inspection. 13
  4. Ask which engine map is loaded and whether the standard calibration is available. — High-boost maps exist and may stress the engine and turbos; they are not a Balance of Performance setting. 15
  5. Make sure the ATLAS diagnostic software, ECU lead and Bosch ABS lead come with the car. — The car relies on McLaren electronics and remote diagnosis; without these tools basic setup work is hard. 13
  6. Inspect the radiator, its mesh guard and all four wheel bearings. — Both failed on a British GT car in 2016 and caused retirements. 12
  7. Get written confirmation from the organiser of the series you plan to enter. — The FIA homologation expired in 2022; acceptance now depends on each club or legends series. 19

Running costs 13

Rebuild intervalSeller-quoted 10,000 km for the engine and 8,000 km for the transaxle before teardown inspection 13. McLaren claimed longer rebuild intervals than the 12C GT3 at launch but gave no figures 3.
Typical rebuild costNot published; ask McLaren Customer Racing or a team for a current quote.
ConsumablesBrake discs 380 x 35 mm front and 355 x 32 mm rear with monoblock calipers; 18-inch slicks on 12.5 and 13 inch rims; clutch 213.
Spares availabilityNo new cars after 2017. Since the November 2018 court ruling McLaren provides aftersales support for the 12C GT3 and 650S GT3 itself 67. Current stock levels are not published.

Where it races today

  • FIA/SRO GT3 championships (GT World Challenge, Intercontinental GT Challenge) · Not eligible — Homologation GT3-037 ran from 1 February 2015 to 31 December 2022. SRO's GT World Challenge Asia rules require a valid FIA GT3 homologation. 18
  • Masters Endurance Legends 2 (2026) · GT3 Class, Group 2 (2012–2018) — The 2026 eligibility list names the McLaren 650S and the MP4-12C GT3. Open to cars eligible for Blancpain GT and similar series between 1999 and 2018. 19
  • GT Cup Championship (UK, 2026) · Likely GTO (open specification) — GTO covers specialist GT cars outside conventional homologation; the GT3 group is for current or recently homologated cars. Organisers ask entrants to confirm the group by email. 20

Market prices

  • New car, ex works plus tax: 330,000 GBP (2014-06) 1
  • 12C GT3 to 650S GT3 upgrade kit, as reported by a seller: 150,000 GBP (2025-06) 15
  • 2015 car s/n 016, ex-factory test car, fresh engine and gearbox in 2016, asking price with spares: 249,000 USD (2018-03) 13
  • Converted 12C GT3 Can-Am, chassis 908, dealer asking price (reduced): 189,900 USD (2025-06) 16
  • 2015 chassis 08, ex-K-PAX, Bring a Trailer auction: not sold, high bid not shown: not sold USD (2025-10) 17

Dealer asking prices fell from about $249,000 in March 2018 to $189,900 for a converted car in June 2025, and a K-PAX chassis did not sell at auction in October 2025. No 650S GT3 was listed on RacingCarNetwork in November 2026 25.

Reference prices are dated and sourced; live asking prices are in the listings above.

Frequently asked questions

Is a converted 12C GT3 the same as a new-build 650S GT3?

McLaren designed the upgrade so 12C owners could reach 650S GT3 specification, because the tub and engine are shared. A converted car keeps its 12C chassis number and history. Check that the Xtrac gearbox and the wider bodywork were fitted, and ask for the conversion invoice.

Does the 650S GT3 use the Ricardo gearbox?

No. The Ricardo six-speed belonged to the 12C GT3. The 650S GT3 uses an Xtrac six-speed sequential transaxle, listed by sellers as the 1529. If a car still has the Ricardo unit, treat it as a partial conversion and price it accordingly.

Can I still race it in GT World Challenge or other SRO GT3 series?

No. The FIA GT3 homologation expired on 31 December 2022, and SRO GT3 series require a valid homologation. The car is listed for Masters Endurance Legends 2 in 2026. It may also fit open classes such as GT Cup GTO, subject to organiser approval.

Who supports the car now that CRS is gone?

McLaren ended its CRS contract in 2017. After a High Court ruling in November 2018, McLaren took over aftersales support for the 12C GT3 and 650S GT3 itself. Contact McLaren Customer Racing or a McLaren motorsport retailer before buying to confirm parts availability for your chassis.

How far can it run between rebuilds?

One seller quotes 10,000 km for the engine and 8,000 km for the transaxle before a teardown inspection. McLaren never published official figures. Ask for kilometres or hours since the last teardown, backed by invoices, and budget for a rebuild if the car is near either limit.

