1998 McLaren F1 LM

F1 LM image

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The McLaren F1 LM 1998 is one of the most sought-after supercars in the world. It is a track-focused version of the original McLaren F1, with many modifications that make it one of the fastest cars on the planet. The technical details of this car are impressive, with a top speed of 240 mph and acceleration of 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds.

The F1 LM's body is crafted out of a lightweight carbon fiber composite monocoque construction, which ensures its rigidity and stiffness, while also reducing weight. The exterior comes in a vivid Orange, famous for the five units of the McLaren F1 LM that were built to celebrate the success of the original F1 GTR at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1995, thus making this iconic version a rare collector's item.

Under the hood, the F1 LM packs a naturally aspirated V12 engine, developed by BMW, with a displacement of 6.1 liters delivering a staggering 680 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated with a six-speed manual transmission, which delivers power to the rear wheels. The powertrain is designed to help manage the torque effectively, with a Torsen Limited Slip differential routing power to where it's needed in real-time.

The car's suspension system uses double wishbones with pushrod-actuated coil springs and damper units featuring electronically adjustable damping. The chassis is equipped with AP Racing carbon fiber ceramic brakes, which provide excellent stopping power.

The cockpit of the F1 LM is a minimalist design made from lightweight materials, featuring leather and alcantara, along with racing-style seats, which provide good lateral support. It does not have any infotainment system or climate control, reflecting the car's track-focused design. The driver-centered dashboard is dominated by a large tachometer, which is surrounded by retro-style dials for speed, fuel and oil levels and other basic instruments required for driving.

In conclusion, the McLaren F1 LM 1998 is a rare, high-performance supercar that represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering. It is the epitome of automotive engineering, delivering relentless power, ultimate handling, and visceral driving experience. It remains a highly coveted vehicle, sought-after by car enthusiasts and collectors all over the world, who appreciate the extraordinary levels of quality and performance that McLaren has achieved with this marvel of automotive engineering.

Milestones

- The McLaren F1 LM was launched in 1995 as a street-legal version of the Le Mans-winning McLaren F1 GTR race car. - Only five F1 LMs were ever built, making it one of the most exclusive and sought-after supercars in the world. - The F1 LM was powered by a naturally aspirated 6.1-liter V12 engine that produced 680 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque, which enabled it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 225 mph. - The car had a unique gold-plated engine bay and exhaust system, as well as an interior finished in black alcantara and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. - In 1998, McLaren announced the F1 LM would be upgraded with a higher output engine producing 680 hp and a revised gearbox to handle the increased power output. - The F1 LM was built to commemorate the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, which was won by the McLaren F1 GTR in its first-ever attempt. - One of the five F1 LMs built was auctioned off in 2019 for a record-breaking $19.8 million, making it the most expensive McLaren ever sold at auction.


Technical

- Engine: BMW S70/2 6.1 L V12 - Power output: 680 hp at 7,500 rpm - Top speed: 243 mph (391 km/h) - Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds - Transmission: 6-speed manual - Suspension: Double wishbone with pushrod-actuated coil springs and dampers - Brakes: Four-piston calipers with carbon ceramic rotors - Wheels: Front 18” x 9.5”, Rear 18” x 13” - Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport - Body material: Carbon fiber and kevlar - Weight: 1,062 kg (2,341 lbs) - Production: Only five LM models were made - Price at launch: $3 million USD

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