The McLaren 12C was one of the best sports cars, showing the world that McLaren could make a sports car. However, due to dwindling sales, McLaren saw it best to replace it with the McLaren 650S, an even better supercar that turned out to be one of the best exotics from the 2010s, unveiled in 2014 and produced until 2017. A few supercars could do 0-60 in under 3.0 seconds in the 2010s, and the McLaren 650S is one of them. Thanks to extensive upgrades such as a refreshed engine and lighter body construction, the McLaren 650S could do 0-60 in 2.9 seconds, making it more than just a replacement for the McLaren 12C. Developed to give the enthusiastic driver the ultimate luxury, driving engagement, and excitement on the road and track, the McLaren 650S offers the widest breadth of capabilities compared to most cars in its class. It showcased a new design without compromise inspired by the McLaren P1, taking the best obtainable attributes. McLaren also made the 650S more usable and capable than any previous cars. Today, a McLaren 650S will sell for around $150,000, but some units can go for up to $180,000 or as low as $120,000. When in the market for one. How much you will spend on a 650S depends on several factors, such as mileage, condition, and spec, with the cleanest high-spec units selling for the highest prices. Is the McLaren 650S a better purchase than a Lamborghini Huracan or a Porsche 911?
The McLaren 650S takes after the McLaren 12C and P1, taking the best attainable attributes from each. It features the same carbon tub and aluminum subframes from the 12C and design and engineering inspired by the McLaren P1, taking functional aerodynamics to a new level. When unveiling the McLaren 650S, McLaren said that everything they've learned from the McLaren 12C and P1 has gone into the McLaren 650S. The result is an even faster car that is more fun and thrilling to drive and more comfortable and luxurious, making it easier to enjoy day to day. Under the hood is McLaren's 3.8-liter V8, which saw tremendous changes in the 650S, enabling it to make more power. As a result, the transmission was re-tuned to handle the extra power and deliver quicker and more precise gear shifts. A stunning carbon and aluminum body envelops the McLaren 650S chassis, keeping weight to a minimum while retaining structural rigidity. The main design focus points were aerodynamics and air management, making the exterior more functional than stylish and visually amplifying the 650S's abilities. McLaren made the McLaren 650S even better by adding a luxury touch and daily usability touch that was lacking in most supercars at the time. The interior is more accommodating, featuring a cabin meticulously optimized for maximum driving pleasure and unparalleled driving comfort without adding significant weight to the car. This makes the 650S one of the select few supercars you can drive daily or do road trips without constant back pain from the seats, which are surprisingly comfortable for track days.
The 650S's harmonious blend of exceptional performance, stunning design, and ergonomic interior reflect McLaren's dedication to form and function, optimizing the best or nothing in every aspect of the car. McLaren intended it to be as track-ready as it's optimized for the road, offering unaltered McLaren driving dynamics regardless of the driving conditions. Externally, the McLaren 650 is stunning, boasting a visual marvel mainly centered around aerodynamics, with every surface focused on enhancing airflow while radiating an undeniably captivating presence on the road. Inside, the interior reflects the McLaren 650S' performance with a touch of luxury and creature comforts befitting a daily-driven supercar. Sitting behind the cabin is a newer version of McLaren's long-running 3.8-liter engine, also used in the McLaren P1 and 12C. However, it doesn't make as much power as the McLaren P1 version, nor does it have a power output similar to the 12C. Read on to find out how much power the McLaren 650S makes.
According to McLaren, the McLaren 650S used a more advanced version of their award-winning 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 641 horsepower, which is close to what this engine makes in the McLaren P1. The power increase comes from new pistons, better-flowing cylinder heads, new exhaust valves, and revised shaft timing. These upgrades also resulted in higher torque figures measured at 500 lb.ft during production time. Mated to the engine and driving the rear wheels is McLaren's 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is enhanced to deliver faster and more precise gear shifts. Additionally, the transmission was recalibrated with the McLaren-developed clutch control software, improving smoothness, predictability, and refinement when shifting gears, particularly at low speeds. The engine and transmission in the McLaren 650S are marvels, but the magic is in the suspension system. McLaren's pioneering ProActive Chassis Control suspension system was enhanced for the McLaren 650S to provide complete freedom through three suspension modes: Normal Track, Sport, and Normal Track. The suspension modes can be adjusted separately from the drivetrain, allowing you to individualize how you'd like the car to handle.
