The McLaren 650S is powered by a mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged 3.8L V8 engine producing 641 hp. The only transmission available is a lightning fast twin-clutch 7-speed automatic, which sends power to the rear wheels only. While 641 hp sounds like a lot, it feels like even more, thanks to the carbon-fiber construction of the car and the resulting low curb weight. This combination of low weight, high horsepower and a quick-shifting dual clutch transmission allows for sprints to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. Astoundingly fast for a car that is rear-wheel drive.
The 650S is far from just a drag car though. Handling is even more impressive than straight line performance. The 650S has huge amounts of grip, noticeable downforce and the kind of delicate balance that can only be achieved with a mid-engined car. McLaren have even managed to tune the car to be relatively benign right up to and beyond the limits of grip. The performance is all there, but the car never feels like it wants to kill the driver or swap ends unexpectedly.
The 650S is sold in one of two variants, Coupe or Spider. The Spider features a 2-piece electronically operated folding hard top. It costs a little over $10,000 more than the coupe and though the folding top adds about 100 lbs of weight, McLaren claims that no chassis stiffness has been lost in the conversion, thanks to the extensive use of carbon-fiber in the cars construction.
The 650S comes with plenty of standard kit. Included in the base price are 19-inch and 20-inch staggered wheels, power folding mirrors, LED headlights, electronically controlled suspension with three different driving modes, a 7-inch touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and carbon-ceramic brakes. Optional items include a sports exhaust, height-adjustable suspension (for speed bumps and driveways) heated seats with a memory function, an upgraded sound system and steel brakes, which are a no cost option. Of course cars in this price range tend to be highly customizable, so unique interiors and exterior colors are available if the buyer is willing to pay a bit extra.
Incredibly Fast
Glamorous Styling
Impeccable Handling
Available As A Convertible
Easy To Drive At The Limit.
The 650S is a brand new model this year, though it's closely related to the MP4 12C and will replace that car. The 650S features a totally restyled front end, a more powerful engine and additional chassis tuning. The 650S is not only a faster car than the MP4 12C but a better handling car as well, thanks to revised suspension and improved aerodynamics.
The McLaren 650S starts at around $270,000 and while that's expensive, it's in such rarified company as the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Porsche 911 Turbo S. While all three are examples of intense automotive engineering, the McLaren claims the horsepower prize and the biggest head-turner. For those who want all three -- uncompromising speed, handling and looks -- the 650S is the one to buy, offering the kind of presence that can only be matched by million dollar hypercars.
