McLaren 650S: Track Driving, Sliding & Tech Interview - Chris Harris On Cars

[@ProgressingStepxStep]

Love the new front end. Seems more impressive than a 12C as well. McLaren really is becoming my favorite super car brand

[@raizalmohammad7444]

The 650's chassis itself its a piece of Engineering artwork... Looks quite simple but a lot of design and advanced engineering is put in it...Simply Beautiful...

[@giovanniramos849]

First and foremost, thank you Chris for the review. I now understand why people don't like the looks of the 650s. If you have a couple of hours, look up the videos of the mp4-12c during testing, and McLaren after many years of not producing a vehicle. McLaren had MASSIVE shoes to fill with the F1 as the benchmark, and it started with the 12C. The 12c blindsided the super car market beating cars on the drag and in the track, ON THEIR FIRST ATTEMPT. They also tied the 458 Italia at the Nurburgring. After the 12C, McLaren started working on the P1, which is arguably the best super/hyper car to date. The LaFerrari isn't being tested probably due to Ferrari's request. Last time Ferrari requested that, it was because the F40 was faster and better than the F50. Make your own conclusions. You can DAILY the P1, drive it in full electric, oh and if you wanted to lap the Nordschleife in under 7 minutes, you can :). The 650s has 75% 12C parts and 25% new parts. All the new improvements have been implemented due to the research and development of the P1. The 650s is 75% 12c, 25% more or less, P1. Lets be honest, who doesn't want the front of the P1? You cannot buy a P1, so here is a car with improvements taken from the P1, with the P1 front end. Well play McLaren, well played. 10 of 10. Lastly, if you by the spyder, you can drop the automatic hard top. yes automatic drop top in a car that will beat a Ferrari F12 and a 911 Turbo S. Let that sink in. If you don't like the car's looks, well that your opinion. But simply taking looks and not looking at the history and engineering, you are not quite getting it.

[@Nxthxnxel]

The 12C will always have a special place in my heart, and I will miss it.

[@superbirden57]

This video is almost 4 years old. If you look over Chris' left shoulder during the tech briefing you will see what looks to be 720S amongst the photos. McLaren is way ahead of the curve.

[@joelklaus902]

Chris I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one that thinks the 12C is better looking.

[@Kaisuke971]

This P1 look-alike front is just weird.

[@SubaruVideosUK]

Excellent as always from Harris.

[@thewakz]

An honest review goes a long way. Some of those "canned" reviews almost turn you off to the product. Thanks Chris & SlashDrive!

[@havoc1612]

***** yeah this guy is honest and he is rarely sugar-coating shit and not biased like that one guy from autocar magazine!

[@ollielanch1092]

Fuck Top Gear!

[@mattromanes]

ollie lanch Fuck you!

[@AhmedAkram903]

He actually is now hosting Top Gear

[@FanzyHanzy]

You, Mr. Harris, should deffinately have your own TV-show. I'm looking forward to your reviews every week. You deliver as usual. Thank you. Never stop.

[@TheG60528XiJinPing]

He has a TV show now

[@soccerflash6]

I want to comment on who much the filmography, audo, and presentation of these have improved since the start of DRIVE. These are absolutely amazing videos to watch. Thanks for your continuous improvements. Still think Cris Harris is the best part of the Drive Network... Cheers.

[@jonnyedge7094]

Thanks for doing this whilst feeling so grotty Chris, I think I speak for all the viewers when I say we appreciate it. Interesting opinions there too. I really don't know what to make of them, you've left me a bit confused. I do know that I want a 650S though!

[@fikes73]

I agree with Chris, I like the look of the 12C better. I dislike this front end

[@twinsiak]

I never liked the front on 12c, it looked so... normal, not supercar-like. Prefer 650 much more although pitty it's just a copy of P1

[@jpduplessis9752]

It's insane to think how far cars have come in the last 15 years or so. The Lambo Gallardo produced 560 bhp, while the big Murcielago was putting out 640bhp. Now we have this 650s, which is essentially a Huracan(Gallardo) rival, but it's producing more power than the "daddy" Lambo was making a few years ago.

[@ItsumiSensei]

Jesus, that's how he drives when he's " under the weather"? Good man.

