Using the terms ‘basic’ on most cars means that they lack most gear that we’ve become accustomed to. But in McLaren’s case, you’ll have to make do with a reduction in power – which may or may not matter to you.
In certain markets, McLaren is offering the 540C. It’s the most affordable vehicle made in Woking, and it uses the same technology, equipment and powertrain as the rest of the Super Series range, which consists of the 570S, 570GT and 570 Spyder.
The 540C is powered by the same twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 you’ll find in a host of other McLarens. As the car’s name implies, its output is limited to 540PS (532hp / 397kW) and 540Nm (398lb-ft) of torque. Naught to 100km/h (0-62mph) takes 3.5 seconds and, if you hold the throttle down for long enough, the speedometer will eventually indicate 322km/h (200mph). Hardly a slouch in our books.
Also Read: We Drive The New McLaren 570GT – Does It Push All The Right Buttons?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to see what it’s like to live with one. WhatCar found that, despite popular belief, it’s more practical than it looks. It has quite a few storage compartments spread throughout the nice interior and a boot capacity of 144 liters (5.09 cu-ft), which is basically enough to fit a couple of small suitcases in.
Other things that should be taken into consideration is the slightly heavier steering. Nonetheless, drivers will always know what the front wheels are doing, and they won’t be annoyed by the speed bumps as the ride is surprisingly comfortable, as are the seats.
McLaren markets this as a daily driver, so can you live with it day in, day out? The answer lies in the video shared below.