2022 Mclaren 720s Spider Performance on 2040-cars

Auto blog

McLaren P1 GTR production model debuting in Geneva

The GTR nomenclature has always held a special meaning to the folks at McLaren. The F1 GTR was a racing champion in its day, and the coupe's overall victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans went a long way towards cementing that supercar as a world icon. Now, McLaren is bringing the trio of letters back for the track-only P1 GTR, and the company's latest teaser video reveals this even quicker supercar's production debut is at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March. We last saw the P1 GTR as a concept during the Monterey Car Week (pictured below). In that form, it boasted the standard version's 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 but turned the wick up to 986 horsepower, an 83-hp improvement. It also sported a wider front track, lower ride height and mirrors moved to the A-pillars. This latest version appears to further refine the shape of the body, and the gaping front almost looks like it has fangs. As a track-only model, the GTR is somewhat similar to Ferrari's XX programs. McLaren is promising a full support package to drivers, including time behind the wheel in the company's racing simulator. Actual production for these behemoths isn't set to begin until later in 2015, but watch this teaser for a taste of what's to come in Switzerland. Related Gallery McLaren P1 GTR: Monterey 2014 View 29 Photos News Source: McLaren Automotive via YouTubeImage Credit: Related images copyright 2015 Drew Phillips / AOL Geneva Motor Show McLaren Coupe Performance Supercars Videos mclaren p1 teaser video mclaren p1 gtr

McLaren rolls out new 650S en route to Geneva

There are a lot of good things to be said about the McLaren MP4-12C. It is, after all, one of the most thoroughly capable supercars on the market, and it's served as a fitting launch pad for the new McLaren Automotive operation. What the 12C has never had, however, is an engaging name or a distinctive design. But the latter appears to be something Woking is out to fix with the new 650S. Based on the 12C, the 650S incorporates a number of key improvements over its progenitor – some of which you can see and some of which you can't. The new front end takes its cues from the P1, with a better integrated splitter and LED headlamps, while the rear bumper takes its inspiration from the company's 12C GT3 racing model. The side intakes are new, and the rear wing has been optimized to help deliver 24-percent more downforce at speed. Five-spoke alloys (of curiously unspecified diameter) are wrapped in special Pirelli P Zero Corsa MC1 rubber. As expected, underneath the revised sheetmetal sits a retuned version of McLaren's ubiquitous 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 now producing (as the name suggests) 650 metric horsepower (641 hp by our standards). The ProActive Chassis Control system has also been recalibrated and allows the driver to adjust suspension settings independent of engine response. McLaren has not released performance figures for the 650S, but you can expect the increased power and improved aero to give shave a tenth or two off the 0-60 time – enough to drop it below the 3-second mark. The updated cabin is fitted with all the bells and whistles – from satellite radio and navigation to smartphone integration – and buyers will be able to opt for fixed carbon racing buckets, electric steering column adjustment, rear camera and more. Most crucially, the 650S will launch at next month's Geneva Motor Show in both coupe and hardtop convertible versions right from the get-go, ostensibly making this an apt replacement for the entire MP4-12C line. However, as you can see from the press release below, McLaren insists that it will continue offering the 12C alongside the 650S, at least for the time being. Assuming the premium for the upgraded model isn't too ludicrous, we can't imagine many buyers going for the older model though.

What next for Jenson Button?

With the departure of Mark Webber from the Formula One grid, Jenson Button now ranks as one of the oldest drivers in the series. Turning 34 this month, he's mere months younger than Kimi Raikkonen, but has spent more seasons racing in F1 than the elder Finn. As such, Button is nearing the end of his viable time in the sport – but just when will he retire, and what will he do next? With a season-by-season contract, Button's future is anything but certain. McLaren could opt to re-sign him at the end of the 2014 season or not. Having driven for Honda for several seasons, the Japanese manufacturer that's set to power McLaren from 2015 onwards is said to favor keeping Button on board, but nothing's certain at this point. If and when McLaren shows him the door, Button's likely to try and find a seat with another team – championship contender or otherwise. But Autosport reports that Jenson isn't likely to follow his longtime rival Webber to Le Mans. Even behind the wheel of a front-running LMP1, the prospect of racing on a track with slower vehicles doesn't entice the 2009 World Champion to switch disciplines. Button is keen to keep racing for as long as he can. The only questions are how many good F1 seasons he has left in him – he dropped form second in the 2011 standings to fifth in 2012 and ninth in 2013 – and where he would go after that. News Source: AutosportImage Credit: McLaren Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Motorsports McLaren F1