McLaren 650S successor spied undisguised


The 650S replacement is not due before the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017, but today we are able to get a very early look at the new model from Woking. Codenamed “P14”, the supercar has been spotted in prototype guise while undergoing testing in Spain. To the surprise of many, McLaren did not bother to camouflage the vehicle at all, thus giving us the opportunity to see its design which has gone through some significant modifications.
Some have complained that McLarens all look very much alike, but they probably won’t be saying the same thing about the new arrival which represents a departure in terms of exterior design. McLaren has already announced a “big leap” in terms of aesthetics, and the undisguised prototype demonstrates the company’s design department has lived up to the promise. 
The front and rear have gained slender LED headlights providing the high-performance coupe with a sleeker appearance, while the side profile has also been subjected to numerous changes. At the back, the centrally-positioned dual exhaust tips are similar to those of the sold-out 675LT. In addition, the engine cover has been redesigned and it has a more curved layout and we are also expecting some active aerodynamics bits. We don’t get a clear view of the rear bumper, but from what we are seeing, the prototype did not carry the one which will be fitted on the production-spec car since the lower portion of the bumper looks unfinished.
While images of the interior cabin are not available in this batch, we do know from McLaren it has plans to make some significant changes to enable a more driver-focused intuitive control system.
As far as the hardware is concerned, the “P14” will be powered by an upgraded biturbo 3.8-liter V8 used in all of the company’s current models. In the 650S, it’s good enough for 650 PS (641 hp / 478 kW) and 500 pound-feet (678 newton meters), but in the new application it will deliver more power. Some have said the model’s name is going to begin with “7” (indicating at least 700 PS), but a spokesman at McLaren has already quashed the rumors.
The MonoCell carbon fiber chassis will also receive some tweaks for the 650S successor in a bid to further differentiate the new model from the 540C, now acting as McLaren’s entry-level model. All of the changes will boost performance over the 650S which runs to 62 mph (100 kph) in three seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 207 mph (333 kph).
With a Geneva premiere already announced, McLaren might release images of the car online as early as February.





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster & GT C Roadster Officially Revealed [w/Video]

Image
Mercedes finally pulled the wraps off the  AMG GT’s Roadster version  which will come in two flavors: the basic 469hp model and the range-topping 547hp GT C model. The rumors were true then, as the new AMG GT C Roadster not only offers 46hp more than the AMG GT S Coupe but also borrows some of the technology found  in the manic AMG GT R .  More specifically, the new AMG GT C comes with the GT R’s rear axle steering, electronic locking differential and a wider rear track. Torque is rated at a peak 501lb-ft (680Nm), available from just 1900rpm. Mercedes reckons it needs 3.7 seconds to hit 62mph from a standstill, with the top speed electronically limited to 196mph (316km/h). The AMG GT Roadster on the other hand requires 4 seconds flat for the 0-62 procedure and won’t stop accelerating before hitting 187mph. Both models are powered by the same twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine that has become the spine of AMG’s range, powering almost everything wearing their badge. As in the Coupe, a sev
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu
Read more

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as
Read more