[@Driver_88]

I've already got some nostalgia for the camera work and great soundtrack of old CH Drive vids :)

[@MrSukiflash]

Even when sick you still produce one hell of a video!Feel better my friend and please keep your videos coming!

[@brawrrrXO]

CHRIS FUCKING HARRIS. the only nigga on the planet that drift supercars that is fucking expensive as fk in a review :). deserves all the recognition from youtube, media etc. all the other people drive the car too boring and doesnt give us the true meaning of the car.

[@kraenk12]

except chris is not a nigga or whatever you call him

[@1061shrink1061]

kraenk12 Although he has referred to himself (in the 12C video) as a "little brown man" :) Absolutely love Chris, humble, funny and fantastic behind the wheel of a car. Legend!

[@kraenk12]

1061shrink1061 Haha good one. He sure has a nice teint :)

[@2060raj]

This is how every review on cars should be done. Well Done Chris!

[@PixelVogue]

Love this guy who films these, the slow-mos are great and the drifting from Chris even feeling under the weather are tops! lol

[@IIXRATEDIIHiTMAN]

People who obsess over the styling of any Mclaren are missing the point. Its not a Lamborhini or a Zonda or an Aston Martin and it never will be (all of which I love for a different reason). Mclaren have won 182 F1 Grand Prix, they're the best designers and engineers in the world. If you want the best possible road car technology, there's no one with a better CV. That being said, this is what the 12C should have been from launch.

[@sreeves638]

I have to 10000000000000000000% agree with you that a car company that was born on a race tack they know how to build and design cars also get the power out

[@plasticrunner]

dont put a lamborghini or austin martin with a Zonda.... zonda and koenig are on different leagues lol

[@sreeves638]

plasticrunner but zonda and koenigsegge is not even in the same legs...

[@plasticrunner]

Seth Reeves lol yea they are zonda Revolution vs the agera R competing in speed (0-60) (full mile) (0-400) and pricing, ferrari tried to come in but laferrari is suppose to be the "only" competitor because its hybrid... weird if ya ask me

[@BigLukeyBoi]

And ferrari have won 221 F1 races

[@b3n79m1nP]

I've been waiting for a new Chris Harris video for ages.... every Wednesday waiting like a kid for Santa on Xmas!

[@nickhull83]

I will be keeping my 12c. Thanks for the help Chris!

[@nomoreheroes93]

12:10 Turbo-lag isn't the wait for turbos to spool up that's the boost threshold! Turbo-lag is the lack of response when spooling for an engine's power to change in response to throttle input. Matt Farah admitted he'd been getting this wrong on the Evo shoot last week.

[@austinb1723]

that was a long time ago not last week and nobody cares we're still going to call it turbo lag.

[@nomoreheroes93]

If you don't care why are you watching detailed car reviews...

[@austinb1723]

nomoreheroes93 this detailed car review refers to it as lag so the only one out of place here is you trying to correct chris harris on something that has no importance because you just saw a 2 month old video

[@TheBTRGarage]

Love the rolling chassis portion of the video, very cool! Not sure I like the exterior facelift however :o

[@jamescutter8760]

When I first saw this I was like nothing really special over the 12c but actually it's growing on me. I'm starting to like it more and more : D

[@untouchableali]

You're spot on there, I was a lil iffy about it but it does grow on you and in the flesh and the right colour it does look lush, don't think it looks better than a 458 though?!

[@jamescutter8760]

No. The speciale looks pretty insane and awesome :)

[@JAMAL12382]

prefer the MP4-12C

[@jbjbjfjefhefefhiehi1]

half 12 c half p1, if the p1 and the 12 C had a baby this is the result

[@Tednessful]

The 12C was simply too dull and aseptic, eclipsed by iconic legends (911 GT3 RS), screamo identity (Ferrari) or brute presence (Lambo). Even the Lexus LFA had more 'soul'. This update is great and much needed. I am actually considering the purchase of the coupé version in lime green with black wheels and optional exhaust.

