McLaren Introduces 'Entry-Level' Sports Series
Supercar manufacturer McLaren will broaden its offerings to the everyman high-end sports car owner with the introduction of an “entry-level” Sports Series of high-performance cars. Debuting at the 2015 New York International Auto Show, the 570S — and soon-to-debut 540C — place more focus on everyday usability to compete with the Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8 V-10 and Mercedes AMG GT S – all cars in the mid- to high-$100,000 range.
The price tag for the 570S? $184,900 … before destination.
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The Sports Series fits below McLaren’s Super Series (McLaren 650s) and Ultimate Series (McLaren P1), though it is more than just a detuned 650s. The 570S and 540C start with a similar carbon-fiber passenger cell that’s stretched and widened for additional passenger and cargo room. A lower entry sill helps entry and exit, and visibility is improved with repositioning of the A-pillars and narrower B-pillars. McLaren’s signature dihedral doors are still a staple of the Sports Series and open with a more substantial arc than other models for easier cabin access.
If you’re not familiar with the McLaren brand, consider that McLaren is taking the basics of its premier supercars and toning down the capabilities to make a more civil and comfortable daily driver while Porsche, Audi, etc., have to throw every high-performance trick in the book at their cars to get them to this level.
Don’t think the McLaren is any less dedicated to going fast. McLaren’s Sunday driver 570S is powered by a mid-engine 562-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 evolved from the higher-end McLarens and sends power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Zero-to-62 mph comes in a brisk 3.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 204 mph. Bringing the 570S down from speed are standard carbon ceramic disc brakes with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers out back.
Curb weight is a scant 2,895 pounds, or roughly as much as a Honda Civic sedan. Aluminum replaces some carbon-fiber components on the Sports Series compared with other McLaren cars because higher production numbers are planned and according to McLaren, aluminum offers superior finish quality for larger production numbers, plus there’s no difference in weight. Aluminum is used in the front and rear fenders, doors, hood, rear deck and roof.
U.S. pricing of the 570S starts at $184,900. Those interested should get their orders in now as the McLaren is a build-to-order car and goes on sale later this year.
