Introducing the 2015 McLaren 650S Spider…. McLaren Automotive has unleashed the fastest, most engaging, best equipped and most beautiful series-production supercar yet. Every time you approach your McLaren 650S Spider, you’ll feel the same tingle of excitement. It is one of the most expensive dream cars on the road, and one of the most beautiful.
Every panel, every surface, every detail has been painstakingly designed to look just as good whether the roof is up or down. McLaren 650S dream cars promise to redefine the high performance supercar segment, and has been designed and developed to provide the ultimate in driver engagement on the road and on the race track. With all of the dream cars available today, McLaren is truly one of a kind.
The 650S badge designation refers to the power output – 650PS (641 bhp), – of the unique British-built McLaren M838T twin turbo V8 engine. ‘S’ stands for ‘Sport’, underlining the focus and developments made to handling, transmission, drivability and engagement. Performance figures will be confirmed ahead of the Geneva Show but will improve on the already rapid 12C which continues on sale.
The design is inspired by the McLaren P1™, previewing a new family design language. The front bumper gives the McLaren 650S a dramatic, yet clean appearance and sits below new LED headlamps which reflect a similar look to the McLaren P1™. The more integrated front splitter contributes to increased levels of downforce, giving a greater level of steering feeling and confidence to the driver on turn-in, while also adding to the agility and the car’s handling balance. Unique door blades behind the front wheels direct air from the trailing edges of the front splitter, further benefiting front-end grip and vehicle balance.
The McLaren 650S Spider accelerates to 62mph from rest in just 3.0 seconds, and can reach over 124mph in just 8.4 seconds. The true top speed is 207 mph. This performance puts the latest model from McLaren a full second quicker than the iconic McLaren F1 road car.
The McLaren 650S Spider accelerates to 60mph from rest in just 2.9 seconds, and can reach over 100mph in just 5.7 seconds. The true top speed is 207 mph. This performance puts the latest model from McLaren a full second quicker than the iconic McLaren F1 road car. The engine is capable of churning out maximum power of 641 HP @ 8500rpm and a peak torque of 500 ft.lb @ 6000 rpms.
The McLaren 650S is the world’s most versatile supercar, and the Spider takes that one step further with a retractable hardtop that retains the McLaren 650S’s breathtaking dynamics while opening you up to a whole new dimension of driving enjoyment.
Engines are the heart and soul of supercars, but retractable hardtops often hide them from view. The McLaren 650S Spider’s clever tonneau cover solves that problem. Whether the roof is open or closed, you’ll still get a glimpse of the twin-turbo V8 every time you walk up to this must have dream car. When the roof is raised, an additional 52 litres of luggage space is available for maximum versatility.
Optimized aerodynamics ensure that the performance of the McLaren 650S is accessible and increases driver engagement. Enhanced handling, high-speed balance and steering turn-in result from improved levels of downforce.
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 tyres to offer optimised roadholding, handling and driver feedback – the bespoke ‘MC1’ branded tyres have been developed alongside the McLaren 650S by McLaren technology partner Pirelli, and offer strong performance in normal road conditions and on track.
The pioneering ProActive Chassis Control (PCC) suspension system, developed by McLaren, has been further enhanced for the McLaren 650S. A feature of the system is the ability to adjust the ride and handling modes (Normal / Sport / Track) in isolation from the drivetrain, which gives complete freedom in terms of ride and handling. These settings, for both powertrain and suspension, have been recalibrated to improve driver engagement. The updates are especially noticeable in Sport mode.
‘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,’ explains Mike Flewitt. ‘Everything we’ve learnt from the 12C and the McLaren P1™ has gone into the design and development of the McLaren 650S.’
The McLaren 650S is designed to be the best and most engaging driver’s dream car in its class, yet it is not a stripped out road racer. Ride comfort and refinement are to executive saloon standards. The McLaren 650S models are equipped 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, while also offering enhanced levels of optional specification than previously offered. Options include fixed-back carbon racing seats, based on the lightweight design found in the McLaren P1™, an electric steering column adjustment assisting ingress and egress, a rear parking camera and extended carbon fibre throughout the interior.
The Spider starts at $284,500 with several custom available options, making it one of the most expensive cars available for purchase. All in all, this car is the ultimate sportscar with all the bells and whistles of a true race car, yet with the elegance of modern technology and sleek design lines that make the McLaren 650S simply perfect.
