We have seen the test mules, the teasers and even the door design, now McLaren have officially unveiled it, meet the first ever Sports Series car – the McLaren 570S. Two other cars will complete the Sports Series, we suspect these will be a Spider and a track honed variant. More on those cars later, the McLaren 570S is the car everyone is talking about and it is not difficult to see why. This promises to be “the most usable McLaren to date”, but do not fear, it certainly still features race-inspired McLaren DNA, right down to the dihedral doors.
The performance figures may not match those of the Super or Ultimate Series cars, but are still very impressive in their own right. The headline numbers are as follows, a power output of 564 bhp with light weight construction to give a class leading power-to-weight ratio of 458 bhp per tonne. These figures culminate to fire the the 570S from zero to 100km/h (62 mph) in 3.2-seconds, while 200 km/h (124 mph) is reached in a very impressive 9.5-seconds with the pace not letting up till the car reaches a top speed of 328 km/h (204mph).
This supercar speed comes courtesy of the power plant we have become so familiar with, the 3.8-litre twin turbo unit producing. This unit has been branded the M838TE – E standing for ‘Evolution’ – with 30 percent of components bespoke to the Sports Series. Linked to the engine is a seven-speed SSG transmission that promises to be quick and smooth. Stopping power should be just as impressive courtesy of standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes, fitted behind a newly designed range of forged alloy wheel options shod, as standard, with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.
Weight was a crucial factor in the creation of the McLaren 570S, carbon fibre has been used extensively, the unique carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis is incredibly strong and stiff yet weighs less than 80kg, and has been designed to offer optimum levels of protection without inhibiting ingress and egress from the cabin. This in conjunction with the use of aluminium body panels, contributes to a dry weight of as low as 1,313kg (2,895lbs), almost 150kg lighter than
its closest competitor.
The McLaren 570S has been described by its designers as a “pure sports car”, this description being shared by the cars mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout. The design of the car clearly follows the McLaren design ethos, “form follows function”, with its ‘shrinkwrapped’, aerodynamically-optimised shapes including rear flying buttresses that increase downforce as well as a beautiful silhouette. Additionally, one of most striking design features of the McLaren 570S incorporates complex door tendons that direct additional air to cool the mid-mounted V8 engine.
The interior of the McLaren 570S reflects its designers desire to make to Sports Series more usable than any McLaren before it. It is all typical McLaren, simplistic and driver focused but upholstered with more leather than alcantara for a more comfortable feel over long distances.
The McLaren 570S will certainly have to prove itself against some tough competition including the Audi R8, Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari 488 GTB and more, only time will tell if the McLaren will be the class leader. We cannot wait to find out!
GTspirit will be live at the New York Auto Show 2015 where the car will be unveiled to the public for the first time, best sure to stay with GTspirit for more!
