McLaren’s more practical, affordable and pared down offering, 570S however walks a fine line between ‘sports’ and ‘super’ car. Sharing the same stiff lightweight carbon-fibre frame and driveline as the British brand’s intermediate Super Series, the 570S could be seen as a veritable super bargain. However, the arrival of the significantly more powerful 720S in place of the 650S, draws a clearer distinction.
| Key Features: | |
| Engine | 3.8L / V8 |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic |
| Power | 570 Hp / 600 Nm |
| Top Speed | 328 km/h |
| Price | AED 740,000 |
Exterior
Pitched as high-tech McLaren’s more accessible entry-level Sports Series, the 570S’ size and weight may be similar to the Super Series, but it is a somewhat more back-to-basics approach, and omits its stablemates’ costly, complex and unique hydraulic suspension and active aerodynamics. A predatory design that owes much to McLaren’s halo P1 Hypercar, the 570S instead utilizes fixed aerodynamic solutions to provide downforce and engine cooling.
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Interior
Taking aim at the Audi R8, Porsche 911 and expanding McLaren’s reach, the 570S features improved usability. Wider butterfly doors and slimmer sills provide better access, while an airy, spacious and ergonomic cabin features an un-obstructive floating dash and console, logical controls and improved storage and visibility. Driving position is comfortable, alert and supportive, while scalloped wheel arches help one more intuitively, precisely and confidently position it through corners.
Drive
Powered by McLaren’s familiar twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 engine, detuned to 570 horsepower at a heady 7,400 RPM and 600 Nm through 5,000-6,500 RPM, the 570S pulls hard after a brief moment of turbo lag at idle. With acoustics coalescing to a crisp and urgent howl, its 8,500 RPM redline is stratospheric for a turbocharged engine. Eager and long-legged, yet versatile, the 570S dispatches 0-100 km/h in 3.2-seconds and 0-200 km/h in 9.5, and tops out at 328 km/h.
Driving the rear wheels through a swift-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with three escalating automatic response settings and manual mode via fixed steering column-mounted paddles, the 570S’ also features fade-resistant carbon-ceramic disc brakes, bringing it to halt from 100 km/h in just 33-meters. Meanwhile, its double wishbone suspension is mated with more conventional adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars, which seemed to little affect ride comfort compared to McLaren’s hydraulic suspension.
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Verdict
Riding best in Comfort mode, the 570S is supple, fluency and settled. Sport and Track modes further improve taut body control and sharpen handling, but are somewhat firm for the lumpy British roads we tried it on. On the silky smooth blacktops of the UAE, I reckon Sport will be a default choice for many. Poised and precise through sprawling switchbacks, it is agile and athletic, with neutral mid-engine handling and nuanced electronic aids. Improved steering feel meanwhile feels textured yet refined, with confident communion and precision for quick, confident and crisp cornering.
Pros:
- Execeptional handling
- Precise steering
- Breathtaking performance
- Ergonomic cabin
- Bargain supercar
Cons:
- Slight turbo lag at idle
- No hydraulic suspension and active aero
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