Sources

  1. McLaren launches new GT3 racer, Autosport (2014-06) — Launch, Ricardo to Xtrac switch, £330,000 price, 15 new plus 15 upgraded cars, 12C upgrade
  2. McLaren GT latest generation 650S GT3 at Goodwood, Racecar.com (2014-06) — Technical specification: engine, ECU, gearbox type, chassis, track, suspension, brakes, wheels
  3. 2014 McLaren 650S GT3, Conceptcarz (McLaren press material) (2014) — 125-litre fuel tank, extended rebuild intervals, upgrade for 12C owners
  4. Kirkaldy: McLaren We Can Fight For Victory, Sportscar365 (2014-07) — Gearbox as weak area, 2012 electrical problems, 2013 engine problems on 12C
  5. McLaren Unveils Its Latest Race-Ready 650S GT3, Hypebeast (2016-02) — 2016 revised car, 2,733 lb (1,240 kg) weight, Geneva debut
  6. McLaren developing new 720S GT3 in-house, Speedcafe (2017-11) — End of CRS contract in 2017, no new 650S GT3s, 720S GT3 timing
  7. McLaren wins court ruling against former GT partner CRS, Sportscar365 (2018-11) — High Court ruling, McLaren aftersales support for 12C GT3 and 650S GT3
  8. Xtrac gears up for another successful motorsport season, Racecar.com (2015-01) — Xtrac P1529 six-speed transverse transaxle, 800 Nm rating, GT3 service intervals
  9. Tekno McLaren wins Bathurst 12H, Sportscar365 (2016-02) — 2016 Bathurst 12 Hour win, drivers, first major endurance win in 20 years
  10. McLaren wins double Blancpain Endurance Cup title, Racecar.com (2016-09) — 2016 Endurance Cup drivers' and teams' titles, two wins, single-point margin
  11. Pirelli World Challenge ends with a final-lap fight: Parente emerges champion, GTPlanet (2016-10) — 2016 PWC GT drivers', teams' and manufacturers' titles
  12. Black Bull Ecurie Ecosse GT3 duo hit by double blow, Racecar.com (2016-08) — Radiator puncture and wheel bearing failure on a 650S GT3
  13. 2015 McLaren 650S GT3 Serial Number 016, The Speed Journal / Ferraris Online (2018-03) — Asking price, engine and transaxle teardown intervals, ATLAS and ABS tools, spares
  14. 2015 McLaren 650S GT3 #016, Ferraris Online (2018-03) — Ownership history and date of offer for s/n 016, factory test and rent-a-racer use
  15. 2013 McLaren 650S GT3 (chassis 908), P1Groupe (2025) — 12C GT3 Can-Am conversion, £150,000 kit cost claim, Xtrac 1529GT gearbox, high-boost calibration
  16. 2013 McLaren 650S GT3 for sale, GoToTheGrid (2025-06) — Dated asking price $189,900 for converted chassis 908
  17. Bring a Trailer 2025-10-20 McLaren 650S GT3, The Classic Valuer (2025-10) — Chassis 08 not sold, '26 examples' claim, K-PAX history, 2021 bodywork damage
  18. Group GT3, Wikipedia (2026) — Homologation numbers and validity dates for 12C GT3, 650S GT3, 720S GT3
  19. Masters Endurance Legends 2 Eligibility List, 2026 edition, Masters Historic Racing (2026-03) — 650S and MP4-12C GT3 listed in GT3 Class, Group 2 (2012–2018)
  20. GT Cup 2026 Season Guide, GT Cup Championship (2026) — Group definitions: GT3 for current homologation, GTO open specification
  21. 2013 McLaren 12C GT3 update, GTspirit (2013-01) — 12C GT3 2013 update contents and £325,000 price (predecessor context)
  22. McLaren 650S type archive, RacingSportsCars (2026) — Overall and class win counts, years raced
  23. Garage 59 announce multi-car McLaren 650S GT3 Blancpain GT effort, Dailysportscar (2017-11) — 650S GT3 still raced in Blancpain GT in 2018
  24. GT World Challenge Asia sporting regulations: eligible cars, SRO Motorsports Group (2024) — Requirement for valid FIA GT3 homologation in SRO GT3 series
  25. RacingCarNetwork search: 650S GT3, RacingCarNetwork (2026-11) — No current listings at time of writing

Did you know

  • The 2016 Bathurst 12 Hour win was McLaren's first major endurance race win in more than 20 years 9.
  • Garage 59 won both 2016 Blancpain Endurance Cup titles by a single point, despite finishing 30th in the Nürburgring finale 10.
  • Chassis 016 was used by McLaren as a test car, demonstrator and factory rent-a-racer at Blancpain GT events before its first private sale 14.

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