The McLaren 570S Coupé is a striking hand-built luxury sports car that offers drivers breath-taking performance and flair. In a break from previous models, it is not, by their own definition, a supercar – but let’s be clear when McLaren talk like that, they are referring to very small differentials in terms of performance, quality and style.
Concept
In today’s cut-throat market, the major sports car manufacturers are focused on meeting the challenge of delivering a wider-use vehicle – a real performance car, not just something for the weekend or track, but a sports car that people can use daily.
The aim at McLaren was to produce a vehicle that would be as useable as its rivals, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo S, but offering a purer, more exciting drive. What they have delivered with the 570S in both GT and Coupé versions, is a usable rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive McLaren that will test German sports car dominance.
The look
More curvaceous than any of McLaren’s previous cars, the 570S is a real head-turner. The signature McLaren dihedral doors extend all the way to the front wheel arches, and help to channel cool air to the air intakes integrated into the rear fenders.
It clearly takes design cues from the P1 and the 650S McLaren supercars and yet has a look of its own. From the low sleek nose to the blade LED tail lights with mesh for enhanced engine cooling, to the visible mid-mounted engine and the exclusive forged sport alloy wheels, the 570S makes a powerful statement.
Inside
The car’s cockpit is elegant, uncluttered and driver focused. The high grip steering wheel is free from distractions and the gearshift paddles are seamlessly incorporated into the steering column.
Set adjacent to the start button on the centre console, the Active Dynamics panel allows you to switch easily between drive modes. The infotainment system with the standard 4-speaker 240W audio system is fabulous and, like the TFT instrument display is and clear and intuitive.
There are various sports seats and a range of super racy and luxurious interior finishes available from leather to carbon fibre.
Performance
The line between supercar and sports model seems blurred at McLaren and nothing demonstrates this more than its out-and-out performance.
With a top speed of 204 mph, the 570S powers itself into supercar territory with mind-numbing acceleration, not only offering more pace than most of its direct rivals but into the ground held by cars like the Ferrari F12 or McLaren’s own 650S – both costing significantly more.
The class leading power to weight ratio helps to power the 570S from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds (2.9 seconds with the optional Track Pack fitted) then onwards to 124 mph in a measly 9.5 seconds.
Powertrain
The 32-valve, twin turbo M838TE 3.8 litre V8 is a masterpiece of engineering and produces a staggering 562 bhp and 600 NM of torque delivered via a seven-speed seamless shift dual clutch automatic gearbox,
The stiffness of the MonoCell II chassis coupled with adaptive dampers ensures a responsive yet predicable driving experience. Even fitted with the standard carbon-ceramic brakes and Corsa tyres the 570S has scorching pace both on the track and road.
Summary
The 570S is a seriously good car for seriously good drivers. Who might a 570S interest? With strict limits imposed on production volumes and bespoke options, then those currently driving an Audi R8 V10, BMW i8, Porsche 911 Turbo S, Aston Martin Vantage, Dodge Viper or similar who want a little more edge or exclusivity, might be the most likely buyers.
From our look at this glorious car, one instinctively feels they won’t be disappointed.
