The latest addition to McLaren's range of groundbreaking supercars - the McLaren 650S - has been officially unveiled in Singapore, a day immediately after its global reveal at the 84th Geneva Motor Show. With its dramatic yet beautiful styling, the 650S has also been designed and developed to offer the enthusiast driver a higher dimension in luxury, engagement and excitement.
The 650S badge designation refers to the power output - 650PS (641bhp) - of the unique British-built McLaren M838T 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine. 'S' stands for 'Sport', underlining the focus and developments made to handling, transmission, drivability and engagement.
The new styling doesn't just add visual drama and give visual link to the McLaren P1 - it offers increased downforce of 40 percent at 241km/h and also improves handling balance and control.
The distinctive front splitter and door blades optimise aerodynamic performance, and improve handling balance, while the larger, restyled side intakes cool the more powerful engine. Those new full LED lights also offer a technical advantage - using less power and lasting longer.
Full luxurious (yet light) Alcantara trim is standard, although there's also extended use of leather including an optional upper zone Leather Pack, and additional semi-aniline leather colours. Contrast stitching is available, so is extended use of carbon fibre throughout the cabin. For more track-minded drivers, there are also carbon fibre racing seats based on those found in the P1. The ability for the customer to further tailor a McLaren to his or her desires is even greater than previously offered.
Power of 641bhp and 678Nm of torque improves acceleration, responsiveness and the sheer thrill of the drive. The century sprint now takes only three seconds, which is 0.3 seconds faster than the 12C Coupe and 0.1 seconds faster than the 12C Spider.
This is also faster than many 'stripped out' track-focused road cars, yet despite this, the 650S also offers better fuel economy of 11.7L/100km and is more usable everyday. The maximum power figure also ensures the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, at 493bhp/tonne.
The 650S uses Formula One-influenced technology, including the carbon fibre MonoCell, one of the world's most advanced road car chassis. This gives advantages in weight, torsional rigidity, durability, safety and quality. The MonoCell is 25 percent stiffer than a comparable aluminium chassis, and has an even greater margin of superiority over steel. These qualities result in a superior driving experience and enables McLaren to offer a Spider and Coupe version of the 650S.
McLaren's innovative ProActive Chassis Control (PCC) mates near-executive car ride comfort with sports car nimbleness. Ride quality has been further improved, thanks to new damper mounts. The firmer springs and dampers improve handling, but also boost ride comfort.
Thanks to new clutch control software, the twin-clutch transmission now operates faster and smoother. The improvement is especially noticeable in town in the 'Automatic' mode, with the car offering easy and smooth driving around town at lower speeds.
The 650S Coupe is priced from S$1,150,000 and the 650S Spider is priced from S$1,250,000 in Singapore (before COE, CEVS and options). Arrivals are planned from March this year.
