The McLaren 650S is quicker than the legendary McLaren F1

We know what the McLaren 650S looks like thanks to photos that leaked ahead of the Geneva motor show debut, and now we know how the hopped-up, track-oriented take on the MP4 should perform. According to McLaren, the 650S has a 0-62 mph time of just 3.0 seconds. 0-124 mph takes 8.4 seconds; a quarter mile flies by in 10.5 seconds. The top speed is 207 mph.

Well aware that its F1 remains legendary among enthusiasts, McLaren doesn't hesitate to point out that these numbers mean the 650S bests the performance of the F1 by a fairly wide margin. The quarter mile is 0.6 seconds faster, for example, and that 0-62 time is at least 0.2 seconds quicker. It's not quite on the same level as the new P1's 2.8 second estimated 0-62 mph time, but it's good enough for most of us mortals.

All this thanks to a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8, a tuned version of the same powerplant used in the MP4. In this application, the engine is good for 650 ps, or metric horsepower -- hence the name -- at 7250 rpm. That works out to 641 regular ol' hp. Torque maxes out at 500 lb-ft at 6000 rpm. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission channels power to the rear wheels only. McLaren points out that fuel economy is 24.2 mpg. That's on the European test cycle, but it's still not half bad for a car of this caliber.

Another new tidbit courtesy of McLaren: The 650S will come as both a coupe and a drop-top spider from launch. And though it's geared toward track use, McLaren is quick to point out that the 650S still gets navigation, wireless connectivity and Alcantara trim in the cabin. Gotta have that Alcantara.

By Graham Kozak