[@edwardblake1472]

Ahah ah ah ahahahh, the 12c aseptic? Drive it to the limit and come back to say this shit again, probably the most impressive car i have driven, largely better than a 458, the GT3 RS is so cool, like a real race car, but the 12c in track is really impressive, you are crazy to say that.

[@Tednessful]

Edward Blake You obviously didn't get what I said. The outstanding engineering and dynamics are there but its generic design, especially the front, and relatively muted sound lacked the powerful presence/identity of its rivals. The 650S is addressing this to a large extent in my opinion.

[@PradigyMusicman]

@10:20 Chris almost blacks out, scary dude he must have really been on heavy meds.

[@WildGooseChase]

Omg how did you catch that!

[@Timmycoo]

The sound of that thing at startup.. Holy... Good review Chris.

[@nodidog]

Love the technical talks at the beginning of the videos lately!

[@aljnat]

Get well soon mate - another cracking review.

[@TimShaw1]

Also prefer the nose of the 12C, though this one more distinct and the shape of the headlights elicits the trekkie-style McLaren logo. Now would be a great time to be thinking about picking up a used 12C, for those of us who prefer the understated front end look.

[@lonestranger]

While not as obvious, the McLaren logo is also incorporated into the 12C's headlights. ascarz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Mcmp44.jpg

[@kezboy1]

I'm with Chris, not a fan of the new nose. I wasn't a fan of the 12c nose, but it grew on me. Now, I prefer the 12c nose the the 650s. can you order a 650s with a 12c front bumper? lol

[@KillerJay17]

I love the new look McLaren is using.

[@SamyT1994]

Chris, you're a hell of a reviewer. I love Ascari it's always fun to drive there.

[@Tomsvids95]

Well done mclaren the new version of the 12c looks to be a good contender

[@yonly65]

Nice review - and honest, which is invaluable. You go, Chris!

[@Loafy23]

Another great video, Chris! Hope you're feeling better. I have no real life experience with Ascari but I've driven it quite a bit in Gran Turismo 6. Ascari is such a technical track that really makes the driver work to get the most out of a car. Feels awesome when you get it right though. :)

[@zaphod2]

Love the review Chris, thank god your a car journalist !

[@cup_and_cone]

No screaming in a Chris Harris video was actually quite pleasant.

[@vvysoc]

The rear doesn't match the front. I think its smart for McLaren to keep 12c as open option.

[@vipercrazy-9]

Drive please give us more in car footage/drivers perspective with Chris driving on the road courses flat out. He's great at what he does, show us!

[@UAPJedi]

Nearly all the reviews I have watched, read and heard is that all of the McLarens, 12c, 650s, F1, P1 are better than their Ferrari counterparts. Further more, this company is making better road cars after only 3 years in business than Ferrari and they have had 80 years! Oh, if your contemplating leaving an insulting trolling message first have a thought about how people will equate that to the level of your intelligence!

[@bilgames2700bc]

laferrari is better than the p1 in performance, especially the high speed acceleration but i agree with u for the rest

[@boektcity]

Mclaren f1 was Mclarens first car, introduced in 1992. How are they only 3 years in the business?Also they helped DaimlerChrysler for all the different types of slr's since 1999. Also they have been active in F1 since 1966. Now, most mclarens will be better performance cars than any ferrari, but, like most people who've driven them both say, a ferrari is just more fun. A ferrari is a Ibiza beach party, a modern Mclaren is an office party. A ferrari has more ''soul'' People who buy one choose with their heart, people who buy a mclaren choose with their brain.

[@UAPJedi]

...every single review I have watched, read or listened too has said they would take the P1 over LaFerrari. All the other cars produced previous to the 12c have been one-off special projects, they have only been producing road going production based cars for the last three years, fact!

[@JoaoFerreira-qy2ki]

muppetnumpty65 The ferraris are the best supercars, but the mclaren's are the best car's . Take your conclusions with this, and this is a fact . I love mclaren, but they are very clinical if you kniw what I mean . Ferraris are wild, ferraris have soul, while the mclaren are a tamed beast.

[@boektcity]

Or change that, If I could choose any car ever, I'd be debating about a 250 gto or a 250gt california. And I honistly think, most car enthousiast will pick something like that over any Mclaren.

