At first, it wasn't a replacement for the 12C. Then the old car was quickly canned by McLaren as the newcomer was winning all the orders. And now, barely a month after going on sale, the 650S has morphed into a concept car from McLaren Special Operations (MSO), designed to show off some expensive optional extras that might one day make it into production.
The MSO 650S Coupé Concept, which is straight from the bespoke division of McLaren Automotive, is a showcase for MSO-engineered upgrades available for both the coupé and Spider versions of the supercar. It will be shown throughout China in the coming weeks, with McLaren said to be 'monitoring reaction' to the supposedly one-off design study ahead of any decision to put it - or any of the items on it - into production.
The MSO 650S is finished in Agrigan Black, which has a deep ruby red metallic flake mixed into it for maximum eye-catching effect, and there are contrasting satin-finished carbon fibre highlights, such as the front splitter and air intakes. There's a GT3-inspired rear bumper with a carbon centre section and a carbon airbrake too. Under the bonnet, the engine benefits from satin black covers and there's a satin finish to all the other carbon fibre on show. The best visual mod also has a dynamic benefit - those glorious '650S' alloys are lightweight (thus reducing unsprung mass), shod in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres (sticky) and are, yes, satin black.
The interior boasts a pair of fixed-back carbon fibre racing seats, based on the lighter items found in the mega P1, which are finished in black leather. They are mounted lower than the standard items, they offer more upper and lower body support, and they knock 15kg off the kerb weight of the 650S. There's even more satin carbon fibre lavished throughout the cabin, with switchgear and bezels in contrasting gloss black.
Anything else?
While the MSO 650S Coupé Concept is not (yet) scheduled for production, the MSO-branded carbon fibre rear diffuser and side blades are worth noting, as they can be ordered for your new 650S. The former is unique in design, while the more aggressive, full-length door blades in satin are said to optimise aerodynamic efficiency and you can even fit these to your 12C, in case you're feeling a bit left out as a result of the sudden onset of the 650S era.