McLaren 650s is a 2 seater, supercar from British automobile manufacturers McLaren Automotive. The 650 nomenclature references the power generated by the engine while the S stands for Sport. 

McLaren teased the world with the 650 during the 2014 Geneva Motor show. Upon its debut, the first-gen was based mostly on the MP4-12C platform with only 25% new parts. This platform sharing gave the 650 the familiar carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer chassis and the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged McLaren M838T V8 engine. 

Let's get right to it and find out what the McLaren 650S brings to the table.

Engine And Transmission

McLaren 650S
Car specs Database

The engine used on the McLaren 650S is the M838T V8, tuned to put out power and torque. The 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 640 HP at 7100 RPM and produces 678lb-ft of torque at 5500 RPM. The engineers at McLaren mean business, the 650S is a mid-engined Supercar that has a high rev limit of 8500 RPM.

A Mid-engined characteristic allows the coupe to achieve the perfect weight distribution. Now, McLaren does its wizardry with the components, lighter connecting rods, and exhaust system along with a custom camshaft and valves to minimize weight. Most of the 650 S is a remodeled 12C but involves better pistons, better-flowing cylinder heads, better exhaust valves, and recalibrated camshaft timing.

The transmission used here is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that powers the rear wheels. The gear ratios are 4.0, 1.9, 1.5, 1.2, 0.9, and 0.7 respectively for the 7 gears. With software running the transmission controls, it also reduces the shift time of the vehicle. McLaren provided the 650S with a 3.30 final drive ratio.

It is among the fastest V8 powered cars available today. With high performance comes low fuel-efficiency, however, the 650S does hold its name with a decent 25.5 mpg fuel-efficiency.

Related: Watch McLaren's Senior Designer Detail How Speedtail's Three-Person Interior Was Created

How Is The Drive Quality Of The 650S?

650S
via McLaren

McLaren built the entire chassis as a monocoque tub under the car. Now, with the use of a carbon-fiber tub, the weight of the 650S is drastically reduced because of a chassis construction with no metals. They made the monocoque tub out of carbon fiber that’s designed with deep hollow box sections on each side of the tub for easy entry and exit from the car. The design of the car carries the signature swoosh styling for better aero capabilities.

With smart systems installed in the vehicle gathering data like performance figures, lap timings, acceleration figures, and the likeness, getting an analysis on driving performance is very easy. To improve Drag Reduction, McLaren offered a Drag Reduction System called DRS to enhance the aerodynamics. For best in class performance, the coupe deploys a carbon-ceramic braking system by Akebono.

Independent hydraulic suspensions help in the vehicle's handling. The premium suspension setup is neither stiff nor too soft and offers a rather comfortable drive experience. While a spirited driving session or a drive on the track, you will love the 4-Corner Auto-Leveling system, which makes it fun to zip around corners with the least discomfort. To further enhance the feel, an electro-hydraulic power-assist speed-sensing steering system makes it easy to navigate at high and low speeds by adjusting the stiffness of the steering wheel. Also, with the mode selection, the suspension performance can be changed to attain the best traction or comfort as required.

McLaren also provided the launch control feature to squeeze the maximum power out of the engine and to give a better performance at the input of the throttle. The interior of the car is comfortable and has an inbuilt IRIS infotainment system. The view from the driver's seat is decent for the front end as the pillars are not very broad but the rear has huge blind spots because of the B pillar.

Related: How Depreciation Has Made The McLaren MP4-12C A Bargain V8 Supercar

How Reliable Is The 650S?

via carmagazine

With the monocoque design and the engine behind the driver, the front end of the vehicle becomes a large crumple zone. This means that the impact of the crash gets distributed to the body of the vehicle instead of being transferred to the driver's compartment. Also, the side structures of the vehicle are higher than the driver’s thigh, which provides a better safety aspect with a side crash. With the car being so expensive, the maintenance cost is also higher than usual. Servicing of the car is advised by McLaren annually or at 10,000 miles. The typical servicing charge would be around $1800 to $2000. This service includes oil change, the wiper blades, cabin cleaning, air filters, etc.

Also, the car came with electronic stability control and roll stability control system. It is also fitted with an ABS and Driveline traction control. The car has a Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning. It also has Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags and Door-Mounted Side Airbags. The Airbag Occupancy Sensor helps with the safe operation of the airbags. Driver And Passenger also have Knee Airbags.

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