With the Geneva International Motor Show set to officially open its doors to the public on March 5th, McLaren has raced ahead with revealing official images of the model that will take centre stage.
According to the manufacturer, the McLaren 650S Coupe is said to be the “fastest, most engaging, best equipped and most beautiful series-production supercar yet”.
It comes alongside the 12C and the McLaren P1 model and takes design and performance cues from both of the top motorsport machines.
The 650S will be available as a fixed-head coupe or as a Spider – with a retractable folding hard top. McLaren says it will “redefine” the high performance supercar segment and will offer the best driver engagement whether on the road or on the track.
While we now know what the model will look like, we are yet to discover the true performance figures the model will offer. These are set to be defined at the Geneva show.
It has been named the 650S in reference to the 650PS power output it delivers, courtesy of the British-built McLaren M838T twin turbo V8 engine, with the S standing for ‘Sport’.
The model has been fitted with a brand new front bumper, giving the car an even more dramatic appearance.
Mike Flewitt, McLaren Automotive chief executive officer, noted that this design change has been made for “good engineering reasons”.
“The newly designed front bumper improves downforce and steering turn-in. The high speed handling balance is now even better. The LED lights use less power and lasts longer,” he added.
It also comes with LED headlights, mimicking the look of the McLaren P1 – a model that has proved so successful it has sold out.
The front splitter has been more integrated in order to increase downforce, helping the driver to feel more confident when heading into tight corners and turns.
Door blades behind the front wheels send air from the trailing edges of the splitter, helping to further increase downforce levels.
Other features such as aerodynamics and airbraking have also been improved, delivering a greater level of functionality and stability. The ProActive Chassi Control suspension system, developed by McLaren, has also been enhanced for the latest model.
Ride and handling can be adjusted by switching between three distinct modes: Normal, Sport and Track.
“McLaren is a fast moving company, continually striving for improvements and technical advantages. We are always seeking to innovate, to be the class leaders, to bring new technologies and thinking to market. That’s our Formula 1 heritage shining through,” Mr Flewitt said.
“Everything we’ve learnt from the 12C and the McLaren P1 has gone into the design and development of the McLaren 650S.”
Of course, along with the improved performance, the McLaren has a true sportscar look. Aggressive lines, a glowering face and stout yet low body emphasises its power and strength.
Rising wing doors are also an added feature, giving it that futuristic and truly expensive aesthetic.
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