The 650S is designed to fill the large gap between the MP4-12C and the P1. Offered as a coupe and as a convertible, McLaren’s latest creation stands out from the 12C on which it’s based thanks to a unique front fascia that is noticeably inspired by the aforementioned P1. McLaren says the 650S gives an accurate preview of the design language that will influence all of its upcoming vehicles over the next few years.
The 12C’s gill-shaped air vents have been replaced by one large vent on each side while the rear end is carried over to the 650S essentially unchanged. Model-specific alloy wheels mounted on low-profile Pirelli P-Zero tires finish off the look.
The 650S boasts a sporty, well-appointed cabin whose design closely mirrors the 12C’s cockpit. Buyers with extra deep pockets can order the car with real carbon fiber trim on the dashboard, the door panels and on the steering wheel.
Although it is billed as a pure driver’s car, the 650S is by no means a stripped-down track car and it comes standard with a color touch screen located on the slanted center console that groups the car’s navigation, connectivity and entertainment functions into a single unit. The list of options includes an electronically-adjustable steering column and parking sensors on both ends.
Power comes from an evolution of the 12C’s 3.8-liter V8 engine that has been tuned to churn out 650 horsepower. McLaren claims a 0-62 mph time of three seconds, and acceleration up to 124 mph in 8.4 seconds. The car promises to complete a standing quarter mile in 10.5 seconds, while topping out at 207 mph.
“This performance puts the latest model from McLaren a full second quicker than the iconic McLaren F1 road car to 200 km/h, and 0.6 sec faster over the standing quarter mile, underlining its performance focus,” the company said in a statement. “This represents a sprint time to 200 km/h more than half a second quicker than the rapid 12C, which continues in production.”
Despite the 650S’ strong performance figures, it promises to return 24.2 mpg in the European combined cycle.
A complete set of details about the 650S will emerge closer to the car’s debut in Geneva.
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