McLaren 650S image and details revealed ahead of Geneva Motor Show debut.
First McLaren gave us a teaser picture of a car door sill to confirm the existence its latest supercar. Now we can see the McLaren 650S in all of its glory, thanks to a plethora of details and interior and exterior images.
The McLaren 650S (S for Sport) is named so because it has a British-built ‘M838T twin-turbo V8’ that produces 650PS (641bhp) ─ a hefty step up in power compared with the 616bhp 12C. Coupé and Spider versions will be available, the latter having a retractable folding hard top roof.
Although official performance figures will be released as we get closer to its Geneva Motor Show world debut, the British manufacturer did admit the 650S will ‘improve on the already rapid 12C’. Unofficial reports claim the 650S can do 0 to 62mph in 3 seconds and 0 to 125mph in 8.4 seconds (a second quicker than the 12C) before topping out at 207mph (3mph faster).
Aerodynamic performance of the 650S mirrors the 12C. Downforce, however, has been increased by 24 per cent at 150mph. It should, therefore, stick to the road like chewing gum to a shoe, especially with the standard Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres in tow.
Visual tweaks that separate the McLaren 650S from the 12C include unique alloy wheels, a 12C GT3-inspired rear bumper, new front bumper and LED headlamps that borrow inspiration from the P1 and doors air-intakes.
An updated version of the 12C Airbrake is fitted to the 650S. The newly developed system will now provide ‘optimised levels of downforce’ when the car thinks having more downforce would be advisable. On the 12C the Airbrake does its thing when braking or if the Aero mode engaged.
The 650S also benefits from an enhanced version of the ProActive Chassis Control suspension system, which allows the driver to swap between Normal, Sport and Track settings, all of which have been recalibrated to improve ‘driver engagement’. Gear changes are taken care of by a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The 650S will sit between the 12C, which will remain on sale, and the hybrid P1 hypercar in the range.
Expect the McLaren 650S Coupe and Spider to go on sale in Spring 2014 for an unconfirmed price.
McLaren 650S images
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