Models such as MP4-12C or P1 are what the automotive press informally defines as “hypercars”. These are usually produced in very limited quantities, sold at huge prices, and packed with the very best technologies their respective makers can offer. However, these characteristics make their owners treat them almost as mint-in-box action figures. These cars spend most of their days confined in high-security garages, leaving only for “track days” every once in a while. With 570S, in turn, McLaren enters the “supercar” category, which includes cars like Ferrari 488 GTB and Porsche 911 Turbo. These are more accessible, have regular production, and take the company’s name to the streets more frequently – remember to add “slightly” to each of those statements.
However, this is still very far from a regular city automobile. McLaren made a point to apply all the knowledge that was acquired with both its racing and urban operations. The external design, for instance, was carefully sculpted so as to be attractive and aerodynamic just as much. The design language started with P1 appears once again. The front fascia uses a more triangular variation of both the lights and the grilles. The sides use a section in black carrying the air intake. The rear is entirely painted in black, simply doesn’t use a bumper, and combines very thin LED lights to a massive air diffuser. And there are several spoilers to optimize the air flow. Most of these body panels are made of aluminum, including the doors.
McLaren’s new focus also appears in the cabin. Between standard and optional items, there’s a 7” touchscreen for the infotainment system, a TFT screen as instrument cluster, Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 12 speakers, complete upholstery in leather, and lots of possibilities to customize: lightweight carbon-fiber parts, exclusive materials and colors, and several track accessories. Sounds too luxury-car for you? How about knowing it’s also claimed to have best-in-class luggage capacity? Everything brought by MonoCell II, a carbon-fiber structure which weighs less than 180 pounds and is similar to what 650S uses. Speaking of which, 570S is slightly shorter and narrower but 0.8-inch longer. 570S’ doors were also carefully designed to make cabin access much easier.
When it comes to performance, the new vehicle carries a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8, which delivers 562 hp of power and 443 lb-ft of torque. This engine is derived from 650S’ and is paired to a gearbox with seven speeds and double clutch in order to go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds, to 124 mph in 9.5 seconds, and then to 204 mph. Such figures are also brought by control-arm adaptive suspension, 19” and 20” wheels with 225/35 and 285/35 Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires (front and back), all-new exhaust system, and three driving modes. There are also carbon-ceramic brake rotors as standard. This car, along with the existing ones and those which will arrive in the next few months, are expected to double McLaren’s total sales from 2014’s 1,800 units to around 4,000 in 2017.