McLaren Super Series Gen. 2 to get new 4.0-litre twin-turbo bent eight

McLaren’s second generation Super Series cars will have a brand-new 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 lurking under their engine covers, with power outputs expected to stretch as far as 530kW – 52kW more than the 650S’s 3.8-litre turbo eight-cylinder mill currently pushes out, and 34kW more than the 675LT that caps off the current Super Series range.

The replacement for the 650S and 675LT models, provisionally codenamed P14 for now, will also have slipperier aerodynamics to take it from 0-200kmh in less than 7.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of around 330km/h.

By way of comparison, a 675LT coupe hits 200km/h in 7.9 seconds and Vmax is limited to 330km/h. The next-gen Super Series will most assuredly be phenomenally quick.

This will partly be achieved by employing ultra-low inertia, twin-scroll turbochargers on the new M840T engine, which spool up more rapidly than previous designs to deliver reduced turbo lag and quicker throttle response. Having an extra 200cc of displacement also plays its part in quickening turbo spool, with more exhaust gas being pushed out during each revolution of the crankshaft to spin those two turbines.

“The new 4.0-litre M840T is an outstanding engine powering an exceptional supercar capable of covering a standing quarter mile (402m) in 10.3 seconds,” said McLaren Super Series Vehicle Line Director, Haydn Baker.

“Power, torque and throttle response are all significantly enhanced compared to the first-generation Super Series, yet with fuel efficiency and emissions also notably improved.”

All that power comes with an all-new ‘crescendo’ soundtrack, which will “match the extreme performance of the engine, with the further option of a sports exhaust”.

According to McLaren the “soulful, clean and crisp exhaust note is among the most emotive of any McLaren”.

The magnificent little donk will also provide some visual spectacle, thanks to engine bay illumination as part of the welcome sequence on vehicle unlocking that will reveal a cast-aluminium air intake plenum with McLaren’s speedmark logo.

Aesthetically, an image leaked last month of the new super series car shows a sharp new front end and nose along with more aerodynamic styling along its flanks. We’ve also been alerted that the new Super Series will feature an oversteer-promoting “Variable Drift Mode” for those who like to conduct their work commute at a constant slip angle.

More details of the second-generation McLaren Super Series, including engine and performance specifications, will be confirmed on March 7 at the Geneva Motor Show.