Prior to the McLaren Sports Series debuting at the New York Auto Show 2015, a couple of prototypes were recently spied in the midst of testing in Southern Europe. Despite the heavy camouflage worn by these test mules, many of the car’s key design traits are visible.
For starters, it is immediately apparent that the Sports Series will include LED taillights inspired by those fitted to the McLaren P1 hybrid hypercar. As a result, they feature a thin and curvaceous design and wrap around the outside of the rear air vents. Elsewhere, the following Sports Series testers include bold rear diffusers as well as uniquely shaped dual tailpipes unlike those found on existing McLaren models.
Beyond the car’s design, it is suggested that the first model from the McLaren Sports Series range will be dubbed the 570S. If true, such a name would make sense considering the firm’s existing nomenclature with cars like the 625C, 650S and 675LT already available.
Additionally, the presence of the ‘570’ in the name obviously indicates that this Sports Series variant will deliver 570 hp from its 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. As such, it would deliver about 10 hp more than its direct rival, the Porsche 911 Turbo S. It will also put the car’s power output above the Mercedes-AMG GT.
Beyond borrowing its engine from other McLaren models, it has been confirmed that the Sports Series will also utilise the firm’s carbon fibre MonoCell monocoque and become the first car in its class with such a platform. In terms of pricing, chief executive Mike Flewitt recently confirmed that the new British sports car will be aimed squarely at the 911 Turbo and Turbo S duo.
[Via World Car Fans]
