Aftermarket tuners often have to walk a fine line when it comes to building programs for supercars.->ke177 Questions like ‘how much improvement does it really need?’ often prop up in these discussions. These are the kind of things tuners have to deal with it and for FAB Design, the answer often lies somewhere between “not enough” and “let’s talk about it some other time.” In any event, the German tuner’s program for the McLaren 650S is the kind of kit a supercar can have without really turning the vehicle into a completely different model. There are significant changes, but for the most part, it’s still the 650S,->ke4801 albeit packaged far differently than McLaren->ke284 packaged it from the factory.
For FAB Design, the kit is a unique follow-up to a similar program it presented one year ago. That kit, dubbed the Vayu RPR, was for the 650S Spyder. This one is called the Vayu GTR Coupe and as the name suggests, it’s primarily for the coupe->ke141 version of the 650S. Names notwithstanding, both kits provide impressive upgrades on the model’s aerodynamic and performance capabilities. There’s also a slight change in looks that benefits the 650S, but that’s also largely tied into the aero kit that FAB Design built.
The overall results are what you’d expect from the German tuner. There’s an improvement in different aspects of the car that combine to create a tuning package that’s worth its weight in attention. Who knows, next year’s auto show might feature a third version of this kit. That’s still a long ways from now, so in the meantime, let’s feast our eyes on the Vayu GTR Coupe to see if it’s as good as its predecessor.
Continue after the jump to read the full review.
2016 McLaren 650S Vayu GTR Coupe by FAB Design
- Make: Array
- Model: 2016 McLaren 650S Vayu GTR Coupe by FAB Design
- Horsepower: 790
- Torque: 561
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Exterior
There are a lot of distinguishable differences between this program and last year’s Vayu RPR program. For instance, this new kit is mainly for the coupe version of the 650S, though the tuner is also offering one for the spyder model. Likewise, those who have the “old” McLaren 12Cs in either coupe or spyder versions can also avail of this kit.
Okay, time for the nitty-gritty. The obvious takeaway here is that the 650S received a comprehensive aerodynamic kit that helps give the car a more aggressive and menacing look while also increasing its handling efficiency. The former is the easier one to notice considering how the kit was able to alter the look of the 650S. The latter doesn’t show itself until the car is going full speed, but it does help knowing that the larger front and rear fenders to help improve the flow of air coursing through the entire body.
The kit also has bigger side skirts function similarly while the extra air intakes found on the sides of the supercar provide the necessary cooling to accommodate the engine modifications. A roof scoop and a custom rear wing are also part of the aero kit with the former serving as another source of air to cool the engine and the latter helping improve the downforce on the rear axles of the 650S. All these upgrades are made from carbon fiber, making the parts lighter than the ones they’re replacing. That helps cut down the weight of the McLaren supercar.
The predominantly black finish of the 650S is a common sight, but FAB Design added red trims throughout the body to create a striking look for the high-powered exotic. Rounding out the list of exterior changes is a new set of 20-inch alloy wheels shod in Dunlop Sport Maxx tires measuring 275/25 and 325/30 in the front and rear, respectively.
Interior
Interior updates are limited to the usual choice of leather and carbon applications. It may not sound much in terms of quantity, but rest assured, the quality of these materials are second-to-none. FAB Design has always been known for having upholsterers that are pure in their jobs, hence the tuner’s reputation for having one of the best dressed interior programs in the business. The nature of these modifications are often left to the whims of the customer so there’s also an added level of personalization tied into its cabin upgrades. The tuner also offers aluminum pedals for the Vayu GTR Coupe program.
Drivetrain
The engine program isn’t that extensive, so if you’re expecting something along the lines of 1,000 horsepower, you’re going to be bitterly disappointed. Instead of taking that route, FAB Design opted for something a little more manageable, giving the 650S an extra punch of 32 horsepower courtesy of a custom exhaust system. That helps the McLaren’s 3.8-liter biturbo engine produce 672 horsepower, enough to make it slightly more powerful than the 675LT and its 666-horsepower output. That should help the 650S cover 0 to 62 mph in under three seconds, a slight improvement from its standard 3.0-second sprint time. Top speed should also increase to around 208 or 209 mph, a little better than the standard model’s 207-mph top speed.
Pricing
FAB Design didn’t release the pricing details of the program. Those interested in inquiring about the price will have to contact the tuner directly to get a quote. Chances are that the amount will vary depending on the extent of what the customer wants done.
Competition
Ferrari 488 GTB 4XX Siracusa by Mansory
The Geneva Motor Show hosted a number of tuning programs for supercars in the same league as the McLaren 650S. One is the Ferrari 488 GTB 4XX Siracusa by Mansory. On the surface, the 4XX Siracusa follows the same Mansory blueprint. It’s got an extensive body kit that dramatically alters the appearance of the 488 GTB. Arguably the most significant of these changes can be found in the front to the extent that the 488 GTB looks more aggressive.
The power upgrades are pretty simple in that they include an optimized ECU unit and a new, specially designed sports exhaust system. These mods help the 488 GTB increase its output from 659 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque all the way up to 790 ponies and 561 pound-feet of twist. The improved output helps the supercar sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds. It’s top speed also increased from the standard 205 mph all the way up to 211 mph.
Read our full review here.
Lamborghini Huracán by O.CT Tuning
Even though O.CT Tuning didn’t present this program for the Lamborghini Huracán at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, it’s still considered a significant rival to the FAB Design-tuned McLaren 650S. Aero updates are non existent. In fact, the only things of note other than the performance modification are the decals on the hood and sides of the Huracán and the optional 20- and 21-inch sporty rims.
The good news is that O.CT Tuning put some serious work on improving the Huracán’s output, thanks in large part to a supercharger kit that has its own software upgrade. With these mods in place, the German tuner managed to bring the Huracán’s power up to 805 horsepower and 597 pound-feet of torque of output. That’s a hefty increase that allows the Lambo to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds to go with a top speed of about 220 mph, making it faster and powerful than both the FAB Design-tuned McLaren 650S and the Mansory-tuned Ferrari 488 GTB.
Read our full review here.
Conclusion
This program helps FAB Design establish itself as one of the best tuners of German supercars. The extent of the whole kit isn't as comprehensive as I expected it to be, but it still accomplishes its goal of giving the McLaren 650S the performance capabilities that can compete with other supercar kits.