When the McLaren 12C was launched in 2011 it got mixed reviews with many, including me, complaining that it was almost too clinical and didn’t stir the emotions in the way a Ferrari or a Lamborghini does.
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That might sound a bit harsh for a car that was still extremely impressive, particularly in Spider form, but McLaren listened and produced its successor, the 650S which essentially is the car the 12C should have been.
As facelifts go, the 650S is a cosmetic triumph; it looks far sexier than the 12C, mainly due to the fact that the front is essentially straight from the McLaren P1 hypercar which immediately gives it a more dramatic appearance.
The carbon fibre clad air intakes on the side are perfectly proportioned and give it a sleek but aggressive look while the rear is pretty much like the 12C.
Carbon fibre splitters and trim at the bottom of the doors and gorgeous black wheels complete an aesthetic masterpiece.
It is a massive improvement on the 12C which didn’t have the visual impact people tend to expect from a supercar.
Open the dihedral doors that unfold like wings, and you are greeted by a cockpit which looks like it has come straight out of a racing car with the focus on performance and efficient simplicity.
The cabin, built inside a carbon fibre monocell, hasn’t changed that much from the 12C because it didn’t really need to.
Heavy-stitched alcantara has become the standard trim and there is carbon fibre everywhere.
Although you feel as if you are sitting in a hard-edged racing car it also offers luxury and levels of refinement that are exceptional for an extreme machine with raw performance at its heart.
The instrument cluster and infotainment system, operated via a smartphone type screen on the centre console, is designed for practicality.
The buttons you will use the most, such as the drive modes, comfort, sport and track (if you are feeling brave) are at your fingertips while things like aircon controls are on the doors.
The seats are quite hard but very comfortable and you do feel as if you have morphed into part of the car once you are sitting in what is a compact yet surprisingly spacious cabin which plenty of legroom.
Even before you start the engine the 650S succeeds in raising the excitement levels in a way the 12C somehow failed to do.
Hit the ignition button and this car explodes into life as the 3.8-litre, twin turbo V8 awakens with a noise that makes the hairs on the back of your neck bristle with anticipation.
This magnificent engine packs 641bhp and a mighty 678nm of torque which is enough to get from 0-100kmh in just three seconds with a top speed of 330kmh if you have the nerve to keep your foot in.
The power is put down through the rear-wheel drive system via a seven speed dual clutch gearbox which has astonishingly fast gear changes.
The car does it all perfectly in auto mode but you just have to use the paddle-shifts to enjoy what is a thrilling experience.
As you would expect from a company so embedded in F1, this car has the very latest chassis and suspension technology, including active aerodynamics, which ensures the ultimate driving experience and safety.
You feel totally connected to the road and unless you are a complete half-wit driving well beyond your capabilities it’s never going to spit you off the tarmac.
It really is a magnificent car to drive and although I don’t possess the driving talent or courage to push it anywhere near its limits I was hardly hanging around and the faster I went the more this car impressed me with its confidence building and totally engaging performance at high-speed, accompanied by a dramatic and distinctive McLaren engine note.
Although the 650S was clearly built to go fast it’s fair to say that even at slow speed it behaves impeccably, proving that it is incredibly versatile and can be used as an exotic everyday car.
There is a small amount of space behind the driver and passenger inside the car, and a half decent amount of room in the boot which is at front.
The 650S is lighter, faster and much, much better than the 12C. Getting in and out of it is an event in itself and I had people filming the car outside a hotel, such is its star quality.
When McLaren go about improving something they don’t do it by halves and the 650S really is nudging perfection… and just when you thought it couldn’t get much better they have just unveiled the latest member of their Super Series, the stunning new 675LT. Bring it on!
Verdict:
While McLaren didn’t quite get it right with the 12C, it was inevitable that the 650S would be superb. McLaren like to describe it as the ultimate sportscar because, apart from being sensationally fast, it can be used everyday, but the biggest improvement is the way it is now evocative in that it activates all the passion associated with driving the best supercars in the world.
