McLaren 650S arises

Images of the new McLaren 650S supercar have leaked out of the UK, showing a svelte new design that is a nod in the direction of the fire-belching P1 - which we've just tested.

The new McLaren 650S is likely to slot in above the entry-level MP4-12C and below the P1, and will be the third model in the British supercar maker's burgeoning range.

The new model will make its debut at the 2014 Geneva motor show and will based on the same carbon-fibre tub that underpins the 12C and P1, but with styling more reminiscent of the latter.

McLaren F1 driver Jensen Button was involved with the development of the 650S, which pumps out around 478kW (roughly 650 horsepower, hence the name) thanks to its twin-turbo V8 engine.

It's expected to slay the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.1 seconds, two tenths faster than the 12C.

The new mid-level McLaren could attract the attention of potential Ferrari 458 Speciale customers due to its improved performance over the 12C, which span to suspension, brakes, aerodynamics and gearbox upgrades.

Details specifications won't be revealed until the Geneva motor show in a couple of week's time, but with an expected price significantly above the 12C's $398,000, it'll be fast, desirable, and expensive.

Although it won't replace the McLaren 12C - that car's replacement is expected to be shown later in the year - the 650S provides clues to the company's evolving design language, and its intention to create full portfolio of British weapons.

McLaren has other models in the pipeline, including the P13, which will be a more affordable model to rival the Porsche 911 Carrera.