As orders roll in, McLaren halts MP4-12C production to concentrate on 650S

By Stephen Edelstein March 11, 2014

McLaren 650S — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The global recession has forced many people to put off new-car purchases, but that apparently isn’t a problem for McLaren.

PistonHeads reports that the British supercar builder is passing production of the Mp4-12C to concentrate on the new 650S, which is already generating plenty of orders.

Unveiled in both Coupe and convertible Spider form at last week’s Geneva Motor Show, the 650S was originally pitched as a more aggressive 12C variant that could help bridge the gap between McLaren’s “entry-level” supercar and the almighty P1.

However, McLaren now expects the 650S to account for the bulk of its sales. Customers are bound to be attracted to that P1-esque front end.

It certainly makes the 12C look bland by comparison, but under the skin the two cars have a lot in common. They share a chassis, as well as a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8.

However, the 650S makes 641 horsepower – compared to 616 hp for the 12C – which allows it reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.0 seconds, and reach a top speed of 207 mph.

According to McLaren, though, what’s really driving customer demand is the 650s’ newness. Anyone who has the money to spend on a supercar doesn’t want to get stuck with last year’s model.

So while the 650S will be more expensive than the 12C, it will probably make some (perverse) sense for this customers, and McLaren itself.

Using the 650S to take on the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 creates more room in the lineup for the company’s rumored less-expensive model, the P13.

Reportedly due next year, the P13 will cost two-thirds of the price of the 650S.

That means there may not be any room for the 12c in that pricing gap. Oh, the problems of an exotic carmaker.

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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