McLaren Sports Series debuts with 570S Coupé

Ahead of its debut at the New York International Motor Show, McLarenMcLarenUnited Kingdom, 1963 > present92 models
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has unveiled the first model of the Sports Series, the 570S CoupéMcLaren 570S CoupéUnited Kingdom, 2015 > present. The new model is set to compete with the Porsche 911 Turbo SPorsche 911 Turbo SGermany, 2013 > present and Audi R8 V10 PlusAudi R8 V10 PlusGermany, 2015 > present.

According to the British brand the 570S Coupé “introduces McLaren DNA to the sports car segment for the first time”, adopting some of the knowledge acquired with the development of the 650SMcLaren 650SUnited Kingdom, 2014 > present10 versions
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supercar and P1McLaren P1 Gen.1United Kingdom, 2012 > present7 versions
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hypercar on the sports car segment.

The launch of the 570S Coupé will open doors to the new McLaren Sports Series, the new entry-level tier of the three-category strategy from the British brand. This strategy also incorporates the Super Series and Ultimate Series.

The performance of the 570S Coupé is powered by a modified version of the twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 already used in the 650S and P1, with a 570PS output. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Thanks to its light weight construction the 570S accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, while 200 km/h (124 mph) is reached in just 9.5 seconds. Top speed is set at 328 km/h (204mph). McLaren is claiming an average consumption of 9.22l/100km and CO2 emissions of 258g/km for the 570S.

One of the main focus on the development of the 570S was the low weight. A redesigned design of McLaren’s carbonfibre MonoCell II chassis, compared to the one featured on the 650S, has been crucial to achieve this goal. The new model weighs 1313kg, 150kg less than the R8 V10 Plus, and features a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 428bhp per tonne.

The interlinked suspension from 650S has been replaced by a more standard double wishbone design paired with adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars on the 570S. Just like it happens with the 650S, the car can be driven in Normal, Sport and Track modes, which change the powertrain and handling settings.

In terms of design the 570S keeps some key elements of the McLaren family look, such as the P1-derived front and rear lights. Although some of the shapes of the model are very similar to other McLaren vehicles the new 570S Coupé doesn't share panels with any of them. It features bespoke aerodynamic styling features, such as the front aero blades, side skirts and rear diffuser.

Inside, in order to offer “day-to-day usability and driveability”, Mclaren has gone for greater emphasis on comfort, with additional storage capacity inside the cabin, leather upholstery and a best-in-class front luggage volume of 144 litres. The 570S Coupé infotainment system has been mounted on a floating centre console and the 7.0in touchscreen includes sat-nav, Bluetooth and DAB radio.

Alongside the launch of the Sport Series models McLaren will also see its output rise significantly. The company expects to hit a production peak of about 4000 cars per year when the 570S Coupé and subsequent cars in the range are established.

The 570S Coupé will go on sale after its public debut at the New York motor show. Aiming at the Asian market, the second Sport Series model, dubbed 540C, should be launched next month in Shanghai and should provide an entry point into the Sports Series range. A more spacious and practical GT model should arrive in 2016, with the Spider variant set to go on sale in 2017.