A day after a private preview, which resulted in an early leak, McLaren released the official details and specs of its new super car, the 650S. Despite what the early reports suggested, the 650 does not replace the 12C, but slot above it in McLaren’s range. That makes you question the point of this car.

Just about the only thing separating the McLaren 650S from its 12C sibling is a new front-end. Well, we say new, but in fact it is P1’s headlights stuck to the front of the 12C. The rest of the car is the same as the old model. It comes as a fixed-head coupé or as a Spider, with a retractable folding hard top; it has the same engine; the same active aero; and the same interior.

The performance is improved, of course, thanks to a revised twin-turbo V8 engine that makes 650 horsepower, and new design five-spoke lightweight forged ‘650S’ alloy fitted with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, which are bespoke to this model. The ProActive Chassis Control (PCC) suspension system, which in essence replaces traditional suspension components with electronic brains, is also tweaked in the McLaren 650S to cope with the increased power and performance.

The car is also slightly better-equipped as it comes as standard with IRIS satellite navigation with Bluetooth telephony, DAB digital radio (SIRIUS satellite radio in North America), wireless tethering, audio streaming and voice control. But then it will certainly be more expensive than the 12C, so it wouldn’t matter.

There are also a number of options you can specify, including fixed-back carbon racing seats, based on the lightweight design found in the McLaren P1™, an electric steering column adjustment assisting ingress and egress, a rear parking camera and extended carbon fibre throughout the interior.