What makes a supercar? It has to be a complete package and the 2015 McLaren 650S Spider delivers the goods. McLaren took the existing MP4-12C car and went to work. They added an exotic, McLaren P1 inspired nose for a look that draws a lot more attention as we found out at the Colorado Cars and Coffee gathering. The car has the curb and the road presence of a supercar.
The folks at the McLaren Technology Centre in Surrey, UK went on to tweaking the mechanicals. The took the existing 3.8L twin-turbocharged V8 and extracted 25 additional horsepower and even more impressive 57 extra lb-ft of torque. The 650S name designates engine’s power. The total output of 650 PS translates to 641 hp @ 7,250 rpm and 500 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm. You have to wind this engine up to see maximum numbers (redline is at 8,500 rpm ), but it brings the amazing sound and massive propulsion throughout the rev range. You might think that those turbos would quiet down the exhaust, but it has surprisingly deep and growling voice. The sound is music to any car lover’s ears and adds a big plus on the supercar checklist.
McLaren claims a 2.9 second 0-60 mph sprint and a top speed of 204 mph. Yep, those are supercar numbers. The transmission is McLaren’s interpretation of what a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic should be. They call Seamless-Shift Gearbox (SSG) with pre-cog functionality. The result is an amazingly smooth and indeed seamless gear changes in normal mode, and very quick and commanding shifts in track mode. Big carbon ceramic brake rotors and six-piston calipers up front bring this missile back down to sane speeds. The automatic air-brake rear wings deploys during hard stops to assist.
The clutter-free and well designed interior is the final piece of the puzzle. The material quality is top notch. The Alcatara, carbon fiber, raised stitching, and switch-gear all work in concert to provide a comfortable and driver focused environment.
The 650S Spider has a split personality. It can be a comfortable cruiser or a track star at a turn of a knob.
TFLcar was fortunate to have a quick drive in the 2015 McLaren 650S Spider. This video will be posted very soon.
In the meantime, check out the 2015 McLaren 650S Spider unveiling from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.
