Rumors have been floating around about a new McLaren supercar, a successor to the MP4-12C. McLaren, itself, has been teasing fans through the internet by showing closeups of the new model’s nameplate. But this week, the British automaker has presented images and even a video of their new “mid-range” supercar, a bit earlier than the March 4 opening of the Geneva Auto Show.
The 650S is the newest addition to McLaren’s supercar family. The name of the car comes from its power output of 650PS, which is equivalent to 641 horsepower. PS is an old German unit for power and stands for Pferdestärke. The supercar is certainly more powerful than the MP4-12C, which McLaren says will remain in production. The 650S sits nicely between McLaren’s MP4-12C and the new P1 hypercar. The car even borrows some styling from the P1 and the layout is similar to that of the MP4-12C.
The 3.8 liter V8 that produces 641 horsepower, gives the car a 0-60 mph time of just 3 seconds and a top speed of 207 mph. While the 12C is considered the “everyday” McLaren model, the 650S has been given the nickname of the “baby P1”. The price, however, speaks differently about the car. With a price tag of $335,000 the car is not the lightweight that the nickname implies. McLaren has improved the aerodynamics, installed a re-tooled powertrain and improved suspension to make the 650S better than its predecessor.
The 650S will have to compete with the likes of the Ferrari 458 Speciale once it hits the market, but that shouldn’t be a problem with the figures that McLaren has given. McLaren has also said that it will be responding to customer feedback once the 650S is displayed at the Geneva Auto Show and will also utilize lessons they have learned while developing the P1. By the looks of things, the 650S is going to be one of the top contenders for the best supercar of the year.
Awesome write-up… Will you mind if perhaps I get in touch with yourself on Twitter?
is it real or the concept car…?