Positioned below supercars of the Ultimate Series (P1) and Super Series (650S), the entry-level Sports Series McLaren 570S looks destined to lock horns against “mainstream” rivals such as the Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8 V10 and Mercedes AMG GT. Not only is it more affordable than what McLaren has offered so far, the 570S was also conceived as a sports car to be driven daily and less about setting the quickest lap times.
What’s different?
The 570S is powered by the now familiar M838TE 3.8-litre twin turbocharged V8 (30% of it is new, says McLaren) of a lower tune, but still good for 570hp and 600Nm. Just like its hardcore siblings, the V8 is mounted mid-ship on a carbon-fibre tub (called MonoCell II) that affords the 1,440kg 570S significant weight savings of around 100kg to 150kg against competitors such as the Porsche Turbo S and Audi R8 V10. Standard carbon ceramic brake rotors help as well. The result? An idle to 100km/h time of 3.2 seconds, onwards to 200km/h in 9.5 seconds, topping out in a searing 328km/h.
For a more conventional on-road handling response, the 570S trades its radical electro-hydraulic Proactive Chassis Control suspension system for a more conventional set up comprising adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars; the retractable Air Brake that doubles up as a rear wing is sacrificed as well. The 570S retains the open rear differential (even the P1 doesn’t have a locker) with electronic Brake Steer system calibrated to manage oversteer/understeer and traction while power is laid down via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
When can you get one?
The 570S (along with its even more affordable twin, the 540C) will be pivotal in driving McLaren’s target of producing 4,000 cars a year by 2017. And though official distributor McLaren Kuala Lumpur had planned for an “attractive” price for the 570S, the Ringgit’s fall scuppered that. As it stands, the price of the 570S is now estimated to be RM1.68 million (base model, inclusive of duties), which isn’t exactly exorbitant considering McLaren’s engineering pedigree and exclusivity, as well as the fact that a Porsche Turbo S is listed at RM1.75 million. If you lay down a booking today, expect your 570S to arrive in Malaysia by the second quarter of 2016.
McLaren 570S
Price: RM1.68 million (estimated)
Engine: 3.8-litre, V8, twin-turbo petrol
Output: 570hp @ 7500rpm, 600Nm @ 5000rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch w/steering shift paddles
Performance: 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds, top speed 328km/h
Fuel efficiency: 9.1 km/l (combined cycle)
Wheels/tyres: 19in/20in alloys (F/R), 225/35 R19/285/35 R20 (F/R)
Safety: 4-airbags, Electronic Stability Control
Warranty: 3-years unlimited mileage
Watch Chris Harris punt an orange 570S in Portugal.