The McLaren P1 greatly inspires the McLaren 650S design as it takes a few beneficial bits and pieces, making it more aerodynamic. McLaren says that every time you approach your 650S, you'll feel the same tingle of excitement as you first set your eyes on it. At its nose, the McLaren 650S features a newly designed low-sitting front bumper with full LED headlights adopted from the McLaren P1, which do more than just give the front bumper a menacing look. They provide a distinctive illumination and resemble the McLaren' speed marque' Logo first envisioned in 1997. The front bumper sits a bit lower than the bumper on the McLaren 12C due to the reduced stance on the 650S, which helps accelerate airflow below the car. This creates downforce that maximizes traction and cornering ability and gives the 650S that race car feel being closer to the ground. Formula 1-inspired underbody fins, which are obviously not visible, direct air from the front bumper to the rear diffuser, further enhancing downforce. To improve cold air flow to the radiators cooling the engine, the side air intakes on the iconic McLaren dihedral doors are considerably large in the McLaren 650S, but they blend into the body lines perfectly without being too obnoxious. An active rear wing graces the rear end, and in addition to improving aerodynamics, it also functions as an airbrake and functions whenever the car senses extra downforce is required. This means you don't have to press the brake pedal for the wing to activate, as it will accelerate when decelerating or going over a high-speed corner.
Inside the McLaren 650S, you get a refined and luxuriously appointed cabin that was the most luxurious cabin that McLaren had crafted during production time. There's floor padding on the floor and sound deadening, unlike in the McLaren P1, which lacks any of these. Going up to the seats, leather and Alcantara were standard, so expect to find a lot of 650Ss with any of these two materials on the seats, door cards, and dashboard. Carbon overlays grace the center console, vents, and steering wheel, lined with Alcantara for extra grip and grasp comfort. McLaren kept the Steering wheel in the McLaren 650S as bare as possible, only retaining the paddle shifters to enhance the feeling between man and machine. All controls are housed on the center console, with every control being grouped to enable easier location, eliminating the need to take your eyes off the road.
Unlike most track-inspired McLaren cars, such as the 600LT, the McLaren 650S is not stripped of its essential features with the aim of weight reduction. Air conditioning, heated seats, and power windows, to mention a few, were standard, thus making the car more practical and usable even as a daily-driven supercar. The 7-inch infotainment display houses control to the 7-speaker 280-watt meridian sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, a navigation system, dual channel radio, and USB and auxiliary inputs. Drivers can also use the screen to view vehicle data and individualize driving mode settings. Front and rear parking sensors, ABS, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, and height adjustable seat belts are some safety features in the McLaren 650S. Additionally, most units have an engine immobilizer, anti-theft alarm, central locking, and power door locks to enhance the car's security.
The McLaren 650S meets all the requirements anyone would have when buying a supercar. Being fast is one thing, but handling has to be at par with the car's performance, and the McLaren 650S has the perfect blend of performance and handling. Visual appeal is also a determining factor, and thanks to McLaren's slowly evolving but highly attractive design, the McLaren 650S never seems to go out of date, which is impressive for a car discontinued more than five years ago. A McLaren 650S will probably cost you around $150,000, with prices going higher or lower depending on the car's specs, condition, and mileage, among other factors. Considering the price, it's the perfect entry-level modern supercar since most, including the McLaren 600LT, retail for figures above $200,000. If you are currently in the market for a McLaren 650S, you can buy one on Exotic Car Trader. Be sure to watch out for our McLaren 650S listings, and you might find a spec that matches your taste. Also, if you have a taste for McLarens, check out our McLaren listings.
Taking over from the McLaren 12C, the McLaren 650S proved a worthy successor, offering more and beyond what most entry-level sports cars and supercars offered during production. It remains relevant and highly covetable today as its adrenaline-pumping performance and handling are still as good as when the 650S was new. Is there any reason why you shouldn't buy a McLaren 650S today?
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