McLaren has previewed its third supercar, dubbed 650S, ahead of the Geneva motor show with a preview shot showing the model’s name badge.
The 650S will be a new production model based on the 12C, featuring extensive styling changes, including a P1-style nose, and will be engineered to have more character than the existing car.
The ‘650’ name is thought to refer to the 650ps (641bhp) output of the tweaked twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine. By comparison, the standard car gets 616bhp from the same powerplant, with a top speed of 204mph and a 0-60mph time of 3.2 seconds.
Two versions will be available, one with a ‘carbon kit’ to further distinguish the car’s looks. Sources say a 12C replacement, which will be heavily influenced by the 650S, will be shown later this year. The new model is destined to rival the Ferrari 458 Speciale, which has 597bhp on tap from its V8 engine.
Official pricing for the 650S has yet to be announced, but it's likely to cost around £20,000 more than the £176,000 12C coupé. It's expected that most buyers in the UK will opt for the new model over the standard 12C when it goes on sale.
The introduction of the 650S means McLaren's product portfolio continues to grow. As well as its current crop of models, the company is also working on an entry-level model to rival the Porsche 911, dubbed P13, and a new supercar to sit between the 12C and P1, named P15.
