McLaren’s 570S Sport Series isn’t just another 650S variant; it’s a whole new sports car

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As always, McLaren has given its latest, orange-clad creation a moniker indicative of the power nestled mid-chassis: 570 PS (562 horsepower) derived from a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8. Though it makes fewer horsepowers than its bigger brother the 650S, it boasts a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 388 hp per ton.

Along with the 562 ponies, its 443 pound-feet of torque are routed to the ground through a seven-speed SSG transmission and out to the unique, forged alloy rear wheels. 0 to 62 mph is trounced in 3.2 seconds and 0 to 124 mph is achieved in 9.5 seconds. The 204 mph top speed will be greeted not long after.

If you get a bit too unnerved with that brutal acceleration, McLaren has you covered, as it is fitting carbon ceramic brakes to the 570S as standard. These should not only scrub speed quite effectively, they should also, if given a full stomp, put your dentures on the dashboard.

MonoCell II

As I mentioned in the opening, the 570S features a new form. In fact, its carbon fiber shell is called “MonoCell II” and it weighs less than 176 lbs. Bolted to it is aluminum bodywork, featuring flying buttress C-pillars and door tendons inspired by the P1. All told, the 570S weighs 2,895 pounds.

Though some designs mimic bigger McLarens, the 570S has some of its own unique designs, including front aero blades, side skirts, a fixed rear wing, and rear diffusers.

In terms of looks, I am a bit disappointed that this, McLaren’s new sports car, isn’t a bit more distinctive in the line. Don’t get me wrong; I think it’s stunning. And while perhaps not as radical as I wish it had been, it is a sight more distinctive than the 911, which it has in its sales sights. That’s always been my biggest issue with the Porsche; looking at the Turbo S, for example, few would ever know of the ferocious performance of which it is capable. Looking at the 570S, though, onlookers will immediately be aware of its wicked wiles.

On the interior, two bright infotainment screens greet occupants: a seven-inch IRIS touchscreen mounted in the floating center console as well as a TFT instrument cluster in front of the driver.

Accenting the screens is a standard four-speaker audio system. If you need to bump the tunes even harder, though, McLaren will sell you its optional “McLaren Plus 8-Speaker Upgrade System” or the bespoke Bowers & Wilkins 12-Speaker Premium Audio System with 1280W surround sound.

Pleased to take more of your money, McLaren will has continued its “By McLaren” interior upgrade program originally introduced with the 675LT, which will allow buyers to drape their British sports car in Alcantara, leather, and carbon fiber bits.

More later

That’s all we know about the baby McLaren for now. More details, perhaps including pricing and on-sale date, will be announced soon. So be sure to check back fore more info soon. And, hopefully, also a first drive report.