GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: McLaren teases 650S successor

McLaren has previewed the new monocoque that it will base a range of supercars on, of which, the first will make its debut at the Geneva motor show this March.

Created to replace the car maker's Super Series model range, the first new supercar to benefit from the new carbon structure will be the direct replacement for the 650S that has been codenamed, within McLaren, as the P14.

Releasing a single picture of the P14's new monocoque, the Brit supercar maker has named its new architecture the 'Monocage II'.

Created to be stronger and lighter than the firm's current structure, McLaren says its new Monocage II will ensure the new 650S replacement will weigh in at 1283kg (dry) - 18kg less than the old car. Perhaps more impressive is the new P14, when it's unveiled at Geneva, will tip the scales at a substantial 87kg less than its closest rival, the Ferrari 488 GTB.

As well as being lighter and more rigid, the redesigned carbon backbone of the P14 has also been developed to incorporate a wider cabin entrance with a lower sill.

The old car's excellent all-round visibility carries over, while engineers claim the new car will have a lower centre of gravity than the 650S, helping to improve handling further.

Soon, McLaren says you'll even be able to option a "visible Monocage" option that creates a design feature out of the bare carbon fibre structure in a similar way, presumably, to a Smart ForTwo's structure.

It's being reported, a new T-bar shaped roof, meanwhile, will help McLaren extend its trademark dihedral doors to pay homage to the original F1 road car’s iconic doors.

Once the new P14 coupe is launched a convertible will follow 12 months later that will use a modified version of the current 650S Spider's folding retractable hardtop.

Around 12 months after that a lighter, more powerful 675LT-replacement is expected that will offer near P1-levels of performance.

All Super Series models will come powered with a development of the current car's twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8, but with power expected to be boosted to around 700bhp (520+kW). This could see the 650S renamed the 700S.

Inside, the current car's minimalist interior is expected to be updated with a new dash and infotainment system.

Commenting on the new Monocage II release McLaren's CEO, Mike Flewitt, said: “The new Super Series will be absolutely true to McLaren’s pioneering spirit in being a revolutionary leap forwards, both for our brand and the supercar segment.”

The arrival of the P14 kick starts the British supercar maker's ambitious Track22 business plan that will see McLaren launch 15 new models by 2022.

More teases of the P14's wind tunnel-honed body are expected leading up to its launch at the Geneva show.