Geneva debut for McLaren's Ferrari fighter

McLaren is set to reveal a next-generation supercar at the 2017 Geneva motor show in March, giving the brand an answer to upcoming models from Ferrari and Lamborghini.

The British marque says radical aerodynamics will be at play for the advanced model, which will replace the 650S supercar in McLaren's road-going range.

Reportedly codenamed P14, the carbon-fibre coupe is said to be twice as aerodynamically efficient as the 650S, using lessons learned from the McLaren P1 hypercar as well as its Bathurst 12 Hour-winning GT3 program.

The new car represents the first time McLaren has replaced an existing model range. The current carbon-fibre tub and V8 engine offered in the 650S originally went on sale in the MP4-12C in 2011, before going to work in a range of models.

The new car is expected to be more user-friendly than its predecessor, with larger door apertures for ease of access. It's also likely to use an evolution of McLaren's twin-turbocharged V8 engine retuned to offer more than 500kW of power.

Mark Vinnels, executive director of product development for McLaren Automotive, says the car will be "as aerodynamically impressive as it is visually beautiful".

 "A range of advanced aerodynamic technologies contributes to maximum generated downforce over 50 per cent greater than that of the McLaren 650S and ensures truly outstanding levels of grip and stability," he says.

"We have also markedly improved cooling efficiency, with a 15% gain overall and a particular focus on airflow to the engine's high temperature radiators through a unique new design of dihedral door."

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