McLaren 570S debuts as entry-level supercar in New York
The new McLaren 570S, unveiled ahead of the 2015 New York Auto Show, introduces a lighter, more accessible sports car beneath the 650S with 570PS from its twin-turbo V8.
McLaren has officially revealed the 570S, its latest entry-level supercar, in advance of the car’s public debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show. As the first model in McLaren’s new Sports Series, the 570S is positioned to broaden the brand’s reach, targeting buyers who might otherwise consider established rivals such as the Porsche 911 and Jaguar F-Type. The new model promises a blend of high performance, lightweight engineering and everyday usability, while sitting below the 650S in the McLaren hierarchy.
Introduction: The 570S Joins the McLaren Line-up
Design and Lightweight Construction
The 570S is built around McLaren’s carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis, a structure that helps keep kerb weight down to just 1,313kg. This lightweight platform is paired with aluminium body panels, contributing to the car’s agility and performance. The exterior design incorporates aerodynamic sculpting, with distinctive McLaren styling cues such as dihedral doors and large air intakes. The car’s dimensions are 4,530mm in length, 2,095mm in width and 1,202mm in height, with a weight distribution of 42:58 front to rear. These proportions and materials ensure that the 570S is both visually striking and dynamically capable.
Chassis, Suspension and Braking
McLaren has equipped the 570S with a new suspension system, featuring double wishbones front and rear, adaptive dampers, and anti-roll bars. This setup aims to provide a blend of comfort and sharp handling, suitable for both road and occasional track use. Standard carbon ceramic brakes ensure strong and consistent stopping power, while the car rides on Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres: 225/35 R19 at the front and 285/35 R20 at the rear. These elements work together to deliver precise handling and confidence-inspiring performance.
Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of the 570S is a revised 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, a unit shared with other McLaren models but tuned here to produce 570PS at 7,400rpm and 600Nm of torque between 5,000 and 6,500rpm. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a 7-speed SSG dual-clutch transmission. This combination enables the 570S to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds and to reach 200km/h in 9.5 seconds. Top speed is 328km/h. Despite these figures, McLaren claims combined fuel consumption of 9.2L/100km and CO2 emissions of 258g/km, which is competitive for the segment.
Interior Features and Technology
The interior of the 570S is designed to combine comfort, technology and a sense of occasion. The centrepiece is a 7-inch IRIS touchscreen system, which integrates both infotainment and climate controls. Drivers also benefit from a TFT digital instrument cluster, providing clear and customisable information. Standard equipment includes DAB digital radio, SIRIUS satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system. For those seeking an upgraded audio experience, a 12-speaker, 1,280-watt Bowers & Wilkins system is available. Buyers can choose between Alcantara and Nappa leather upholstery, allowing for a personalised and premium cabin environment.
Positioning and Rivals
The 570S marks McLaren’s entry into a more accessible segment of the sports car market. It is designed to appeal to drivers who might otherwise consider a Porsche 911 or Jaguar F-Type, offering a compelling alternative with its focus on lightweight construction and advanced technology. While it sits below the 650S in terms of price, performance and weight, the 570S carries over much of the engineering expertise found in McLaren’s higher-end models. The launch of the 570S signals McLaren’s intention to expand its customer base and take on established competitors in the premium sports car sector.
Specifications at a Glance
| Engine | 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 |
|---|---|
| Power | 570PS at 7,400rpm |
| Torque | 600Nm between 5,000-6,500rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed SSG dual-clutch |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-100km/h | 3.2 seconds |
| 0-200km/h | 9.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 328km/h |
| Kerb weight | 1,313kg |
| Chassis | Carbon fibre MonoCell II |
| Brakes | Carbon ceramic (standard) |
| Tyres (front/rear) | 225/35 R19 / 285/35 R20 |
| Fuel consumption | 9.2L/100km (combined) |
| CO2 emissions | 258g/km |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 4,530mm / 2,095mm / 1,202mm |
| Weight distribution | 42:58 (front:rear) |
Conclusion: A New Era for McLaren
With the unveiling of the 570S, McLaren is expanding its range and making its distinctive approach to performance and engineering available to a broader audience. The car’s combination of lightweight construction, advanced technology and everyday usability is designed to attract new buyers to the brand while maintaining the core values that define McLaren. More details are expected to emerge as the car makes its public debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show.
