Not content with their first new supercar in a while and the P1 hypercar, McLaren have released information of a new supercar, positioned between the two cars, obviously.
The new 650S, as the nomenclature denotes, has 650 PS from the upgraded 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 motor. The peak torque too sees a climb to 650 Nm. That’s a considerable increase from the figures of the MP4-12C. That makes sense because this car will be only slightly more expensive than the 12C and doesn’t bring any hybrid-hypercar tech from the much more expensive P1. What it does borrow is the styling, appreciably.
The 650S features McLaren signature LED headlamps and, funnily enough, looks like the perfect blend of 12C size and P1 elements. That’s not the end of it, the company has upgraded their ProActive Chassis Control and also included active aerodynamics. That only means one thing – it goes like a proper McLaren too! The promises of a 3.0-second 0-100 km/h time and a top speed of 333 km/h are reason enough to plonk down the asking sum, but the fact that it will always be exclusive and special is another reason altogether. Then there’s the fact that McLaren clearly state that the 650S is not sold as an out-of-the-box racer. Yes, it’s quick, but ride quality has received more than its fair share of attention and the company say it boasts of executive saloon comfort levels.
McLaren will officially launch the 650S Coupé and Spider in Spring 2014 with a dual unveil at the Geneva Motor Show.
Story: Jim Gorde
Images: McLaren Press