[@nickmagee-brown739]

All these negative comments. Why? I liked the look of the old car but the new one looks great. Like the F1 it is neat and thats what matters. This is becoming a great brand and this is the FOURTH. REPEAT. FOURTH Road Car they've ever made while ferrari have made Over twenty times that! The Aesthetics will finesse with time (F1 cars aren't designed to look beautiful.) If you are british and dont like the looks then put your criticisn in a more constructive manner and suggest not attack. Im fairly certain someone there at mclaren is trauling through the you tube videos naybe checking what is said......for my money i'd place a body coloured blade following the lower contour of the lights and to make the side grills on either side of the front grill look a little bit less huge! Whilst still allowing for its aerodynnamic effect. Otherwise praise where it is due for a remarkable 100% british engineering-led company that is manufacturing and exporting a quality product that is increasing in numbers every month.

[@Leo1991]

Chris really is one of the best at this tbh.. yes the top gear guys does good reviews aswell, but there's also alot of comic when they review cars etc.. chris can do fun whilest being serious, better than most if u ask me:)

[@brianduffy936]

Great video Chris Harris is the man! Dude has the best job in the world!!!!

[@bryngriffith]

Chris, those green New Balance and rolled up jeans is a massive fashion faux pas!

[@andrefrbk]

Im dying to see the 458 refresh now.

[@primrosematthew]

458 speciale?

[@deodathramheerai]

You already did it's called the "Speciale" and that was the LAST 458..All future Ferrari's will be twin turbocharged

[@tharinnawaratne3323]

Or what Jeremy would say 458 "special needs"

[@wekla911]

This is epic, Jamie Corstorphine and Chris Harris :D missed you Jamie

[@BAMitsJESUS]

Looks good, just think the 12c looks a tiny big better

[@mthonde4950]

Always look forward to Chris Harris' reviews, could make a 114i sound interesting.

[@conza1989]

As always great vid CH. A comment of KZbin, it would be great if videos had the time and time zone of when they're uploaded so we could know when roughly to expect the next show a week then.

[@Jay350iV12]

MP4-12C looked better, this P1 style is just not for me. Don't really know what people (like Clarkson) didn't like about the shape of the '12C, if I would own one I would park it right in the middle of my livingroom and just look at it all day long, forget about television... I love it!

[@russiaviation]

Thanks the Lord for the new front end....I am a fan of the air-brake on the back too...:) I have also heard that the new entry level from McLaren will be a little bit shorter than the 650S and a little bit less power and a bit less expensive too. Styling will be inspired by the P1 of course....I don't know about you but Amend to that indeed (from me).

[@mikelyon5595]

What a great journalist Harris is! He also seems a pleasant chap! Any color other than Traffic Cone Orange, please!

[@scottyrob82]

And my friend received his 12C Spyder 2 weeks before they showed off this car. He still can't believe how the 12C can get any better.

[@NathanGibb]

dedicated to his craft! Even working when you sick, I guess its that or miss out! Great vid as always.

[@MrComputerSaint]

Looks like the Ascari circuit. Great video Chris!

[@ozatuba]

getting closer to a million subscribers good job

[@tmh44]

In terms of styling, I always appreciated the 'understated' nature of the 12C--but, the new styling tweaks are beginning to grow on me, especially after seeing one in the flesh. Sure, it may not be as (visually or mechanically) emotional as a 458, but for someone like myself that appreciates an obsession with engineering and efficiency, it's hard to think of a better supercar for semi-daily use.

[@KenyonPayne]

I think the 12c looks better, woulda actually been nice if they kept more of the front end from the 12c

[@spacecadetzack]

Nailed it on the "fussiness" aspect of the 650s' looks, I can see the P1 DNA in the new fascia/headlamps, it just doesn't seem to be as much of a looker as the 12c. With the added performance I can look past it, but really a 12c with less modified bodywork and same performance benefits would of been the real winner in my book.

[@lotusgav]

Saw the 12c/650s side-by-side in Sydney and not that anyone else will care, but I agree the 12c looks much better. Love how low that engine sits in the chassis!

[@NullTuna]

those drift shots are just pure eye candy :D

[@bwilliamblock]

Respect.

