McLaren's New 204mph 570S Is Here, And It Looks Set To Panic The 911 Camp

McLaren's new Porsche 911 Turbo S rival boasts the best power-to-weight figure in its class and a top speed of over 200mph

Alex Kersten

31 Mar 2015

McLaren's New 204mph 570S Is Here, And It Looks Set To Panic The 911 Camp

Way back at the beginning of 2014, we brought you news of an exciting new and affordable baby McLaren, the P13. It was estimated that it would pack anywhere between 450bhp and 500bhp, but today, we’re very happy to say that those estimations were a little bit out.

Officially named the 570S, the entry-level McLaren is the first in the brand’s Sports Series that now joins the Super Series (650S) and Ultimate Series (P1).

Powered by a heavily tweaked version of its mid-mounted M838TE 3.8-litre, twin-turbocharged V8, the 570S has a power output of 562bhp (570PS) at 7400rpm and 443lb ft of torque between 5000 and 6500rpm. This is sent to the rear 285/35/R20 wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Carbon ceramic brake discs come as standard.

Thanks to a dry weight of 1313kg (2895lbs), the 570S promises a class-leading power-to-weight figure of 428bhp (434PS) per tonne. 0-62mph takes 3.2 seconds, 0-124mph takes 9.5sec and it’ll continue on to a top speed of 204mph. Compared with its rivals - the Porsche 911 Turbo S and Audi R8 V10 Plus included - these figures represent a significant 150kg weight reduction and comparable performance; the 911 hits 62mph from dead in 3.1sec, while the Audi takes a shade longer at 3.2sec.

As you can see from the pics, the 570S face is bang in line with McLaren’s current design language. The LED headlights flank the bonnet, and dihedral doors not only add to the drama, they also channel air to the massive intakes.

At the rear of the new sports car, you’ll find a fixed spoiler, LED light blade rear lights, a rear diffuser and a concave rear window.

Standard kit in the cabin includes sports seats (you can also option racing seats), a new TFT digital instrument cluster and a seven-inch touchscreen.

Prices for the new 570S are expected to rival the Porsche 911 Turbo S and Audi R8, so a figure of between £138,000 and £143,000 is expected. The car will make its global debut at the New York International Auto Show.