Like many of you, I have been holding off from dropping a deposit on a new McLaren because of uncertainty as to exactly what I get for my outlay. I mean, this is a car that comes without Rich Corintian Leather ™, with no option for a landau roof or locking wire-effect wheel covers. Sure, there’s a V8 underhood but it’s only a measly 3.8. From what I can see on this unclothed example, what you’re paying for is a bunch of components. Some of which are, admittedly, quite nice. 
If you want to read specifics about the 650S (and why wouldn’t you?), then go here to re-live its North American show début. Our main man Jeff no doubt has one on long term loan right now that he’ll give the full review ‘n video treatment; so keep this frequency open. Today, though, is all about the divine secrets beneath those sultry surface garments. These are the parts that your McLaren will only ever reveal if you get to know it intimately. This content is about as explicit as things get without being NSFW. 
The embossed McLaren logos confirm the truth, that these are all 100% bespoke components which will not be found on any other car. Of course, I could say that of the wishbones of my old Rover, and then suddenly I’d remember that you could probably use them on a Honda Legend, and I’d have to think of another example. Thing is, though, the Rover 800 and its Oriental cousin were designed to sell in huge numbers. The McLaren 650S marketplace is, shall we say, somewhat rarefied in comparison. 
Aside from their absolute beauty, my secondary reaction to exposure to these gorgeous castings is surprise and reassurance at the apparent simplicity and honesty of things. Everything visible, every linkage, every mechanism works through the energy of applied forces, like gravity, inertia, centrifugal force and acceleration. They work because of physics. Of course, these fundamentals are then supervised by state-of-the-art electronics, McLaren’s ProActive Chassis technology ensuring that nothing less than the optimum setup will do. But none of this is meant to override what comes naturally. The 650S is intended to co-exist with the tarmac in a state of perfect harmony. The electronics merely act as a peacekeeper. 
Of course, McLaren seem to insist on clothing the chassis with beautiful coachwork, which is rather a pity. If ever there was an incomplete machine I would like to run on a track as is, the above is it. Still, having seen the 650S in the nude, I feel I can relate to it so much better than before. From being just another wondercar, destined to be driven solely by the faceless wealthy or the high-profile but not necessarily deserving, it’s been elevated to the status of art, whose very existence should be celebrated by everybody. Though admittedly, I’d appreciate it still more if I held the keys. (Images copyright 2014 Hooniverse / Chris Haining)
By RoadworkUK
RoadworkUK is the online persona of Gianni Hirsch, a tall, awkward gentleman with a home office full of gently decomposing paper and a garage full of worthless scrap metal. He lives in the village of Moistly, which is a safe distance from London and is surrounded by enough water and scenery to be interesting. In another life, he has designed, sold, worked on and written about cars in exchange for small quantities of money.
William Byrd 
Jeff Glucker