Trackside with the 2015 McLaren 650S (pictures)

We first saw the 2015 McLaren 650S at its unveiling at the 2014 Geneva auto show. Later, I got to fiddle with its cabin tech at the 2014 New York auto show. And now, I find myself trackside with the "everyday supercar" at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Though based on the MP-12C's platform, the 2015 650S features a host of performance and amenity upgrades to make it both more track- and street-worthy.

Let's start beneath the skin. Like the MP-12C, the 650S is starts with a carbon-fiber monocoque tub that encases the driver and a single passenger.

A lightweight aluminum subframe is grafted onto the rear to hold the engine and gearbox and suspension components bolted on at each end. Structurally, the 650S is now complete; there is no difference between the Coupe and the droptop Spider.

The 650S' construction keeps the weight close to the ground. Even the engine is mounted so low in the chassis that the exhaust must be routed up and over the rear suspension.

If there's a trade-off to mounting the engine deep in the chassis, it's that you can't really admire it beneath the glass as with other supercars. Particularly, the 650S Spider, where you can only see hints of the intake manifold through the small glass hatch. Form over function.

The front end has been redesigned, echoing the fascia of the P1 hypercar. Interestingly, the shape of the 650S' headlamps mirror the red "swoosh" of the McLaren logo.

With the engine mounted rear-amidships, the space ahead of the carbon fiber driver tub is dedicated to storage space and the crash crumple zone.

The cabin features a narrow floating center console that puts all of the controls within easy reach for the driver.

The narrow center console allows the driver and the passenger to be seated closer to the centerline of the vehicle for better weight distribution. Climate controls for each side of the cabin have been located on the door armrest.

The approximately 7-inch center touchscreen uses a portrait orientation. Though it's based on the Android mobile OS, the bespoke software uses a simplified interface.

Being based on Android means that the various functions are technically apps. Fortunately, everything loaded quickly and the system seemed stable during my limited testing.

Navigation features on-board maps. I found that the portrait orientation works well for navigation.

Simplified white and orange on black graphics are easy enough to read and understand at a glance.

When I say all of the functions are apps, I mean all of them. Even the rear camera is an app that's automatically launched when putting the 650S into reverse.

Drivers can also manually call up the rear view camera at any time via the 650S' app menu, even while driving froward.

Audio is piped through a Meridian premium surround system.

It has the WiFis. Tethering the 650S to your smartphone via WiFi or Bluetooth allows it to connect to the internet. We're told that McLaren will also eventually allow the driver to install car apps.

We're told that McLaren's dihedral doors add both visual drama and allow a bit of extra leg clearance when swinging your feet over the wide doorsills.

The rear spoiler features active aerodynamics, moving up and down to meet the moment's downforce and air-braking needs. The system is more proactive than the MP-12C's aero and will even add downforce when cresting a hill at speed.

The 650S features an adaptive suspension with three different settings: Normal, Sport, and Track. Tied into those modes are settings for the traction control and steering systems.

The exhaust tips exit the chassis high in the rear valance, between the tail lights.

The 650S features a unique front spoiler that has been aerodynamically matched to the revised active aero program out back. The new chin spoiler adds even more downforce than the MP-12C.

Carbon ceramic brakes are now standard. These massive stoppers shave off speed like hitting a brick wall.

Rear-mid engine mounting means that the front end doesn't need massive intakes or ventilation.

Large side intakes provide breathing air for the 641 horsepower, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine and the massive radiators that cool them.

500 pound-feet of torque flow through the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission on the way to the rear wheels. The top speed is up to 207 mph.

Even the wing mirror stalks have been aerodynamically shaped.

A single, massive wiper cover the entire windshield. Fun fact: the 650S's windshield is longer from cowl to roof than it is wide.

I wouldn't advise driving it like this. No, it won't take off; it's just unsafe.

McLaren says the the 650S is more hardcore than the MP-12C when its powertrain and suspension are in their "Track" settings. The automaker also says that the supercar is more sedate and easier to live with day to day when in its softest "Normal" settings.

Okay, that's enough tech for now. Let's just enjoy the pretty pictures of this gorgeous supercar.

Okay, that's enough tech for now. Let's just enjoy the pretty pictures of this gorgeous supercar.

Okay, that's enough tech for now. Let's just enjoy the pretty pictures of this gorgeous supercar.

Okay, that's enough tech for now. Let's just enjoy the pretty pictures of this gorgeous supercar.

Okay, that's enough tech for now. Let's just enjoy the pretty pictures of this gorgeous supercar.

Okay, that's enough tech for now. Let's just enjoy the pretty pictures of this gorgeous supercar.

Okay, that's enough tech for now. Let's just enjoy the pretty pictures of this gorgeous supercar.