McLaren will introduce Spider and Gran Touring versions of its 570S sports car in 2017

By Miles Branman August 5, 2015

McLaren 570S Coupe front angle — McLaren 570S Coupe Image used with permission by copyright holder

McLaren is planning to build out its entry-level line of sports cars to mirror its mid-range 650 series. In 2017, the UK automaker will launch both a Gran Touring and Spider version of its 570S.

The 570S Spider will use the coupe’s 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 562 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The Spider will feature a folding hardtop roof like the 650S Spider, which shouldn’t result in much additional weight to speak of. In the 650S Spider, its roof and added structural rigidity carries just 88 pounds. If similar engineering practices are applied to the 570S Spider, it should weigh about 2,970 pounds.

McLaren has a good history of its open-top variants matching the performance specs of its coupes, so expect the 570S Spider to hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and to top out at 205 mph.

In terms of pricing, McLaren traditionally leverages its convertible sports cars with a $30,000 premium over coupe variants, so based on past practice, the 570S Spider should retail for $223,000.

Before the Spider debuts, McLaren will introduce the rumored Gran Touring version that will have unique, fastback styling, more space, a more luxurious interior, and a smoother ride, making it a more usable vehicle for daily driving and longer trips. The 570S GT will also use the engine from the regular 570S.

By the end of 2017, McLaren will have four versions of its 570 Sport Series, including the internationally sold 540C, the 570S coupe, 570S Spider, and 570S GT. At price points around $200,000, buyers considering the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and Porsche 911 Turbo may choose the McLaren brand for its performance and exclusivity.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

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.