2016 will see the release of McLarens’ first “affordable” sports series model, the 570S. McLaren claims the new 570S will have the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, but what class is that exactly?
Students hoping to pursue an automotive career may already know a little bit about the McLaren F1, the brand’s most popular model. The F1 can showcase for prices upwards of $1 million, and for a while it was the fastest car on the planet. The new 570S is somewhat of a downgrade from their supercar line-up, but the brand hopes to compete with high-end Porsche Carerras and other models in the $200,000 price range.
Let’s take a look at a bit of the history of this legendary automaker, some of their past models and collaborations, and get a closer look at the new 570S.
McLaren Automotive
McLaren is a well-known British car manufacturer, specializing in high-performance vehicles. The company launched in 1989 as a producer of road cars based on Formula One technology.
The company’s first car, the McLaren F1, was a supercar capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 3 seconds. It first went into production in 1992, after which the brand introduced the LM model in 1995, followed by the GT in 1997.
The F1 was designed by Gordon Murray, who also designed competitive race cars for McLaren. Students training to become a mechanic know the F1 for its powerful V-12 engine, which produces 618hp with a measured top speed of 243mph.
The F1 held the record for the fastest production car, until it was beaten out by the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 in 2005.
Collaborations
Ford introduced the McLaren M81 Mustang in late 1980 through a special vehicle operations division whose goal was to develop the company’s image through limited-production performance cars. They planned to produce only 250 samples. The M81’s rated output was 175hp, which at the time was a big improvement over the Mustang’s 132hp stock engine.
In 1999, McLaren teamed up with Mercedes-Benz to design and manufacture the SLR. This gorgeous model has a 5.5 liter supercharged V8 engine that outputs 626hp and can go from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds. The SLR has since been released in a convertible model, and even a special “Sterling Moss” edition, named after the famous race car driver.
McLaren’s New Direction
It’s hard to say if the new 570S is the brand’s attempt to go slightly more mainstream, but those pursuing careers in auto are probably starting to get excited to see them in showrooms.
The Sport Series 570S boasts a 562hp 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8 engine. A seven-speed SSG transmission takes the lightweight, carbon fiber bodied car from 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds. With a top speed of 204 mph, McLaren’s “affordable” automobile will hit the ground revving in 2016.
What’s your favorite feature of the new 570S?
