McLaren 650S 2014
Introduced in 2014, the McLaren 650S is a mid-engined British supercar that followed the 12C in McLaren’s Super Series range. Its name refers to the quoted 650 PS output, while the “S” identifies its sportier emphasis. The coupe combines a carbon-fibre passenger cell, a 3,799 cc twin-turbocharged V8 and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. McLaren claimed 0–100 km/h in 3.0 seconds, 0–200 km/h in 8.4 seconds and a 333 km/h top speed. Its front-end design drew clear inspiration from the McLaren P1, while revised suspension, stability-control programming and transmission calibration aimed to give the car a sharper character than the 12C. (cars.mclaren.com)
History
The McLaren 650S was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014 and offered from the outset as both a coupe and a Spider. It retained the 12C’s basic architecture, including the carbon-fibre central structure and McLaren’s 3.8-litre V8, but incorporated extensive revisions. Engine changes covered areas such as the cylinder heads, pistons, camshafts, cooling system and exhaust. The dual-clutch transmission was also recalibrated for quicker shifts. McLaren revised the chassis through changes to the springs, dampers and electronic control systems, while carbon-ceramic brakes became standard equipment. The exterior adopted a more P1-influenced front end, with redesigned headlights and air openings. The 650S was initially positioned as a more focused companion to the 12C, but it ultimately became the model that replaced it in McLaren’s road-car range. (autocar.co.uk)
Latest scans
Photos added by the community for this page.
Technical data
2 powertrains recorded for the 650S. Some figures apply to the version as a whole rather than to each engine.
Compare powertrains
Pick a powertrain: the detailed sheet below follows your selection.
| Criterion | ||
|---|---|---|
| Power | 478 kW | 478 kW |
| Torque | 678 Nm | 678 Nm |
| Gearbox | Automatique, 7 rapports | Automatique, 7 rapports |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | Propulsion |
| Fuel | Essence | Essence |
Showing: 3.8L V8 7AT
This powertrain
- Power
- 478 kW
- Torque
- 678 Nm
- Transmission
- Automatique, 7 rapports
- Drive type
- Propulsion
- Fuel
- Essence
Recorded across the whole version
- 0-100 km/h
- 2.9 - 3 s
- Top speed
- 333 km/h
- Displacement
- 3799 - 3800 cm3
- Consumption
- 11.7 - 13.1 L/100 km
- Dimensions
- 4509 x 1895 x 1199 mm
- Weight
- 1330 - 1468 kg
Source: cardatawiki
Anecdotes
The 650S borrows visual cues from the McLaren P1, but it is not a simpler P1: it belongs to the Super Series and was intended to remain a more usable road car. McLaren also stated that the coupe could reach 200 km/h in 8.4 seconds, one second quicker than the figure quoted for the McLaren F1 over the same benchmark. Despite its folding roof, the Spider retained a claimed 0–100 km/h time of 3.0 seconds. (autocar.co.uk)
Production
McLaren launched the 650S as a production model in 2014, offering both coupe and Spider body styles. The sources reviewed do not establish a sufficiently reliable total production figure for the standard Base coupe, so no overall number should be assigned to it. Some derivatives do have documented limits: McLaren Special Operations restricted the 650S Can-Am Spider to 50 examples. That figure applies only to the Can-Am edition and should not be extended to the wider 650S family. The 650S GT3 belongs to customer motorsport and differs from the road car in its production process, homologation and specification. (cars.mclaren.com)
Press reception
Automotive journalists generally regarded the 650S as a substantial improvement over the 12C. Top Gear praised its acceleration, track ability, composure on uneven roads and comfort, while also suggesting that the P1-influenced nose made the facelift visually conspicuous. Autocar emphasised that the changes went well beyond styling, pointing to revisions to the chassis, transmission and engine. Period road tests consequently described the 650S as an extremely fast supercar with more character and sharper responses than its predecessor, while still retaining genuine usability on public roads. (topgear.com)
Evolution
Variants
The Base version represents the standard road-going 650S coupe. Alongside it, the 650S Spider used the same core powertrain with a three-piece retractable hardtop and performance close to that of the coupe, although with additional weight. McLaren Special Operations also created several special editions. The MSO 650S featured distinctive finishes, exclusive colours and dedicated aerodynamic details. The 650S Can-Am was based on the Spider and limited to 50 examples, using carbon-fibre components, special wheels and a competition-inspired appearance to honour McLaren’s Can-Am racing heritage. The 650S GT3 was a purpose-built racing car for GT3 championships rather than a road-car trim level. (cars.mclaren.com)
References
- McLaren 650S Coupe - SpecificationMcLaren Automotive
Carrosserie, moteur, puissance, transmission et performances annoncées du coupé 650S.
- McLaren 650S SpiderMcLaren Automotive
Caractéristiques et performances annoncées de la version Spider.
- McLaren 650S Can-Am Spider EditionMcLaren Automotive
Limitation à 50 exemplaires et caractéristiques de la série Can-Am.
- McLaren 650S faster than F1 hypercarAutocar
Présentation de 2014, performances annoncées et évolution de la boîte de vitesses.
- McLaren 650S reviewTop Gear
Évaluation de la dynamique, du confort, du moteur et du positionnement face à la 12C.
- Road Test: McLaren 650S 3.8 Auto 2drTop Gear
Essai routier contemporain et appréciation des performances et de l'utilisation quotidienne.
- Used McLaren 650S Spider 2014-2016 reviewAutocar
Évolution technique par rapport à la 12C et caractéristiques générales de la famille 650S.
- Meet the McLaren 650S GT3 racerTop Gear
Lancement et positionnement de la 650S GT3 comme voiture de course destinée aux compétitions GT3.
