What's this then?
Say hello to the McLaren 625C, Woking's first 'regionally tailored' car, designed exclusively for the Asian market.
Looks like a 650S to me.
And it sort of is. The 625C is a detuned and reworked version of the McLaren 650S we know and love.
Wait, McLaren has taken a 650S and detuned it?
In essence, yes. Seems customer demand in Asia was for a slightly less focused, more everyday version of the 650S and that is what the 625C is. Power output from the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 engine is down 25hp, though looking at the performance figures you would be hard pushed to tell. The 0-62mph sprint only takes 0.1 seconds longer and the top speed is the same as offered by the 650S, whether you opt for the coupé or Spider version.
The suspension has also been reworked to make it more 'useable'. New dampers have been fitted and the mechanical balance overhauled to leave a more comfortable ride. The ProActive Chassis Control has also been reconfigured to leave a "more accessible and less extreme model in terms of character." Those are McLaren's words, not ours.
Ok so it's not quite as bad as I thought. When can I buy one?
The 625 Club (for that is what the C stands for) will launch initially in Hong Kong with other Asian markets coming on stream over the coming months. So if you want one best to get yourself to Hong Kong really.
Paul Healy - 30 Sep 2014