| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1995 |
| Production Years: | 1995 - 2000 discontinued in 2000 |
The McLaren LM, produced between 1995 and 2000, is a limited-production supercar coupe that showcases McLaren's racing heritage adapted for the road. Based directly on the legendary McLaren F1 GTR race car, the LM (Le Mans) edition was created to celebrate McLaren's success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although specific dimension details are less commonly published due to the model's rarity, the McLaren LM shares its underlying structure with the F1 series, generally measuring approximately 4,265 mm (167.9 inches) in length, around 1,820 mm (71.7 inches) in width, and about 1,140 mm (44.9 inches) in height. It weighs roughly 1,130 kg (2,491 lbs), benefiting from extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber and titanium, making it agile and extremely fast. The design focuses on aerodynamic efficiency, emphasizing low drag and high-speed stability, making it one of the most iconic and exclusive supercars of its era. The McLaren LM coupe was built largely for collectors, with only a handful of units produced, combining race-bred performance with road-legal usability. Its unique status and limited numbers have made it a sought-after vehicle in the realm of ultra-rare sports cars. The LM captures McLaren's motorsport spirit while delivering exceptional driving dynamics, placing it among the most remarkable mid-1990s supercars available.
Discover the standout features that make the 1995 McLaren LM a leader in its class
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The McLaren LM, produced between 1995 and 2000, has an overall length of approximately 4,457 mm (175.4 inches or about 14 feet 7 inches). This length highlights the car's compact yet aggressive supercar profile, designed to provide optimal aerodynamic performance and high-speed stability. Its length is comparatively moderate among supercars, allowing for agile handling without sacrificing road presence.
The width of the McLaren LM stands at roughly 1,905 mm (75 inches or 6 feet 3 inches). This width contributes significantly to the car's stability and cornering capabilities. The broad stance is a characteristic feature of McLaren's design approach in the LM, providing improved road grip and a low center of gravity crucial for superior performance during high-speed maneuvers.
The McLaren LM has a height of approximately 1,120 mm (44.1 inches or about 3 feet 8 inches). This very low height is integral to its design, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing drag. The low roofline not only minimizes air resistance but also lowers the vehicle's center of gravity, which is essential for maintaining excellent stability and handling dynamics at high speeds.
The McLaren LM weighs around 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs), which is relatively light for a high-performance supercar of its era. This low curb weight results from extensive use of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum. The moderate weight contributes to exceptional acceleration, braking, and handling, allowing the LM to deliver an exhilarating driving experience characteristic of McLaren’s engineering philosophy.
The McLaren LM features a wheelbase of approximately 2,650 mm (104.3 inches or 8 feet 8 inches). This relatively short wheelbase provides the vehicle with nimble and responsive handling characteristics. A shorter wheelbase generally results in quicker directional changes and enhanced agility, which complements the LM’s status as a track-inspired supercar designed to tackle tight corners and deliver an engaging driving experience.
The McLaren LM's compact dimensions—4,457 mm in length (175.4 inches), 1,905 mm in width (75 inches), and 1,120 mm in height (44.1 inches)—generally allow it to fit comfortably into a standard residential garage. Typical single-car garage dimensions are around 6,000 mm (20 feet) in length and 3,000 mm (10 feet) in width, so the LM’s size fits well within these limits. However, clearance for door opening and maneuvering should be considered, especially because of the LM’s wide doors and low profile.
Compared to its legendary predecessor, the McLaren F1, the LM is similar in length and height but slightly wider. The F1 measures about 4,300 mm (169.3 inches) in length, making the LM marginally longer by approximately 157 mm (6.2 inches). Both cars share a low height around 1,120 mm (44 inches), but the LM’s width of 1,905 mm (75 inches) makes it about 55 mm (2.2 inches) wider than the F1. These differences reflect the LM’s evolving design focus, prioritizing enhanced downforce, cooling, and track capability over pure road car comfort.
When measured against its contemporaries like the Porsche 911 Turbo (964 generation) and Ferrari F40, the McLaren LM holds a competitive footprint. The 911 Turbo is about 4,270 mm (168 inches) long and 1,690 mm (66.5 inches) wide, making the LM longer and significantly wider, contributing to its stable stance. The Ferrari F40 is shorter and narrower, at 4,365 mm (171.7 inches) long and 1,979 mm (77.9 inches) wide, rendering it very slightly longer but narrower compared to the LM. The LM’s dimensions underscore McLaren’s philosophy of blending track-focused aerodynamics with road-worthy proportions.
The McLaren LM features signature dihedral (butterfly) doors, a hallmark of McLaren design. These doors swing upward and outward, requiring more vertical clearance but less horizontal space than conventional doors. This design facilitates easier ingress and egress in tighter horizontal spaces, such as narrow parking spots or garages. However, caution is required regarding overhead clearance when opening the doors in confined spaces, which is generally manageable in standard garages with typical ceiling heights.
The McLaren LM is designed as a two-seat coupe with a driver-focused cockpit. Interior space is minimalistic and tight, prioritizing performance and weight savings over passenger comfort. The seats are bucket-style to provide support during aggressive driving, and storage compartments are limited. The LM is not intended as a daily driver or family car; rather, it is crafted for enthusiasts seeking an ultra-high-performance driving experience with no compromise on weight or space.
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