McLaren's 650S successor will do 0‑200km/h in 7.8 seconds!

Formal introductions will have to wait until the 650S replacement has its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on March 7^th. That’s when we get to know how much power it has… and therefore, what its name will be. Guesses between 650 and 750bhp on a postcard, please…

What we do know officially from today is that the twin-turbo V8 will be appearing for the first time in 4.0-litre form, 200cc up on the engine that has been at the heart of every McLaren since the first MP4-12C five years ago.

The M840T engine is said to be a substantially new unit, with ultra-low inertia twin-scroll turbos sharpening response and reducing lag, according to McLaren. “Power, torque and throttle response are all significantly enhanced compared to the first-generation Super Series,” says McLaren Super Series line director, Haydn Baker.

At 4.0-litres it eschews the downsizing trend but it does tick the boxes for better fuel efficiency and lower emissions, says Woking. It also delivers on the aural front, delivering “a ‘crescendo’ characteristic, according to engine rpm and load.” A sports exhaust will still be optional.

The new engine has another trick up its sleeve: it lights up when you unlock the car, as shown in the new picture.

Representing the first time in its short history that McLaren Automotive has replaced a whole series of cars, Woking’s Geneva supercar star is vitally important as the first of 15 new or derivative models to be launched under the company’s Track22 business plan. The Ferrari 488 GTB fighter is its core model, if not its biggest seller. It is due to go on sale immediately after the Geneva show.

Reflecting the importance of the launch to Woking, today’s news is the latest in a protracted teaser campaign to highlight different aspects of the car pre-unveiling. We have already seen the lighter, stiffer new Monocage II carbon tub, had details of the active chassis control system and seen glimpses of its aerodynamic prowess.

Now, all we want is the whole thing… but first, here’s a closer look at the new model’s performance. Where does the new McLaren rank in an acceleration league table of production supercars? 

Top dozen fastest cars 0-200km/h (124mph)

1. Bugatti Chiron 6.4 seconds
2. Koenigsegg One:1 6.6 seconds
3. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport 6.7 seconds
4. McLaren P1 6.8 seconds
5. Ferrari LaFerrari 6.9 seconds
6. Porsche 918 Spyder 7.2 seconds
7. Bugatti Veyron 7.3 seconds
8. Koenigsegg Agera R 7.5 seconds
9. MCLAREN 2017 SUPER SERIES 7.8 seconds
10. Ferrari F12 Td 7.9 secondsF
11. McLaren 675LT 7.9 seconds
12. Ferrari 488 GTB 8.3 seconds