2023 Mclaren Artura on 2040-cars

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McLaren previews 650S track special

Earlier this month, McLaren promised it would bring the production-ready P1 GTR track special to the Geneva Motor Show this coming March, and within days we started hearing rumors that it was preparing to give the 650S a similar treatment. Now Woking has released this teaser image that appears to show just such a creation. Based on the existing 650S (which itself is a further evolution of the MP4-12C that put McLaren Automotive back on the map) the new track version is tipped to be called either the 650 GTR (like its big brother) or the 675 LT – the number indicating a 25-horsepower spike in output and the letters standing for Long Tail in reference to the similarly extended F1 GTR that conquered Le Mans in the 1990s. Look closely at the camo in the second teaser shot and that racer is exactly what you'll see is making up the pattern – specifically the #41 Gulf/Davidoff example, if our eyes do not deceive us. The previous 12C bred a track version called the Can-Am edition as well as the less extreme 12C GT Sprint. The latter has already been replaced by the 650S Sprint, but as we projected back in April, the Can-Am was ripe for a successor as well. Just what name and form it takes – and whether it will be bound exclusively to the circuit or certified for the road – we'll be finding out within the next month or two, so watch this space. Featured Gallery McLaren 650S track special teasers News Source: McLaren Spy Photos Geneva Motor Show McLaren Coupe Supercars mclaren 650s mclaren 675lt

McLaren 650S Sprint is ready to hit the track running in Monterey

McLaren isn't exactly the most plebeian brand to begin with, so it makes sense for the company to take advantage of the lavish parties and wealthy folks descending on California for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. In addition to the insane P1 GTR, McLaren is showing off the track-focused 650S Sprint here in Monterey. This new 650S it takes the place of the 12C Sprint in the brand's lineup, and should be the fastest 650S short of the GT3 racer. The thing is, the Sprint isn't technically a homologated racer, but it makes a great toy to show off at track days. For the Sprint, the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 stays put, but McLaren optimizes the 650S' body for more downforce and better engine cooling. It also packs all sorts of track goodies like a competition fuel tank, larger radiator, racing-tuned suspension and 19-inch center-lock wheels. It also has all of the safety necessities for a day of doing laps like a roll cage, fire suppression and racing buckets. Of course, you might have known about all of that already, since the British brand revealed the Sprint just a few days ago, but you can check it live our gallery from Monterey.

2017 McLaren 570GT takes a more balanced approach to speed

You can divide performance cars thusly – there are some you could commute in everyday and there are some you can't. Most McLarens fall into the latter category, including the 570S, 650S, and 675LT. While we can salute that commitment to fun, the reality is that McLaren's rivals all sell cars in the former category. That's where the new 570GT comes into play. It takes the 570S formula and broadens its appeal, maintaining the base car's output – 562 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque from a 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 – but softening the suspension, fitting more equipment, and quieting down the exhaust. In fact, it's this pursuit of quiet that's perhaps the biggest sign that McLaren is willing to change the nature of the 570. Aside from the exhaust, the company has ditched the carbon-ceramic brakes (which can squeal awfully) in favor of quieter steel stoppers. And instead super-grippy tires, there's a set of Pirellis that cut up to three decibels of cabin noise. View 14 Photos It's a versatile thing, too. There's a total of 12.3 cubic feet of cargo space, thanks to a new luggage cover over the mid-mounted engine. And getting to that cargo area is made easier by the revised rear hatch, which swings open rather than lifts up. These are all very, very good things. It's good for the customer because McLaren will actually sell them a car you can use comfortably and without concern every single day. It's good for McLaren because the 570GT commands a $14,000 premium over the standard 570S. And it's good for fans of the brand, because it's proof that McLaren understands there needs to be more than pure performance in its products. With the 570GT, it can still wow its driver in that tiny fraction of mileage spent on the track or a winding road, but we're betting its owners will end up putting a lot more miles on overall. You can check out our full range of photos from the 570GT's big debut in Geneva at the top of the page.