Three Series Completed

McLaren Automotive, which had just world-premiered the new "McLaren 675LT" at the Geneva Motor Show in March, announced the "570S Coupe" at the New York Show, which opened on April 1st. This marks the debut of the first model in the "Sports Series," which will handle the entry-level segment.

McLaren is currently expanding its lineup and clarifying its segments. At the top is the "Ultimate Series" segment, which includes the hybrid supercar "P1" unveiled in its production form at the Geneva Show in 2013, and its track-only variant, the "P1 GTR" boasting 1,000ps.

The "650S" unveiled at last year's Geneva Show, and its evolution, the "675LT," which made its world premiere at this year's Geneva Show, belong to the second segment, the "Super Series." This series sits in the middle of the lineup and includes the "MP4-12C", which was the historic first production car from McLaren Automotive (the "McLaren F1" was a model from the former McLaren Cars).

The "570S," first revealed at the New York Auto Show, debuts as the first model in the "Sports Series," a new lineup for McLaren that will handle the entry-level segment. While it is a road model inheriting McLaren's DNA with its potential and performance, it aims to offer a more accessible price point. With the introduction of the Sports Series, McLaren will now operate with a three-series strategy.

The 570S, with its lightweight construction, targets not only the Porsche "911" and Aston Martin's V8 lineup but also Ferrari's mid-engine models and the Lamborghini "Huracán." While its primary objective is to attract new customers looking to experience a genuine mid-engine sports car in the entry-level segment, its performance ensures that even existing super sports cars cannot afford to be complacent.

0-100km/h in 3.2 Seconds, Top Speed of 328km/h

The 570S utilizes the "Monocoque II" chassis, a carbon fiber structure derived from the know-how gained from F1 machines, resulting in an exceptionally light weight of just 1,313kg (dry weight). This chassis is powered by the "M838TE" engine, a 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbo that produces 570ps and 600Nm (61.2kgm) of torque, as indicated in the model name. The engine is mounted longitudinally in the center of the car, adopting a mid-ship layout.MP4-12CThe 570S utilizes the "Monocoque II" chassis, a carbon fiber structure derived from the know-how gained from F1 machines, resulting in an exceptionally light weight of just 1,313kg (dry weight). This chassis is powered by the "M838TE" engine, a 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbo that produces 570ps and 600Nm (61.2kgm) of torque, as indicated in the model name. The engine is mounted longitudinally in the center of the car, adopting a mid-ship layout.

In a world where 600ps is becoming the norm for supercars, there's no need for the 570ps entry model to feel inferior. Its power-to-weight ratio of 434ps per ton surpasses that of the Lamborghini "Huracán" at 428ps/t. The 0-100km/h acceleration is 3.2 seconds, coincidentally the same as the Huracán, a testament to the advantage of its light body. Furthermore, it achieves 0-200km/h in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 328km/h, exceeding the Huracán by 3km/h.

The body design is unmistakably McLaren, with common elements across the lineup visible in the front spoiler, the layered design of the full LED headlights and their surrounds, and the air intakes located behind the doors. McLaren calls this the "shrink-wrapped" design, which also features the iconic dihedral doors that open upwards. The body is compact, with dimensions of 4,530mm in length, 2,095mm in width, and 1,202mm in height.

The body panels, contributing to this distinctive design, are made of aluminum, with the total weight of the exterior panels being only 150kg. The carbon fiber "Monocoque II" chassis is designed with a focus on ease of entry and exit and everyday usability, resulting in a more user-friendly finish befitting an entry-level model. The chassis alone weighs less than 80kg.

The 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbo "M838TE" engine, producing 570ps and 600Nm (61.2kgm), has undergone significant evolution with 30% of its parts newly designed. While the top speed is 328km/h as mentioned, it also achieves a fuel economy of 25.5 mpg (9.0km/ℓ) and CO2 emissions of 258g/km under the EU combined cycle. Fuel efficiency and low-emission performance have also been refined. The fact that the 570S, a supercar with such excellent fuel economy, is exempt from the Gas Guzzler Tax in the US market highlights its remarkable efficiency.

Emphasis on Everyday Usability

This 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbo engine is paired with a 7-speed SSG (Seamless Shift Gearbox), a type of DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission). The tires are Pirelli P Zero Corsa, sized 225/35R19 for the front and 285/35R20 for the rear, supplied as standard. Forged aluminum wheels are available as an option. Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard equipment on all models.

The suspension is a double-wishbone setup at both the front and rear, combined with anti-roll bars and adaptive dampers. The adaptive dampers can be controlled in three stages, familiar from other lineups: "Normal," "Sport," and "Track." The "Sport" and "Track" settings are programmed for circuit use, while the "Normal" mode offers a refined ride.

The interior has been further enhanced in terms of visibility, usability, and functionality compared to previous lineups. The cabin, designed for everyday practicality with a simple and clean aesthetic, is driver-centric. The dashboard and steering wheel are trimmed in leather, as are the standard sports seats, which offer excellent long-distance comfort and support. More spartan racing seats are available as an option. In addition to a small luggage space behind the two seats, the front luggage compartment has been expanded to 150 liters.

A 7-inch IRIS touchscreen TFT digital cluster is mounted on the floating center console, located in the center of the dashboard, allowing for operation of the state-of-the-art infotainment system.

This system controls air conditioning and allows for music playback via Bluetooth connection with smartphones and tablets, as well as Sirius satellite radio. The standard audio system is a McLaren 4-speaker setup, but upgrades are available to a McLaren Audio Plus 8-speaker system or a Bowers & Wilkins 12-speaker premium audio system with a total output of 1280W. Elements for everyday enjoyment are also meticulously equipped.

With the advent of the "Sports Series," McLaren has further clarified the character of each lineup, such as the "Super Series" and "Ultimate Series." How will the three-series strategy evolve and what new offerings will it bring? And what challenges will it pose to established supercar brands? Alongside Aston Martin and Bentley, who emerged as stars with concept cars at the Geneva Show, British manufacturers seem poised to be the focal point of the supercar and premium sports car market in 2015.