McLaren 650S leaked early – it’s a 12C with a P1 face

McLaren_650-01

Through these low-res photos, we now have the first look at the upcoming McLaren 650S, which the British firm had confirmed will slot in between its existing P1 and 12C models. What wasn’t known, however, is that it meant it rather literally, as the new car sits between the P1’s face and the 12C’s rear end.

More to the point, it’s basically a 12C that has been tuned-up to the tune of 650 PS, and dressed up in a P1-esque frock. Think of it as a lighter, more focussed version of the Ferrari 458 Italia-chasing 12C, much like the Prancing Horse’s own 458 Speciale or the Lamborghini Gallardo 570-4 Squadra Corse.

Other than turning up the wick on the Ricardo-built 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8 (which is used on both the P1 and 12C – in different states of tune, obviously), McLaren has optimised the new car’s aerodynamics, suspension, brakes and transmission to a level beyond those of the 12C, on which it’s based.

We will know more when the McLaren 650S is officially unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in three weeks’ time. In any case, expect it to carry a significant premium over the standard 12C models, which start at a cool RM2 million through McLaren Kuala Lumpur.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • gangully on Feb 17, 2014 at 4:04 pm

    i know they said this 650s is meant to slot in between the MP4 and the P1, but this is toooo much…

    i would have preferred the MP4 front and the back of the P1.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 3
    • Ha tengok tu, McLaren sendiri copy our own P1. Proton is really world leader lah. Even established British firm can tiru our own P1.

      Proton, kami bangga dengan kejayaan mu!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • McLaren is a rather stand alone company with almost no support from any big mass-producing company(Ferrari has Fiat while Lamborghini has Audi)and unlike other stand-alone supercar companies like pagani and koenigsegg, they are producing rather large number if cars at a regularly basis. So obviously there’s a lot of part sharing between its cars, but this is taking it a step too far personally.

    Won’t comment much as the true market of this car is uncertain weather it is an Aventador/F12 rival or a supped up 12C designed to take on the 458 Speciale. But if it is the former and design to be an entirely new model, the similarities between the 12C and this is just too much too make it cost any more nor making it any more special. One thing I like to personally note thou[-and opinions may differ-], but the Italians won over the 12c in the beauty and singing contest.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Samad Jain on Feb 17, 2014 at 8:42 pm

    the front of the car looks like smilling.

    I want a garang-look front.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Painter on Feb 17, 2014 at 9:21 pm

    Corvette Z06 C7 looks more appetising.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • tklim on Feb 17, 2014 at 11:23 pm

    P1 front , mp4 back ….easy job

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • why not buy 12c, remove front, and replace with p1 front spare part – i think can save some money

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required