New 2018 McLaren 650S spotted on the road ~ station of gear

First spyshots emerge of McLaren's replacement for 650S, with extensive styling revisions planned

2016-10-13 16:40

McLaren’s surge of new models is continuing at a relentless pace, as we’ve spotted the replacement for the McLaren 650S testing on British roads. It’s expected to be launched in 2018, after the 570S Spider next year.

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This latest prototype was spotted by one of Auto Express’ eagle-eyed photographers in Oxfordshire. The images show a heavily camouflaged car that’s clearly a McLaren in profile, but with what looks like major bodywork changes compared to anything that the Woking-based firm currently makes. Auto Express understands this car will eventually replace the current, two-year old McLaren 650S.

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The front-end disguise features two cutouts for the lights, suggesting that the headlamps and LED running lights have been split up with revised air intakes below. The rear also looks distinctly different, with reshaped shoulders and oval exhausts taken straight from the McLaren 675LT. We’re expecting the finished car will borrow a few styling cues from the 570S, too.

McLaren’s 3.8-litre twin turbocharged engine should remain, with a number of tweaks to ensure power and torque levels can match up with the 650S’ fiercest rival – the newer and more powerful Ferrari 488 GTB. The current 641bhp figure should move towards the limited-run 675LT’s 666bhp output as a result. The Maranello supercar offers up 660bhp, manages 0-62mph in 3.0 seconds and hits a top speed of 205mph so those will be the targets to beat.

Under the skin, McLaren’s famous carbon tub should remain intact, with increased weight reduction measures and aerodynamic tweaks highly likely. It’s not clear yet if the car will retain the 650S name or move on to a higher numerical designation to represent the performance boost. Expect a convertible model to follow a year after the new 650S hardtop goes on sale.

Are you looking forward to the McLaren 650S replacement? Let us know below...

Lawrence Allan

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