Skip to main content

McLaren Sports Series will come in a wide variety of styles

McLaren Sports series teaser
Image used with permission by copyright holder
McLaren is making the most of the supercar platform that debuted with the defunct MP4-12C, using it as the foundation for two model lines – P1 and Super Series – encompassing five variants.

That could just be a warm up, though.

The McLaren Sports Series set to debut next month at the 2015 New York Auto Show could include up to seven variants, according to Car and Driver.

In other words, it looks like this “entry level” McLaren will follow the Porsche 911 model of numerous variations on a theme.

That will include at least three body styles: a coupe, convertible, and something called a “GT.” A fourth body style is also rumored.

The base model will reportedly carry the “C” designation like the Asian-market 625C, while an “S” serving as a counterpart to the 650S will be next in the hierarchy. Both of these models will be available at launch.

Further down the road, McLaren is also expected to offer a sportier model that would be the Sports Series’ equivalent of the recently-unveiled 675LT.

All Sports Series models will likely feature the same 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 used in every other recent McLaren, but with less power than in the more expensive models.

The baby McLaren may also go without some of the fancier tech, like active aero, to keep prices relatively low.

How low? Early estimates put the Sports Series roughly on the level of the Porsche 911 Turbo, meaning it will start somewhere in the $150,000 range, compared to about $265,000 for a 650S.

We’ll have all of the details on the McLaren Sports Series when it debuts at the 2015 New York Auto Show next month.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more
Don’t let the gimmicks fool you. The Ioniq 5 N is a serious track car
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N drifting.

We’re finally getting to the fun part of automakers’ methodical quest to replicate their lineups with electric cars.

Performance versions of ordinary cars have been a staple of the auto industry for decades. But while we’ve already seen some variants of EVs boasting more power and more impressive stats — think Tesla Model S Plaid or Lucid Air Sapphire — the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the first to truly apply that format to an EV.

Read more