The Fourth Promised Model Arrives with 650ps and Superior Sports Performance

On April 1st, McLaren Automotive held a presentation in Tokyo to unveil its latest model, the "650S," in Japan for the first time.

McLaren Automotive, a group company of the prestigious British F1 team "McLaren," has made it a policy to announce one new or derivative model each year. In 2011, they released theMP4-12C, in 2012 theMP4-12C Spider, and in 2013 the limited edition model "P1", with only 375 units produced worldwide, thus keeping their "promise."

And in 2014, theysimultaneously announced and released the McLaren 650S Coupe and Spider, successfully extending their streak of "new model introductions each year" to four.



Named the "650S" for its 650ps maximum engine output and superior sports performance (the "S" stands for Sport), this new model shares many technical similarities with the "12C", as evidenced by its 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbo engine and carbon fiber "MonoCell" chassis.

However, the 650S is positioned slightly above the "12C" in the model lineup. McLaren Automotive has also clarified that, unlike the limited-production P1, both the 650S and 12C will continue to be sold on an ongoing basis.

So, what are the differences between the 650S and the 12C?

1) Newly developed pistons and heads, with ECU tuning, increasing power to 650ps and torque to 678Nm (+25ps and +78Nm).
2) Drivetrain incorporating the latest control technology.
3) Chassis that achieves a higher level of performance and comfort than the 12C.
4) Aerodynamics that generate more downforce than the 12C, incorporating variable aerodynamic devices such as DRS.
5) McLaren's latest design language, echoing the P1.

These are the key features of the 650S.

Achieving Both Cornering Performance and a Comfortable Ride, Surpassing Previous Standards

Particularly noteworthy is the 650S's drivetrain, which benefits from the know-how gained during the development of the P1.

This is characterized by revised control systems that enable functions like "cylinder cut," which produces a sporty sound during upshifts when certain conditions of the drivetrain mode and driving style are met, or "inertia push," which enhances momentary acceleration. It's impressive to see McLaren Automotive, with its direct F1 heritage, demonstrate such rapid development capabilities by implementing similar innovations in the 650S, despite its significantly different hardware configuration from the P1, which debuted only a year ago.

In terms of aerodynamics, a McLaren specialty, downforce at 150 mph (approx. 240 km/h) has increased by 24 percent. It also features DRS for reduced air resistance and increased top speed on straights, and an airbrake that functions in a wider range of situations than on the 12C.

On the chassis front, a new damper mount has been adopted, and spring rates front and rear have been increased by 22-37 percent. Furthermore, by revising the settings of the proactive chassis control system, which hydraulically links the front, rear, and side dampers, the car achieves both superior cornering performance and a comfortable ride.



Additionally, to enhance drift control when ESP is off, the engine's power output control intervention timing has been delayed, incorporating refinements that allow for a more integrated driving experience than ever before.

At launch, the 650S is available in two types: Coupe and Spider, priced at 31.6 million yen and 34 million yen, respectively. With the P1, priced at approximately 100 million yen, selling out in an instant and still receiving cancellation orders, how does McLaren Automotive's latest creation, drawing such global attention, perform? An international test drive event is scheduled soon, which we eagerly anticipate.

McLaren 650S Coupe
Body Dimensions: Length 4,512 x Width (incl. mirrors) 2,093 x Height 1,199 mm
Wheelbase: 2,670 mm
Tread Front/Rear: 1,656 / 1,583 mm
Weight: 1,330 kg
Engine: 3,799cc V8 Twin-Turbo
Max Output: 650 ps / 7,250 rpm
Max Torque: 678 Nm / 6,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed Automatic (SSG)
Drivetrain: MR
Suspension: Proactive Suspension
Tires Front/Rear: 235/35ZR19 / 305/30ZR20 (Equipped with P Zero CORSA front and rear)
Brakes: Carbon Ceramic Discs
Top Speed: 333 km/h
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 3.0 seconds
0-200 km/h Acceleration: 8.4 seconds
0-300 km/h Acceleration: 25.4 seconds
CO2 Emissions: 275 g/km
Price (incl. tax): (Coupe) 31.6 million yen (Spider) 34.0 million yen