[@vishalquake3]

I can't believe how much I love this car !

[@v_alexiadis]

Ah the Ascari Resort! What a great track!

[@mrdotaburgeryt3574]

Amazing as always Chris :)

[@walt350z]

Great video as usual! Please add or make a separate video with your in car. It was interesting to se how the car reacted to your inputs.

[@Varanicalvin]

I saw one yesterday in Australia (Melbourne). Who would have though that the delivery was that fast. (Was astounded)

[@94BrunoO]

I'd love to see Chris driving a D1 car. That would be entertaining.

[@AboveInShadow]

12C front was OK, it's the horrible rear what they should change.

[@theDigited]

Modern cars are approaching perfection. Great aero, extreme power, great traction and grip, nearly perfected breaks and suspension. Does this one need more than 650hp or be even lighter? Only a handful of drivers can actually use its capabilities, on a racetrack at that. Where to go next? What to improve, and more importantly, why to improve anything? It's already excellent and far beyond actual use cases for such speed and power.

[@BleedForTheWorld]

They'll achieve perfection when they run on hydrogen, further improving the performance, and reducing the cost. That is perfection.

[@theDigited]

Hydrogen doesn't make much sense. It's dangerous and requires much more energy to be extracted than gives back. Pure electric cars are the future, we just need to brainstorm battery tech a bit more.

[@tissot233]

theDigited Both have their advantages. With hydrogen you have more energy in a smaller space, plus ability to blend the refueling with current infrastructure. Just like electricity for batteries, you can create hydrogen be it from windpower, water etc. clean energy sources. Recently there was a breaktrough in France on creating hydrogen very efficiently, that could be major in energy production in general and later on trickle down to cars. At the same time battery tech is moving in great speed. Batteries are by no means perfect. There's a lot of lost energy from batteries in cold climates, that is much of the western world. Electric cars have the advantage of being out now and realistically speaking, hydrogen could truly be widespread, as in cheap 20 years from this. It's simply current and is being poured money from all directions. Be it car manufacturers or tech companies. By that time it is anybodies guess will hydrogen be able to offer us something pure electric cars can't.

[@GiveMeABloodyUser]

i think Chris harris is the stig of topgear

[@zyoungson]

the front of the 12c looks so nice, I wish they had changed the rear

[@QOTSAPT]

The new front embodies the newer McLaren logo (it's relatively old though) and that's great it's a signature, but overall the new 12c just got a bit 458-ish, but with more numbers and those are rounded up thanks to the ps to bhp sneaky correlation. Overall I think it looks good and apparently it drives good.

[@MesquiteAutomotive]

Hey! QOTSA!

[@3rdGenGuy]

It's funny how European manufacturers are now realizing Torque curves are important. That nice drift at 12:58 though.

[@OhMyKMPR]

The front brake discs are massive!

[@HesteBremse]

I have to agree on that nose, It seams that the rear looks still very MP4-12C with the more squared forms while the nose has taken some dev (an looks) from the P1. This somehow breaks the complete exterior impression of the car, and yes even more noticeable on footage switching between angles. While the P1 is very completed in it´s radical raw and curved shapes, the 650S lingers somewhere in between. It´s still a super cool car no doubt but some language has been lost or rather not really followed trough. I would absolutely opt for changing the rear to the new more curved from language for exterior completion, even that I actually liked the MP4-12C better. This is a to some extend a new model and slightly more than a simple facelift. And with the P1 leading the way the 650S seams weirdly a little to softly expressed - It´s difficult to explain but in my eyes it just does not promise as much for looks and the side intakes makes it look a little clustered around the belly - Bit weirdly pushed forward as well. The 12C has a slightly more conservative albeit also exclusive look - a bit understated. Id´say make the 650S look more aggressive, since it is also more aggressive, and as stated in the Video McLaren have the goal of being on the very top for performance in the segment. The more curved shapes language takes away some identity and that requires more raw elements to enhance the expression. The P1 works extremely well for its expression but it is also full of raw elements and the rear is supremely impressive - those lights are just so iconic and special. The 650S needs more of it´s big brothers expression.

[@skidmeister]

@11:40 and @13:12, best examples on how to use the brakes to drift and damn he can drive

[@Kais3r2001]

Already ? nice !!!

