10 Things You Didn’t Know About the McLaren 650S
The McLaren 650S is part of the Super Series from the British car manufacturer, McLaren Automotives, and it was introduced in 2014. This two-seater car is a dream for many people, who consider it the ultimate in automotive design and performance. The media and critics agreed with this viewpoint, as when the car was first launched, it received overwhelmingly positive reviews. If you are a petrolhead who finds car facts fascinating, here are 10 things you probably did not know about the McLaren 650S.
1. There are Five Variants
Since the original was introduced in 2014, there have been five variants of the McLaren 650S. The first variant was the 650S Spider, which was available from 2014 to 2016. In the same year as the car was originally introduced, McLaren also produced the MSO 650S variant, which was a limited production car, with only 50 produced between 2014 and 2017. Between 2015 and 2016, they also produced a 625C version of the car. The 625 element of the name refers to the lower engine output, and the C stands for Club. The purpose of this variant was to offer a less extreme variant of the car. In 2015, McLaren introduced the 650S Le Mans to commemorate the 20th anniversary of McLaren’s win in the racing event. Between 2015 and 2016, McLaren produced a limited-edition version of the car called the 650S Can-An. It was based on the original model but had some cosmetic updates.
2. It Has an M838T Engine
McLaren 650S cars have an M838T engine that was jointly developed by McLaren and a West Sussex-based firm called Ricardo, who have the contract to build the engines. It is a 3.8-liter engine that is used in several of McLaren’s autos. The engine’s power output is 650 horsepower, and it is the engine power output that gave this McLaren car its name, says Wikipedia. The 650S has almost the same engine as its predecessor, the McLaren 12C, as it has the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. However, it has been recalibrated for faster shift times.
3. There Were Originally Two Body Styles
There are two body styles of the McLaren 650S available; the Coupe and the Spider. While the Coupe has a fixed roof, the Spider has a removable roof, giving the driver options. Of the two body types, the most expensive is the Spider. According to Read Cars, many convertibles do not handle well, but both McLaren 650S body types handle equally well.
4. The McLaren 650S has a Monocell Base Structure
Something that makes McLaren cars stand apart from other cars is the Monocell base structure. It is a one-piece, bathtub-like structure made from carbon fiber. The benefit of using this material for the base structure is that it is lighter than if they used aluminum or steel. As it is lightweight, it improves the performance of the car. It takes just four hours for McLaren to make the Monocell for the 650S.
5. It does 0-60mph in Three Seconds
The performance of the McLaren 650S is phenomenal, as it can go from 0-60 miles per hour (0-100 kph) in three seconds. It can also reach 124 mph (200 kph) in under nine seconds and 186 mph (299 kph) in less than half a minute. The top speed of the car differs depending on the body type. While the Spider has a top speed of 204 mph (328 kph), the Coupe can achieve 207 mph (333 kph).
6. There Is a GT3 Version of the Car
McLaren has produced a GT3 version of the 650S since 2014. Some of the upgrades from the road car include many upgraded components, a wider track, revised suspension, ventilated brake discs, and a six-speed sequential motorsport gearbox. It also has a new rear wing, carbon fiber air intakes, and a larger front splitter. There were also plans to develop a version to comply with Le Mans’ regulations, but the plan failed.
7. A 650S Won the Liqui Moly Bathurst 12-Hour Race
The 650S has had some success in competitive events. One of its greatest successes was when it competed in the 2016 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12-Hour race in Australia, and it won the competition. The car was driven by a three-person team that included Alvaro Parente, Shane van Gisbergen, and Jonathon Webb. During the race, a new outright lap record time of 2:01:567 was set by Shane van Gisbergen.
8. McLaren Made Two One-Off Versions of the Car for the Same Customer
In 2017, McLaren made two one-off versions of the car for one customer. The cars were an MSO R Coupe and an MSO R Spider. The MSO R cars differ from the regular 650S because the rear wing has two levels. Although both the cars ordered by the couple are silver, the Coupe has a matte finish. The two MSO R cars have German number plates. While the Spider’s number plate is M SR 688, the Coupe’s is M RR 688.
9. Floyd Mayweather Owned a McLaren 650S
The McLaren 650S is the sort of car that attracts rich and famous owners, not least because of the high price tag for owning one of these cars. One celebrity who has owned a McLaren 650S is Floyd Mayweather, who has an impressive fleet of all-black cars, says Defensive Driving. His collection also includes a Bentley Mulsanne, a Lamborghini Aventador, a Mercedes Benz S600, and a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
10. The McLaren 650S Has Featured in Many Films
As the McLaren 650S is a visually impressive car, it is hardly surprising that it has been chosen to feature in multiple films and TV Series. According to IMDB, some of these include The Royals,’ ‘Absolutely Everything,’ ‘Riviera,’ ‘Get Shorty,’ ‘Billions,’ ‘Fall Out Boy,’ and ‘How to Be a Latin Lover.’
