New McLaren 625C revealed

McLaren has the 625C. It is a more accessible version of the 650S meant specifically for the Asian markets.

Powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the 625C is being manufactured in response to "customer demand in the Asian market". The C in the badge stands for Club. However, while power in the standard 650S is 641bhp and maximum torque measured at 69.1kgm, the 625C has 616bhp and 62.2kgm. Nevertheless, McLaren says the 625C can reach 100kph in 3.1 seconds, and has a top speed of 333kph, the same top speed as the 650S.

The 625C is fitted with new dampers and a revised suspension setup, including softer spring rates at the rear, giving it what McLaren calls “the most refined ride” of any of its models. Braking is handled by cast-iron discs instead of the carbonfibre-ceramic units like the 650S. These changes are designed to give the 625C better everyday usability and comfort. McLaren’s ProActive Chassis Control system, which offers driving modes for both normal and track use, is unchanged.

In 2013, Asian markets contributed 20 percent to McLaren’s global sales. Buoyed by its entry into China in September 2013, the firm expects Asia to secure more than a third of its total sales in 2014. Both coupé and Spider versions of the 625C will go on sale, and the model will initially launch in Hong Kong. It will then be rolled out in some specific markets in the South Asia Pacific region.