Deadmau5 Adds McLaren 650S to Supercar Collection
Canadian producer Deadmau5 has swapped his Ferrari 458 for a new McLaren 650S, joining the ranks of celebrity supercar owners after the 650S's 2014 debut.
Canadian electronic music producer Deadmau5 has purchased a new McLaren 650S, replacing his customised Ferrari 458 with the latest supercar from Woking. The move comes just months after McLaren unveiled the 650S at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, positioning it as a successor to the MP4-12C and a rival to the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Huracán.
The McLaren 650S sits between the outgoing 12C and the flagship P1, sharing the 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 found in both. In the 650S, the engine is tuned for 651bhp (478kW) and 678Nm of torque, channelled through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels. McLaren claims 0-100km/h in 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 330km/h (206mph).
McLaren offers the 650S as both a coupé and a Spider, with the model’s styling drawing heavily from the P1 hypercar at the front and the previous 12C at the rear. The 650S features carbon-ceramic brakes, adaptive suspension and a lightweight carbon-fibre chassis, aiming to balance track performance with daily usability.
Deadmau5, known for his distinctive taste in cars, previously owned a Ferrari 458 Italia which he modified with a Nyan Cat-themed wrap and custom badges. That car, dubbed the “Purrari”, attracted attention from both fans and Ferrari’s legal team before it was sold. The McLaren 650S now fills the supercar slot in his garage, joining a trend among celebrities who favour high-performance petrol cars over the growing number of hybrids and electrics.
The 650S in context: supercar competition in 2014
Launched in early 2014, the McLaren 650S entered a competitive market segment. Its main rivals included the Ferrari 458 Italia and the new Lamborghini Huracán, both offering naturally aspirated V8s and V10s respectively. The 650S’s turbocharged approach delivered stronger torque at lower revs compared to its Italian counterparts, reflecting McLaren’s focus on usable performance.
For buyers like Deadmau5, the 650S offered exclusivity and British engineering, with fewer produced than its Italian rivals. The car’s appearance at the Geneva show marked McLaren’s intent to expand its road car range and compete directly with established supercar brands. While the 650S replaced the 12C, its design and technology set the template for McLaren’s future models, including the later 675LT and 570S.
Celebrity supercar choices and brand visibility
High-profile owners like Deadmau5 bring attention to brands such as McLaren, especially when their vehicles are customised or widely shared on social media. While Ferrari has a history of objecting to certain modifications, McLaren has generally welcomed celebrity interest as a way to build its image among younger buyers. The 650S, with its blend of performance and technology, fits the profile of a modern supercar aimed at both enthusiasts and collectors.
The McLaren 650S’s combination of power, technology and exclusivity made it a logical next step for Deadmau5 after his time with the Ferrari 458. For McLaren, each celebrity purchase adds to the car’s profile as it competes for attention in a crowded supercar market.
