At the heart of the 570S is the same twin-turbocharged 3.8L V8 that powers most of their cars. It's mounted mid-ship and makes 562 horsepower in this tune. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a twin-clutch 7-speed automatic. McLaren claims 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds, although in independent tests, the 570S has been clocked hitting 60 mph in under 3 seconds, an amazing feat for a car that is rear-wheel drive. Top speed is claimed to be 204 mph.
Much of the 570S' over-the-top performance can be attributed to the McLaren's light weight. While the 570S' rivals all feature all-wheel drive, McLaren makes due with power being sent only to the rear wheels. This makes for better driver feedback, more entertaining handling characteristics and a much lighter chassis. While the 911 Turbo S and the Audi R8 both weigh over 3500 lbs, the McLaren 570S weighs under 3200 lbs. Lightness benefits everything in a sports car, acceleration is quicker, handling is sharper and even fuel economy is improved. And while all-wheel drive systems do tend to add stability, McLaren instead relied on their chassis engineers to take care of that task. They have after all, been incredibly successful at building Formula One cars, with twelve championships to date.
Right now, the 570S is only available in one trim level, though McLaren does plan to launch a slightly rebodied version of the car, which they will dub the 570GT, that car will include a glass hatchback in place of the exotic flying buttresses that grace the rear of the 570S, adding a small dose of practicality to the sports car.
One trim level does not mean a paucity of options however. Like many other expensive cars, the McLaren 570S can be dressed up and customized with a dizzying array of add on parts, carbon fiber trims and spectacular looking wheels. Colors run the gamut from tasteful and restrained to bright and eye catching, with "Mantis Green" in particular looking just about right on the car. While the standard stereo system features 8-speakers, an optional Bower and Wilkins stereo features 12-speakers and 1280 watts. A final option all potential buyers should be aware of is the "nose lift" feature. McLaren may call it a sports car, but anyone looking at the 570s will think it's a supercar, thanks to its exotic styling and low stance. That same stance can be a pain when trying to navigate city streets and parking lots though. The nose lift option gives buyers a button to press that will raise the front of the car by 40mm, helping to clear speed bumps, driveways or just general crummy roads. The nose then returns to its natural position when travelling above 37 mph.
Striking Styling, Incredible Acceleration And Handling, Exclusivity, Relatively Inexpensive For A True Exotic
The McLaren 570S is a brand new model from McLaren, slotting into the bottom of their lineup below the 650S. The car represents a small move towards the mainstream for the bespoke manufacturer of supercars. Everything that's true for other McLarens remains true for the 570S. However, performance is incredible and buyers who decide to use their cars on a race track will be rewarded with extremely fast lap times. McLaren bills the 570S as a true sports car, with less emphasis on comfort and touring and greater emphasis on driver involvement and fun.
Nothing McLaren builds is ever going to be described as 'inexpensive'. The company has an obsessive attention to detail and exacting standards for all their cars that involve massive levels of performance. However, the 570S still heads down-market from the $265,000 650S. While the 650S does combat with the Ferrari 488 and the Lamborghini Huracan, the 570S competes with the Porsche 911 Turbo S and the Audi R8 V10. With a base price of about $185,000, the 570S is perfectly poised to take on its rivals, offering a car that is far more exotic, while being every bit as fast around a race track.
