Costs 198,000 GBP

McLaren has announced plans to introduce the track-focused 650S Sprint at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Described as a "stripped-out racer," the 650S Sprint is based on the 650S Coupe but features a GT3-inspired exterior with a ventilated hood, revised air intakes and a prominent rear wing. The model also has a track-tuned suspension, an improved Brake Steer system and 19-inch center-locking racing wheels with Pirelli tires. There's even an onboard air jacking system for lightening quick tire changes.

The track-focused theme continues in the cabin as it has been stripped of almost all non-essential equipment. Designers then added an FIA-approved roll cage, an integrated fire extinguisher system and a carbon fiber racing seat with a six-point harness.

The twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine carries over from the standard model but it has a "unique engine and transmission calibration to further enhance on-track drivability and driver engagement." There's no word on specifications but the standard engine develops 650 PS (478 kW) and 678 Nm (500 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.0 seconds before hitting a top speed of 333 km/h (207 mph).

The McLaren 650S Sprint is currently available to order and pricing starts at £198,000 (excluding taxes).

Should be revealed online next month

Dutch media is reporting McLaren will unveil a "GTR" version of the 650S bringing more power in a lighter package.

The "GTR" designation is not confirmed but whatever the car's name will be, it will not include the "650S" moniker. More importantly, this will be a higher specification version packing a more powerful 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine which in the 650S delivers 650 HP (478 kW) and 678 Nm (500 lb-ft). The same report mentions a 100 kg (220 lbs) diet is being planned which means the hotter version will have a dry weight of around 1,230 kg (2,712 lbs).

The added power combined with a lower weight will enable the model to be faster than the 650S Coupe which needs three seconds to get from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) and 8.4 seconds from a standstill to 124 mph (200 km/h). The 0-186 mph (0-300 km/h) sprint takes 25.4 seconds in the 650S which tops out at 207 mph (333 km/h).

The enhanced version will also get a few styling tweaks which will make the car look more aggressive and some of the design cues will be sourced from the range-topping P1.

It will make its public debut early March at the Geneva Motor Show but McLaren will probably reveal the car online next month. At the moment there aren't any details whether the 650S Spider will receive the same treatment.

On this week's episode of Ignition, Carlos Lago tests the ultimate drop top McLaren. With nearly 650 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque from its revised 3.8 liter twin turbo v8, the 650s is one of the fastest accelerating convertibles on the planet. With more power, more grip and improved aero, will the 650s prove to be more than a facelifted 12C? Stay tuned and find out!

McLaren's overly active Special Operations (MSO) division has churned out another special edition model.

Named the 650S Le Mans and available exclusively as a coupe, it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the McLaren F1 GTR victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and has been designed in partnership with the F1's legendary designer, Peter Stevens.

One of the most prominent features of the special edition is the roof-mounted ‘snorkel’ air intake inspired by the race-winning chassis #01R McLaren F1 GTR. Besides channeling air to the twin-turbo V8, it's claimed to offer "enhanced aural drama within the cabin".

Elsewhere, MSO added subtle louvres on the front wings to reduce pressure over the front wheels and increase downforce, while the car rides on unique 'Le Mans Edition' lightweight alloy wheels (19-inches front, 20-inches rear) and is fitted with standard carbon ceramic brakes with McLaren Orange callipers.

Carbon fiber has been used on the front splitter and rear bumper, with the limited edition coupe featuring MSO-developed extended side blades and rear diffuser, and orange badging. The exterior is painted in a metallic Sarthe Grey, inspired by the colour of the race-winning McLaren F1 GTR.

Finally, the interior is dressed in black leather and black and orange Alcantara with a Le Mans logo embossed on the headrest of each seat.

No changes were made under the hood with the 650S Le Mans continuing to draw power from the standard production model's 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 650PS (641 bhp) and 678 Nm (500 lb ft) for a 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in 3 seconds flat and a top speed of 207mph (333km/h).

Designer Peter Stevens commented: “With a mix of subtle design traits, the 650S Le Mans adds a modern twist by blending the iconic lines of the McLaren F1, and heritage features such as the wing louvres and the roof-mounted air intake, with groundbreaking technologies. It is a fantastic homage to that original design, and to the incredible race result achieved by the team in 1995 at one of the most difficult, and most challenging races in the world.”

3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 650PS (641 bhp) and 678 Nm (500 lb ft) for a 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in 3 seconds flat and a top speed of 207mph (333km/h).

To be 'more powerful and track-focused'

McLaren has confirmed a rumor which indicated a more potent variant of the 650S Coupe is in the works.

Described as being "more powerful and track-focused" than the 650S Coupe, McLaren's new version of the supercar will premiere in March at the Geneva Motor Show and is expected to pay homage to the 1997 F1 GTR "Long Tail." This presumption is being made by judging the attached official teaser image showing a camouflaged prototype featuring an elongated rear end.

It's also visually distinguishable by the new side air intakes positioned low while the rumored "675 LT" name means the twin-turbo V8 3.8-liter engine will be upgraded to 675 HP (496 kW). Aside from the extra punch, the hotter version is expected to drop 100 kg (220 lbs) and it is believed production will be capped at 250 units.

Later this year, a track-only version could be launched as a more powerful alternative to the 650S Sprint.

You might already be familiar with YouTuber Shmee150 and his recently bought McLaren 650S Spider. After owning an MP4-12C, he decided to upgrade to the 650S Spider and he seems to be quite happy with his purchase, to say the least.

In terms of upgrading your McLaren, people still seem to be split about if it's worth it or not going from the 12C to the 650S. On one hand the newer 650S is more powerful and has about 78 Nm (58 lb-ft) of extra torque, which do make a difference especially mid range.

On the other hand, you can argue that a 0.1 seconds gain of acceleration to 62 mph (100km/h) isn't significant and neither is a 0.5 seconds improvement when it comes to your 0-125 mph (201km/h) time - unless you like to take your car to the track, of course.

So the 12C is still a great car, but yes you could say that it doesn't look as well as the 650S and it's baby-P1 front end - which is something that this cars' owner appreciates very much.

Watch the video in order to get an inside look at what the McLaren 650S Spider is like to live with every day. Seems it's overall just a bit better than the 12C.