Geneva show: McLaren teases new Super Series again

MCLAREN has released a second teaser image of its upcoming second-generation Super Series coupe ahead of its full reveal at the Geneva motor show in March, with confirmation that the mysterious model will be twice as aerodynamically efficient as its predecessor.

The single close-up shot hints at a new wing spoiler, which extends across the entire width of the car, and can move upwards and change angle in less than half a second to aid braking at high speeds or generate downforce.

With its extensively enhanced aerodynamics, the British supercar manufacturer says its new model will be more slippery than the current 650S Super Series but still manages a 50 per cent increase in downforce at speed.

McLaren Automotive executive director of product development Mark Vinnels said the aerodynamic capabilities of the new car would offer increased stability over the current 650S.

“The second-generation McLaren Super Series will be as aerodynamically impressive as it is visually beautiful,” he said.

“A range of advanced aerodynamic technologies contributes to maximum generated downforce over 50 per cent greater than that of the McLaren 650S and ensures truly outstanding levels of grip and stability.

“We have also markedly improved cooling efficiency, with a 15 per cent gain overall and a particular focus on airflow to the engine’s high temperature radiators through a unique new design of dihedral door.”

The butterfly doors on the new model use separate air ducts to control air flow – one funnels air from the top of the door into the radiators that cool the mid-engined powerplant, while the other vent takes air out of the front wheel arch to boost front-end downforce.

The teaser image also shows a sizeable amount of exposed carbon-fibre on the back of the vehicle, which is likely to be part of the new carbon-fibre chassis that McLaren revealed earlier this month.

That first teaser image laid bare the Monocage II chassis which “delivers extreme strength and contributes to the car’s light weight” according to the manufacturer.

With the Monocage II chassis, the new car will have a dry weight of 1283kg, making it 18kg lighter than a current 650S with comparable levels of specification.

It will also allow for a wider cabin entrance and lower sill to improve access and visibility, and a lower centre of gravity.

There is also a long, thin, unbroken tail-light strip similar to that of the P1 halo car, indicating the new Super Series may take some design cues from the now discontinued hybrid supercar.

The upcoming model will mark the first time since its launch as a brand in 2010 that McLaren will introduce a second-generation of a product family.

The Super Series – denoted by model names starting with a 6 – is the mid-tier offering from McLaren, sitting above the Sports Series (models beginning with a 5) and beneath the range-topping Ultimate Series (the P1).

McLaren will reveal the new Super Series model in full along with full specifications at the Geneva motor show in March.