Mclaren 650S

FOR its second-generation supercar, Mclaren took the  12C and added styling and technology inspired by the  P1 hypercar. The result is its most focused road car yet - the 6505. There's a real sense of occasion when you get behind the wheel, thanks to the butterfly wing doors  and the low, race•inspired driving position in a minimalist cabin.

The twin-turbo VB fires into life with a purposeful bark, while selecting gears with the tactile metal shift paddles  makes light work of the 641bhp on tap.

Performance is explosive,  and the standard launch control system  means it's easy to match the claimed 0-62mph time of three seconds. In corners, the stiff chassis and adaptive dampers combine to deliver zero body roll even at ridiculous speeds, while the direct steering and ultra-effective  carbon ceramic brakes mean you feel in total control at all times.

In fact, you really need a track to make the most of the 6505's performance, and  even then it feels like you're barely scratching the surface of its talents.

As well as searing pace, the 6505 is surprisingly user-friendly.  Put the electronics into comfort mode, a nd the Mclaren is unexpectedly docile: visibility is excellent for a supercar,  and it'll easily cruise the motorway  in comfort. Plus, the £215,275 drop-top Spider version i s great for being  seen in, too.

Price: £195,275 
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo VB 
Power: 641bhp
Torque:  678Nm 
0-62mph:  3.0 seconds 
Top speed: 207mph