McLaren's Sports Series Completed with the 540C and 570S

McLaren Automotive announced the new "540C Coupe" at the Shanghai Motor Show currently underway. This 540C follows the "570S Coupe" announced at the New York Motor Show on April 1st, marking the second model in McLaren's Sports Series, positioned as the entry-level class.

As with its other models, the 540C Coupe's name derives from its maximum output. The mid-mounted, longitudinally placed engine is a 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbo, the same as in the 570S Coupe. It produces a maximum output of 540ps and a peak torque of 540Nm, paired with a 7-speed SSG (dual-clutch) transmission. Naturally, the chassis utilizes a carbon fiber monocoque, inherited from the "MP4-12C," keeping the dry weight down to just 1,311kg.

It achieves 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 320km/h. As an entry model, it's slightly detuned compared to the 570S Coupe, with a 0.3-second slower acceleration and an 8km/h lower top speed. Nevertheless, it remains an undisputed supercar with first-class performance.

The exterior design, instantly recognizable as a McLaren, features distinctive full LED headlights and the signature dihedral doors, which are also carried over to the 540C Coupe. The interior design mirrors that of the 570S Coupe, including a 7-inch LCD display offering cutting-edge infotainment.

The 540C Coupe is not a model primarily for emerging markets; like the earlier 570S Coupe, it will be rolled out in major markets across more than 30 countries, completing McLaren's Sports Series with these two models. It was announced that the price would be £126,000 (approximately ¥22.44 million), £17,250 less than the 570S Coupe's £143,250 (approximately ¥25.48 million).