While McLaren's bread and butter model graduated from offering 600 PS in the original 12C to 650 PS in the current coupe and roadster, this has also brought about a substantial price increase of about 10%. In order to bring back customers, the British marque has introduced an entry-level model called the 570S, which kicks off the new Sports Series range.
It's not only expected to be the cheapest McLaren to date, costing around $180,000, but also the most practical one as an everyday proposition.
The baby model uses the same displacement engine as the P1, a twin-turbo V8 3.8-liter mated to a 7-speed SSG, but 30% of the components are brand new for this car. Output is rated at 570 PS at 7,400 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) between 5,000 rpm and 6,500 rpm. That might not sound like supercar power, but it's enough to compete with the new Audi R8 V10 and Porsche 911 Turbo, which are going to be its main adversaries.
Because of a brand new carbon fiber tub that will underpin other Sports Series models (roadster and 2+2 expected), the 570S is very light, tipping the scales 1,313 kg (2,895 lbs). This distributes itself 42:58 front/rear, so there should be a lot of inherent tail-happiness.
From a standstill, the coupe will reach 100 km/h (62mph) in only 3.2 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.5 seconds and top out at 328 km/h (204 mph). That pretty much makes it just as fast as the Huracan and outgoing Ferrari 458 twins.
So what about the looks?
Some people have said that it looks great from the back and awkward from the front, which is correct. One of my colleagues compared the large "surprised" eyes to Penelope Pitstop from Wacky Races, and I guess that's true. But unlike the 650S which is a 12C with a different bumper, everything about the 570S coupe just sort of ties in together.
Stepping inside, we notice a very driver-focused cabin that's also meant to be practical. Highlights include a large touchscreen installed vertically a la Tesla, an optional 1,280-watt 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and the digital speedometer. There are, of course, multiple interior trim options and McLaren has highlighted a tan leather finish that's elegant and timeless and a carbon fiber plus Alcantara combo with contrasting yellow stitching.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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Because of a brand new carbon fiber tub that will underpin other Sports Series models (roadster and 2+2 expected), the 570S is very light, tipping the scales 1,313 kg (2,895 lbs). This distributes itself 42:58 front/rear, so there should be a lot of inherent tail-happiness.
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