650S drive

[mpbcs]

Today I had the pleasure of test driving the new 650S near brands hatch. I thought I'd give a brief review.

The big differences when driving it are the low down torque, brake and steering feel and better nvh. The 12c is already extremely rapid, but the 650S moves this on with significantly more torque from about 2-3000rpm, enough to get the back moving on slightly damp roads in 3rd and 4th... The top end is similar though. The turbo noise is also more extreme with a more pronounced spooling sound. The now standard ceramics are much easier to modulate and there is a less sudden retardation at the top of the pedal so you can use them more smoothly. The steering is quicker but also heavier. This could be partly to do with the wider fronts but I'm not sure the weighting is an improvement for me, though the quicker rack is.

The front end feels a touch more 'direct' and turns in a little nicer and there appears to be more slip angle in sport when pushing through corners. I'd like a longer drive on roads I know to really spot the handling differences though.

The car I tried had the optional P1 buckets ( which I will spec) and although they were a snug fit they really added a sense of occasion and addressed the fact that the 12c seats allow too much movement on circuit. They look v v cool too with the carbon backs.

Overall the car felt 'tighter' than my 12C and a beautifully resolved product....

Thanks to the Mclaren team for organising the test drive, a great group of car enthusiasts too!

Roll on my September delivery, can't wait!

[mpbcs]

The sound is more old Skool turbo (which I like) but I am used to sports exhaust and the demo cars had standard exhausts, so hard to compare. It is never going to sound like a n/a car but it was certainly emotional. I always found the Mclaren a car that you grow with, so unlike a 458 that plays all it's cards in the first few miles, you have to spend time with it let it get truly under your skin.. But when it does (as I found) there is a huge breadth of talent and a real connection. I think the looks are more cohesive too, and there is definite P1 about it, especially from a distance.

I am very much sold on the brand and think the 650S is definitely a step in the right direction.

[mpbcs]

isaldiri said:

Interesting to read your thoughts thanks. Just one thing if I could ask.. is the 650 really running wider front tyres than the 12C? that would be a very welcome change as the 12C front tyres are pretty narrow and they get pretty abused on track and I have had quite a few issues keeping the front pressures/temps under control. A couple of people who are far better drivers than me have commented the car would be potentially be a decent amount better with a slightly wider front.

I cant be certain but I remember reading something about wider fronts and it did turn in better. Interesting reviews out this morning, they seem to agree with my initial thoughts and also it appears to be much improved on circuit (somewhere I didn't get to try it).