McLaren 650S Coupe and Spider presented at Geneva

211/ , EUROPA; SCHWEIZ, GENF, Datum: 05.03.2014 12:00:00: 84 INTERNATIONALER AUTO SALON in Genf 2014 84e Salon International de l'Auto et accessoires, PALEXPO - Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

The new McLaren 650S graced the British company’s stand at the Geneva Motor Show and we now have the full details. Available in both coupé and Spider guise, the 12C-based 650S goes toe-to-toe with Ferrari’s 458 Speciale while retaining the 12C’s comfort and refinement.

The “650” in its name gives a hint about the car’s performance – 650 PS (641 hp), which the reworked 3.8 litre twin-turbocharged M838T V8 engine produces at 7,250 rpm, while peak torque is now 678 Nm at 6,000 rpm. That is an increase of 25 PS and 78 Nm over the 12C. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission has been retained, but tweaked for faster, smoother shifts.

The exterior has been redesigned for better aerodynamic performance, including a P1-esque front end with a larger front splitter, door “blades” ahead of the front wheels, larger side intakes for increased cooling as well as a new three-piece rear bumper inspired by the 12C GT3 racer.

211/ , EUROPA; SCHWEIZ, GENF, Datum: 05.03.2014 12:00:00: 84 INTERNATIONALER AUTO SALON in Genf 2014 84e Salon International de l'Auto et accessoires, PALEXPO - Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

In addition, the rear spoiler – which on the 12C could only flip up as an air brake or extend manually via the “Aero” mode – can now also move up automatically when the car senses extra downforce is needed, or down to cut drag when accelerating in a straight line. All these improvements add up to 24% increase in downforce at 241 km/h, while retaining the same drag coefficient as the 12C.

Meanwhile, the chassis has been retuned to dial up driver excitement – with tweaks to improve steering and braking feel as well as delay the ESP’s intervention – but the better suspension components also had the side effect of actually improving on the 12C’s already impressive ride and refinement. Carbon ceramic brakes and Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres (a bespoke “MC1” spec for the 650S) are now fitted as standard

Inside, the 650S retains the 12C’s creature comforts. You still get a fully-trimmed interior (Alcantara upholstery is standard), an IRIS infotainment system with Bluetooth, DAB digital radio and navigation as well as air-conditioning. Options include a rear-view camera, an electric steering column as well as one-piece carbon fibre racing seats inspired by those on the P1.

211/ , EUROPA; SCHWEIZ, GENF, Datum: 05.03.2014 12:00:00: 84 INTERNATIONALER AUTO SALON in Genf 2014 84e Salon International de l'Auto et accessoires, PALEXPO - Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

Despite this, the 650S coupé has a dry weight of just 1,330 kg (1,301 kg with lightweight options such as the aforementioned seats), six kilograms lighter than the 12C and only 40 kg heavier than the completely stripped-out Speciale. Performance therefore becomes properly insane: the 650S coupé whips to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, 200 km/h in – are you sitting down – 8.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 333 km/h.

The Spider, retaining the 12C Spider’s folding hard top, is a little heavier at 1,370 kg, but it is still not what you would call slow – it does 0-100 km/h in the same time as the coupé, 0-200 km/h in 8.6 seconds and has a top speed of 329 km/h.

The McLaren 650S comes with three new colour choices – Storm Grey, Aurora Blue seen on the coupé in these pictures, Mantis Green and Tarocco Orange as on the Spider show car. In the UK, prices will start at £195,250 (RM1,066,000) for the coupé and £215,250 (RM1,175,200) for the Spider.

Live pix by Stefan Baldauf / Robert Kah

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • SpongeWai on Mar 13, 2014 at 2:02 pm

    entry level McLaren MP4-12C

    mid-range McLaren 650S

    top of crazy range McLaren P1

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
  • Er…sorry to say that, mclaren fans….
    But I think they should hire a more hardworking designer, even tough it’s the trend now.
    You can’t differentiate VW’s model headlamp, Aston’s,seat, skoda….

    But at least be special and different a little bit. Such as Alfa. Or, ferrari. I think lambo is on the way to family face….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 11
  • though, wrong spelling

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Joker on Mar 13, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    Well well… this is what i call a car…
    McLaren production car looks better than their F1 car!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • KingOfVoodoo on Mar 13, 2014 at 8:36 pm

    Hi guy can you guy kindly suggest a ride for me? This or the new amg?which is better? I am loaded and price is not a matter for me.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 9
  • Painter on Mar 13, 2014 at 10:57 pm

    They seem to be lacking idea. Matching the front of P1 to the MP4-12C’s rear.

    But the Spider version looks nice, though.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • It looks good, but a cut and paste design…that’s not a new design!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • Rebadgepls on Jun 09, 2014 at 12:07 pm

    Proton please rebadge this.. I dont mind even u put campro engine inside.. Please please

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • MotifX on Jun 09, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    Rich boys toys, average man’s dreams..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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