2015 Mclaren P1 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

McLaren 650S leaks out ahead of Geneva reveal [w/video]

Late last week, McLaren announced it will be bringing a new model to the Geneva Motor Show. Called the 650S, it's set to slot in between the 12C and P1 in Woking's supercar range. But before McLaren gets to unveil the new model, the first batch of photos – as well as a video walkaround – have leaked online. What we seem to be looking at is an MP4-12C with revised styling to more closely resemble the P1. Which is a good thing, because to most eyes, the P1 is a far better-looking car than the 12C, whose appearance – finalized before design director Frank Stephenson arrived on the scene – has oft been derided as derivative. The 650S also features an updated interior, but best of all, it's said to pack more power: the name hints at a 650 metric horsepower (641 hp) output from what we can assume to be the same 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 that powers the 12C (which currently offers 616 hp) and the P1 (727 hp before the 176 hp electric motor comes into play). What remains to be seen at this point is whether the 650S you see here will eventually replace the 12C or continue alongside it indefinitely. The prevailing wisdom seems to be that McLaren will offer both and see how sales pan out. Scope it out in the (unfortunately grainy and low-res) leaked image gallery above and the walkaround video below, and watch this space for the official reveal. Featured Gallery McLaren 650S leaked images News Source: Driving.co.uk Geneva Motor Show McLaren Coupe Performance 2014 Geneva Motor Show mclaren mp4-12c mclaren 650s

McLaren is making a three-seat successor to the F1

They had us at three seats. McLaren just announced a new car, currently called BP23, that is the spiritual successor for the iconic F1 supercar. Just 106 will be made, the same number as the F1, and they're already sold out. And yes, it will have a three-seat configuration. BP23 is short for "Bespoke Project 23" and, hey, McLaren has never been strong on names. This the company that launched its current road-going car lineup with the memorable title of MP4-12C, after all. What few details we have, though, point to a everything else about the car being amazing. McLaren calls the BP23 a Hyper GT, because it's designed for long-distance travel. The powertrain will be a hybrid, which we expect to exceed the 904 horsepower total output of the P1. Inside, every single piece of switchgear will be unique to the BP23. Along with the three-seat configuration, the new car will also feature the dihedral doors that are now a McLaren calling card, but with a twist. This time around the doors will be power operated and extend into the roof, Ford GT40-style. And in case you were wondering, yes, the body is all carbon fiber. Pricing has yet to be revealed, but we're told it's seven figures. Which is incredibly vague. Then again, if you haven't already had a meeting with McLaren Special Operations, the price doesn't matter.Related Video:

Fernando Alonso airlifted to hospital after F1 test crash

Fernando Alonso was medevac'd on Sunday to a hospital in his home country of Spain after crashing his McLaren-Honda into the wall during a Formula One test session. The two-time world champion skidded off Catalunya track near Barcelona at Turn 3, hitting the inside wall, during the fourth day of the second official pre-season test session of the season. He was reportedly conscious and talking after the incident, but after being examined at the trackside medical center, was airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital for further testing. The incident caps a difficult pre-season so far for the McLaren team, which has grappled with mechanical glitches related to the new Honda engine it will be running this year. The British team was stuck at or near the bottom of the time sheets on each of the four days of the first test session in Jerez, and has been relegated towards the bottom of the board throughout the first three days of this second session in Barcelona. This of course wasn't the first time Alonso has endured a severe crash over the course of his decade and a half on the grid. One of his most notorious incidents included a crash at 180 miles per hour during the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix. His crash while practicing for the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix prevented him from taking part in the qualifying session, relegating him to the back of the starting grid, but didn't keep him from finishing a solid sixth in the race at which it's notoriously difficult to pass. But arguably the most famous crash surrounding the Spaniard didn't even directly involve him: it was the infamous Crashgate scandal of 2008, when his team-mate Nelson Piquet Jr was instructed to crash his car in order to help Alonso win the race. Needless to say, Alonso has bounced back from them all, just as we hope and trust he will from this one. We'll be sure to keep you posted on his progress, so watch this space. News Source: McLarenImage Credit: Mark Thompson/Getty Celebrities Motorsports McLaren F1 hospital airlift