2015 McLaren 650S: Split Personality Supercar

2015 McLaren 650S (Credit: © McLaren)

The United Kingdom is certainly experiencing no shortage of top-tier automakers; with Bentley, Rolls, Lotus, and Aston Martin, just to name a few. Many have impressed the world this week in Switzerland at the 84th Geneva Motor Show but none more than McLaren. Creating quite a stir with media correspondents and enthusiasts alike is the 2015 McLaren 650S, an automobile that can only be described as a unique combination of a keen competitive racer and a luxurious sports roadster.

Taking its exterior styling cues directly from the track, the 2015 650S borrows its appearance theme from the beloved P1 Racer. Its striking frontal aesthetic with an aggressive front chin spoiler and Xenon headlights provide a superior aerodynamic effect while the racing inspired door blades yield added stability at high speed. Massive side air intakes not only help to cool the turbocharged power plant but also provide braking assistance for the conventional carbon metallic system. The airbrake also helps to maintain stability when needed by automatically extending and then tucking back into the body in the straightaway. The stunning craft rides on Pirelli P-Zero Corsa System tires and Formula One style wheels (19-inch in the front and 20-inch in the rear).

The 650S uses a carbon-fiber MonoCell to ensure a solid platform and optimum chassis dynamics. It is stiff, strong, extremely lightweight, and provides exceptional riding comfort with highly responsive steering. The adaptive suspension system ranges from that of a family sedan to an all-out competitive racing machine.

McLaren has been careful not to create a supercar that is too “wild” for the street with the 2015 650S, despite the fact that it boasts a top speed of 207mph and a 0 to 60 mph time of only 2.9-seconds. It is a mid engine powered car that features a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox mated to a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine that is capable of delivering 640-horsepower but not until 7250 RPM making it potent enough for weekends at the track and tame enough for the daily commute.