New McLaren 650S Coupe & Spider: OFFICIAL

The new McLaren 650S Coupe (pictured) officially revealed

After an initial tease last week, we had the first official photos of the new McLaren 650s yesterday which has prompted McLaren to do the right thing and officially reveal the new 650S today. Just as we’ve already reported, the 650S is a more focused 12C with front end styling that takes its lead from the McLaren P1, more power – up from 616bhp in the 12C to 641bhp (650PS) – and more focus on driver engagement.

That new P1 front end new LED headlights mark the 650S out from the 12C, with a more integrated front splitter increasing downforce and door blades behind the front wheels directing air from the trailing edges of the splitter for better front end grip.

New side intakes feed the radiators for improved cooling and there’s new 5-spoke 650S alloys get Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres for better performance and the active aerodynamics have been further developed for more downforce and increased stability as well as a new air brake clever enough to know when it’s needed.

McLaren has even had a play with its ProActive Chassis Control (PCC) suspension with the Normal, Sport and Track settings all being tweaked.

It’s a comprehensive improvement right across the board from the 12C – and, it could be argued, the car the 12C should have been – and comes with a comprehensive standard spec – including IRIS SatNav, Bluetooth and DAB – with more options like carbon racing seats, electric steering column, rear view camera and extra carbon fibre for the cabin.

Both the McLaren 650S Coupe and Spider will debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show and go on sale soon after. Mclaren hasn’t revealed prices for the 650S yet, but expect it to start at around £195,000 for the 650S Coupe and £215,000 for the 650S Spider.

Which, even though prices are £20k up on the 12C, will probably see the 12C quietly disappear as buyers opt for the more appealing 650S.

By Cars UK