► Month four with the McLaren 650S
► We break down the important points
► Mightily impressive everyday supercar
Versatile ceramics have it all covered
You expect discs, calipers and hydraulics with the power to equal the V8’s limitless reach, but what’s striking is the carbon-ceramics’ calibration and all-weather usability. At one extreme their feel, strength and subtle ABS software let you nibble away at your braking points at Brands. At the other, the 650S stops from walking pace without a jolt. Pedal itself worthy of an F1 car. Orange calipers just £910.
An engine for every occasion
No oil consumption in 2000 miles, smoother than waxed water from cold and capable of traffic-clearing overtakes in a heartbeat. Lacks the visual or aural appeal of a Ferrari V8 but the swell of boost, when it arrives, doesn’t want for drama. Twin-clutch gearbox a joy whether in automatic or manual mode, though pulling both paddles for neutral would be easier than prodding a button. 19.5mpg limits range and disposable income.
The important stuff and nothing else
Steering wheel simply the best there is – odd at first grasp, then so good everything else feels forever wrong. Enormous central rev counter gives you a fighting chance of keeping up. Stalk on the left gets you into the sub-menus, including settings and tyre pressures. Clever shortcut – hold the lever up for a second – for raising the suspension (all round remember, not just the front) is a great detail. Second-gen IRIS interface nicely slick.
Boot space to shame an MPV
Perhaps not, but the 650S’s big front luggage compartment – generous enough for a second passenger if needs must – has room enough for cases, bags, jackets, tweed and fascinators (well, it was Goodwood Revival). Spider lacks the Coupe’s handy shelf behind the seats but hits back with the tonneau compartment, that – with the roof up – lets you stash more gear in the space the car would use for the roof were it folded away.
Logbook: McLaren 650S Spider
Price: £215,520
As tested: £251,080
Miles this month: 339.5
Total miles: 2156.8
Our mpg: 19.5
Official mpg: 24.1
Fuel this month: £160.38
Extra costs: £0
From the driving seat
+ Sublime seats cosset and support
+ IRIS interface a model of intuitive interactivity
– DAB radio loses signal where lesser cars don’t
– Low chin not up to big speeds in bumpy Lincolnshire
– You need the hands of a child to get a lead into the USB socket