Launched at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show,->ke228 the McLaren 650S replaced the four-year-old MP4-12C,->ke3514 the company's first production car since the F1 supercar.->ke177 Available in both coupe->ke141 and roadster guises, the sports car->ke506 gets its oomph from McLaren's award-winning, twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-8. Although it lacks the P1's tuning and electric motor, the mill cranks out 640 horses and 500 pound-feet of torque, making the 650S quicker than its Ferrari->ke252- and Lamborghini->ke44-badged competitors. Going into the 2015 model year, the Brits are rolling out more versions of the 650S.->ke4801 Now that the GT3 and the Sprint have completed the manufacturer's motorsport-purposed lineup, Woking is introducing a road-legal iteration specifically tailored for the Asian market.

Dubbed 625C, with "C" standing for "Club", this "new" 650S-based rig represents McLaren's idea of a sports car that focuses on day-to-day usability and comfort without compromising the performance and race-bred feel of the original car. The 625C also marks McLaren's->ke284 first effort toward growing its presence globally. Read on for the full details.

Click past the jump to read more about McLaren 625C.

2015 McLaren 625C

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 McLaren 625C
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 616 @ 7250
  • Torque: 449 @ 3000
  • Transmission: 7 Speed SSG
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Visually, the 625C is identical to its more powerful brother. This means Asian customers will get the same combination of P1 and MP4-12C styling cues. Most of the body mirrors that of its predecessor, while the front end is inspired by McLaren's new hybrid supercar.

There's no word on whether the 625C will benefit from McLaren's MSO personalization program or not, but such a scenario is very likely. The Asian market is a big consumer of customized sports and supercars, and the Brits will do their best to keep its future customers satisfied.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (mm)

2,670 (105.11 Inches)

Track, F/R (mm)

1,656 / 1,583 (65.19/62.32 Inches)

Length (mm)

4,512 (177.63 Inches)

Width (mm)

2,093 (82.40 Inches)

Dry Weight (kg / lbs)

1336 / 2945


Interior

The cockpit is also identical to the 650S'. Although the interior is mostly reminiscent of the 12C's, McLaren added a few bits and pieces to emphasize the vehicle's revised nature. Though it's ready to hit the track whenever the driver feels like it, both the 650S and the 625C still benefit from a wide range of convenience features, including navigation, satellite radio and Bluetooth, all offered as standard equipment.

The options list includes lightweight, carbon-fiber racing seats, carbon-fiber trim work, and a rearview camera. There's no question these features will be offered to Asian customers as well.

Drivetrain

The first notable change took place under the sports car's rear bonnet. Although powered by the same turbocharged, 3.8-liter V-8 as the standard 650S, the 625C's output sits at 616 horsepower (625 PS) and 450 pound-feet of torque. That's 24 ponies and 50 pound-feet of torque less than the 650S, a deficit that shows in the vehicle's performance.

For instance, the 625C Coupe needs 3.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph, whereas the 650S Coupe completes the same sprint in three seconds. When it comes to reaching 124 mph from a standing start, the 625C takes 8.8 seconds, nearly a half-second slower than the 650S. Top speed, on the other hand, remains unaltered at 207 mph for the Coupe and 204 mph for the Spider. Same goes for CO2 emissions.

Drivetrain/Specifications

Drivetrain Layout

Longitudinal Mid-Engine, RWD

Engine Configuration

V8 Twin Turbo / 3799cc

Output

616 HP @ 7,250 RPM

Torque

449 LB-FT @ 3,000-7,000 RPM

Transmission

7 Speed SSG

Top Speed

333 km/h (207 mph)

0-100 km/h

(62 mph) 3.1 s

0-200 km/h

(124 mph) 8.8 s

0-300 km/h

(186 mph) 26.7 s

0-400m / 1/4-mile

10.6s @136 mph


Suspension

More modifications have been performed in the suspension department, mainly for increased comfort and day-to-day usability. McLaren doesn't share specific details, but it does point out the 625C benefits from new dampers and revised mechanical balance, enabling this Asian-spec sports car to boast the most refined ride of any McLaren model to date.

The sports car also comes with a softer spring rate on the rear and a slightly revised ProActive Chassis Control system, both contributing to a sharp response with no loss in ride comfort, regardless of the driving mode selected by the user.

Prices

There's no pricing information as of September 2014, but more information is expected in the coming months. The McLaren 625C will initially go on sale in Hong Kong, in both Coupe and Spider guises, with other markets across the Asia Pacific region to be announced at a later date. The 625C won't be available in the United States or Europe.

Competition

Ferrari 458 Speciale

Ferrari is quite the popular brand in Asia, which makes the 458 Speciale the sports car McLaren has to beat in countries such in Hong Kong, China or Singapore. The lighter and more powerful version of the 458 Italia hides a 4.5-liter, V-8 engine under the hood, which sends 596 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. Although less powerful than the 625C, the Speciale is slightly quicker, needing only three seconds to accelerate from naught to 62 mph. On the other hand, the Ferrari reaches its top speed at around 202 mph, whereas the 625C Coupe can hit 207 mph.

The Italians will soon deliver a competitor for the 625C Spider as well, in the form of the 458 Speciale Spider. The drop-top comes with the same power as its coupe sibling, which makes the Speciale A the bearer of the most powerful naturally aspirated V-8 ever put in a Ferrari roadster.

Conclusion

Granted, the McLaren 625C dropped in unexpectedly. While the Brits have announced plans to expand globally and offer their vehicle to new markets, the decision to develop a tailor-made 650S for the Asian market is rather surprising. That's not to say it's bad idea, even though McLaren's notion of a "regionally tailored" model revolves around minor modifications and a drop in horsepower. On the contrary, McLaren just demonstrated its willingness to supply vehicles built to meet local demand, which will only help the company achieve its goals on a global scale.