HOME Available as a fixed-head Coupé or Spider, with a retractable folding hard top, the McLaren 650S promises to redefine the high performance supercar segment, and has been designed to provide the ultimate in-driver engagement onroad and on the race track. The 650S badge designation refers to the power output – 650PS (641 bhp) – of the unique Britishbuilt McLaren M838T twin turbo V8 engine. ‘S’ stands for ‘Sport’, underlining the focus and developments made to handling, transmission, drivability and engagement. The maximum power figure ensures the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, at 500PS (493 bhp) per tonne. The design is inspired by the McLaren P1™, showcasing a new family design language for the brand. More importantly, the new look follows the McLaren design ethos of ‘form follows function’, with the front bumper providing a dramatic yet clean appearance, while the integrated front splitter contributes to increased levels of downforce. This produces a greater level of steering ‘feel’ and confidence on turn-in, while also adding to the agility and handling balance. Distinctive sculpted side intakes direct air into the efficiently packaged radiators to cool the unique 3.8-litre twin turbo M838T V8 engine, with a maximum torque of 678Nm (500 lb ft). “McLaren is an engineering led company, and we’re proud of that,” McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt says. “The new design gives important engineering and driver benefits. Yet it’s not just about improving the numbers – the McLaren 650S also dials up the design drama and driving excitement.” Key to the McLaren 650S is that the signature McLaren capabilities are not compromised. Despite the power and performance focus, the McLaren 650S boasts an extensive specification list, with an optimised powertrain, braking and suspension systems, as well as a refined and luxuriously equipped cabin. Despite these extra features, the McLaren 650S weighs just 1330 kilograms (dry). Performance is class leading for both the Coupé and Spider models. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes only three seconds, while 0-200 km/h (124 mph) takes just 8.4 seconds for the Coupé Spider 8.6 seconds. Maximum speed is 333 km/h (207mph) 329 km/h (204 mph) for Spider. “The McLaren 650S is a multi-purpose, high performance sports car, and is thrilling to drive,” Flewitt says. “No other series-production sports car on sale today offers such a breadth of capabilities. Maximum driver appeal, and driver engagement, is at the heart of this car, as it is with all McLarens. Yet unlike some rivals, the McLaren 650S is not a stripped-out racer. It is faster than many other ultra-sports car rivals, yet there is no compromise in luxury. It has all the refinement and comfort you would expect from McLaren, and all the power and excitement as well.” The ‘no compromise’ McLaren 650S is also one of the most efficient models in class, returning 24.2 mpg (11.7 l/100km) on the EU combined cycle, and a CO2 figure of 275g/km. This is testament to the drive by McLaren for continued improvement and class-leading efficiency. As with the limited edition McLaren P1™, the McLaren 650S models use a Formula 1™-inspired carbon fibre chassis. Weighing just 75 kilograms, the innovative MonoCell forms the centre of the McLaren 650S and offers advantages in weight, torsional rigidity, durability, safety and quality. Other technologies that link to the company’s Formula 1 heritage include full wishbone suspension, mid-engine architecture, Brake Steer for enhanced agility and carbon ceramic disc brakes (standard on the McLaren 650S). The McLaren 650S also benefits from the groundbreaking technologies fitted to other McLaren models. Active aerodynamics, which feature on the McLaren P1™, have been further honed to ensure the ultimate performance and ability for the McLaren 650S. The McLaren Airbrake, designed to offer optimised levels of downforce on the rear of the car, now works with greater levels of functionality, and offers a greater degree of stability in a wider range of conditions. “Everything we’ve learnt from the McLaren P1™ has gone into the McLaren 650S,” Flewitt says. “The result is a car that’s faster, more fun and thrilling to drive, yet also more comfortable, luxurious and even easier to enjoy, day-to-day.” “At McLaren, we are a fast moving company, continually striving for improvements and technical advantages. That’s our Formula 1 heritage and mentality shining through; always seeking to innovate, to be the class-leaders, to bring new technologies to market as fast as possible.” The McLaren 650S uses a unique version of the award-winning 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 M838T engine. New pistons and cylinder heads provide a boost in engine power and torque, and these are combined with new exhaust valves and revised cam timing. Further advances have been made to the transmission software to allow faster and crisper gearshifts. Adding to the aural drama in ‘Sport’ mode is the ‘cylinder cut’ technology, which produces an exhaust flare on upshifts. This is achieved by momentarily interrupting the spark and ‘popping’ the fuel on re-ignition, creating a distinctive engine note as exhaust sound is amplified without any loss in performance. Under hard acceleration in ‘Track’ mode, when full performance is required, the McLaren 650S features ‘inertia push’, which harnesses the built up kinetic energy to deliver an impulse of torque as the next gear is engaged. This approach delivers the next gear before the engine speed has dropped, resulting in continual strong acceleration. Further optimisation has been made to the McLaren-developed clutch control software, which improves smoothness, predictability and 84 Pindara Magazine 2015\2016
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Six
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