Second-gen McLaren Super Series first look

650S replacement due for Geneva debut, underpinned by this Monocage II

It's certainly not beyond McLaren to undertake a drawn-out launch schedule, the #BlackSwanMoments used for the Sports Series perhaps the most obvious example (or offender) of the practice. Time to prepare for another (hopefully less indulgent) new McLaren reveal though, as the second generation Super Series will be at Geneva.

Quite a way for the old one to go - bring on the next!

The Super Series is the 650S, the car that was the 12C and, once upon a time, the MP4-12C. Seems a while ago now, doesn't it? As such it's the first replacement of a product family from McLaren, and the first of 15 new cars due under the Track22 strategy that will see all of those arrive in the next five years. That includes the 'reborn' F1, don't forget.

As for the next Super Series, McLaren has confirmed that the carbon Monocage II seen here is lighter than the "carbon fibre and metal cockpit architecture" currently used. Point being that most of what used to be aluminium in the 650S - and adding to the original Monocell - is now carbon, reducing weight and adding rigidity. For reference the first Monocage was used in the P1 and weighed 90kg.

The lowest dry weight for the next Super Series is 1,283kg, 18kg less than for the equivalent 650S. Moreover, the Monocage has allowed "a wider cabin entrance and lower sill to improve access" with the promise of "excellent all-round visibility" once inside. Oh yes, and it's lowered the centre of gravity too.

So far, so promising for the next McLaren then. We've been told to expect full details at the Geneva show, along with more images and pricing. While not confirmed, a teaser or three before then seems likely as well. Stay tuned!

[Sources: Autocar, McLaren]