When McLaren Automotive reinvented itself as a brand new automaker with the 12C in 2011, it got off to a slow start. Early 12C models were criticised for their lack of emotion, particularly when compared to the car’s Italian rivals, the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo.
Fast forward to 2015 and McLaren has cemented its position as a leader in the supercar industry following the launches of the P1 hypercar, the limited-edition hardcore 675LT and most recently, the McLaren Sports Series.
The Sports Series is the British brand’s entry-level range of models – and will it will retain that status following confirmation that McLaren won’t create a Porsche Cayman rival. So far, only the 540C and 570S variants have been revealed, but next year a more practical, probably 2+2, model will be launched and will be joined by the Spider in 2017.
Based on reviews, certainly the most significant element of the 570S is its driver-focused ethos and its focus on fun rather than full-on performance. To help give us an idea of just what the 570S is capable of as well as its versatility and everyday driveability, McLaren has released a clip appropriately dubbed “The Drive”. Showing the model on the racetrack, some stunning mountain roads, coastal highways and inner-city traffic, it really aims to highlight just how well-rounded the 570S is.
While the it is capable of hitting 100 km/h in the low 3-second range thanks to its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the company refers to it as a sports car rather than a supercar.
Designed to rival the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8, the McLaren Sports Series range has all the right ingredients to dominate the entry-level supercar/high-end sports car market.