[@dohmies77]

By my calculations, I have enough money to buy one in 35 years.

[@dohmies77]

We gotta build a team

[@BarbecuedPossum]

JKOK Gaming With a minecraft profile picture? I think not XD

[@BarbecuedPossum]

***** 15? More like 7. I play games and all...but to have one as my profile pic is a bit over the top xD My bet is between 6-12 years old xDDD

[@donaldduck5731]

+Mikael K I can sell my house and by one. But I don't think if can toe a caravan

[@BarbecuedPossum]

Jon Jennings buy* tow*

[@TheMattyboy20]

Cant get over what Chris said about the 12C that it is almost 3 years old. The time has just flown out of the window.

[@ccol009]

@8:11. “We’ve got a New McLaren to drive...” 😂 -immediately starts drifting! Can he drive straight for once. 😂

[@ccol009]

He drifts so smooth though.

[@winglessang31]

This car and Chris Harris are amazing

[@Jesusmakesmelovelife]

Can u imagine this car on bigger tires, full underbody protection and a lift? AKA Baja 1000, sort of a nod to Porsche 959. Do it to "stay a step ahead of the competition." This track is on Gran Turismo 6. Chris makes it look more fun than in the game.

[@ChromeWrapz]

8:12 Is it just me or does this look like the track used in Top Gear when they compared the C63, RS4 and M3? I remember Jeremy going bonkers drifting around corners like those...

[@hf7188]

I hope someone lends a 458 Speciale to you in a near future, Chris... i know i would if i had one. :)

[@sereneturmoil]

I'm with Mr. Harris - yes, Mr, because we're not friendly - in that I prefer the look of the 12C. When that car came out I was immediately in love, whereas with the 650S I find myself needing to come around. But, since I'll never have one in my garage it isn't something I have to bother myself with.

[@mehdimohamed6291]

McLaren is on a roll.

[@ITRIEDEL]

Shooting star travels roughly 22500 to 157500 miles/hr. Ron lied.

[@saccarb]

Saw a black one downtown a few days ago in Vancouver nice, not sure if it was a 650s but wow it is a small little car. I was in my van thinking nice micro supercar.

[@MrDNKYMN]

Chris needs to do stand up comedy! He makes me laugh just standing around in those long jeans and New Balance shoes.

[@Tommy1198S]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

[@Raritytuber]

Very interesting to see how the car is built under the body panels.

[@revm3]

I do like McLaren. The 12C is a nice car. The P1 is an engineering masterpiece. This new 650S just seems a slightly tuned 12C. If I had a choice between a Ferrari and McLaren, it would be a Ferrari. They look stunning, they sound superb and has a totally different character than the McLaren's. For instance, the F12 Berlinetta. A massive naturally aspirated 6.3L V12. 8750 RPM. Ferrari have mapped the gearbox to 'surge/spike' the engine revs upon downshifts instead of a regular downshift, which results in a big V12 bark that keeps you wanting more. The Ferrari 458. 4.5L Naturally aspirated, 9000 RPM. A soulful engine note, and a unique acceleration feel that rushes down your spine unlike any other supercar. McLaren have focused too much on the engineering, rather turning it into something special. (Not the perfect example I know) - Top Gear Season 20 Episode 3. James, Richard and Jeremy all said out of an Audi R8, McLaren 12C or 458 Spider they would have the 458, because it's got that extra something special. James owns a Ferrari 458. BUT at the end of the day, it's all PERSONAL PREFERENCE.

[@LILLO84]

i have to say i completely agree with you, Mclaren's are extremely focused on performance but they sound and look not even remotely close as good as a Ferrari or a Lambo that is just honestly, well at least imo

[@lobniklukas]

Mclaren logic: Let the back stay the exact same and take the front of the other car in our range to make a "completely" new car :D

[@PP-um7kk]

Back isn't exactly the same tho.

[@whoischxse]

crisp new balances chris!

[@sendesilva6324]

great from you as always chris harris

[@Cur8or88]

12C's nose was a little plain. This is certainly more striking, but it makes the 12C look more elegant than I remember it being.