McLaren 650S, all-new supercar joins McLaren lineup

McLaren’s range of supercars just increased by a third. Not that difficult when you consider they only make two other cars at the moment, but still, it’s big news. The all-new McLaren 650S is designed to sit in between the MP4-12C and the P1 supercar. It takes design inspiration from both, and also takes advantages of the considerable number of motorsport technologies the company has developed over the last 50 years.

Available as a fixed-head coupe or as a Spider, with a retractable folding hard top, the 650S designation refers to the power output – 650PS (641 bhp) of the McLaren M838T twin turbo V8 engine. The styling is a mix of the P1 – mainly up front, and the MP4-12C, whose influence  can be found mainly down the sides and round the back. The aerodynamic performance of the McLaren 650S is as efficient as the 12C, boasting the same drag coefficient figure, yet at 150 mph the amount of downforce created is 24 percent higher.

Active aerodynamics, which feature on both the 12C and McLaren P1, have been further developed for the 650S. The newly developed system means the Airbrake deploys whenever the car senses extra downforce is advisable – rather than simply under braking or when manually operated in ‘Aero’ mode.

Unique side intakes behind the dihedral doors feed large, efficiently packaged, radiators which help provide the cooling requirements of the mid-mounted, compact engine. A new design five-spoke lightweight forged ’650S’ alloy wheel is unique to the model, and are fitted with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires.

The ProActive Chassis Control (PCC) suspension system, developed by McLaren, has been specifically tailored for the 650S. This system offers the ability to adjust the ride and handling modes – Normal / Sport / Track – separate from the drivetrain, giving more options for ride and handling. The settings for the PCC system, for both powertrain and suspension, have been recalibrated to improve driver engagement.

While the 650S, like all McLarens, has been designed primarily as a driver’s car, it’s not without its comforts and gadgets. The McLaren 650S is fitted with IRIS satellite navigation with Bluetooth telephony, DAB digital radio (SIRIUS satellite radio in North America), wireless tethering, audio streaming and voice control as standard. Interior options include fixed-back carbon racing seats, based on the lightweight design found in the McLaren P1, an electric steering column adjustment assisting entry and exit, a rear parking camera and extended carbon fibre trim throughout the interior.