The McLaren 570S (produced 2015-2019) redefined what a sports car could be, bridging the gap between hardcore supercars and everyday usability. While sharing DNA with the more extreme P1 and 650S, the 570S carved its own identity through a combination of performance, accessibility, and a more refined interior. This isn’t just another fast car; it’s a pivotal moment in McLaren’s history, making their technology available to a wider audience.
A New Breed of McLaren
Early McLarens often left observers guessing about the exact model—Super Series variants blurred the lines. The 570S changed that with its distinct styling. Its rounded corners and lower profile made it visually more approachable, yet still unmistakably McLaren. The shift in design wasn’t just aesthetic; it signaled a fundamental change in the company’s approach.
The key differences between the 570S and its Super Series siblings are material: an aluminum body shell replaces the more exotic composite materials, traditional anti-roll bars replace the complex hydraulic suspension, and active aerodynamics are omitted. These changes don’t diminish performance; they make the car more practical and attainable.
Beneath the Surface: Carbon Fiber and Twin-Turbo Power
Despite the changes, the 570S retains core McLaren engineering. It’s built around a carbon fiber tub, ensuring rigidity and lightweight construction. A twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 engine delivers brutal power to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
But the devil is in the details. The 570S’s tub features lower sills for easier entry and exit, a practical concession to everyday use. The engine, while sharing the same flat-plane crank, has 30% unique internal components optimized for responsiveness. This ensures that the car feels sharper than expected for a twin-turbo engine.
The familiar McLaren Active Dynamics panel allows drivers to adjust settings on the fly, and the car still boasts double wishbone suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, and electrohydraulic power steering.
A Step Forward in Interior Quality
Past McLaren interiors sometimes felt like an afterthought compared to the engineering brilliance beneath. The 570S addressed this. The cabin feels more refined, with a redesigned dashboard featuring a new digital instrument cluster and a floating infotainment screen.
The removal of the “ski-jump” console creates a sense of spaciousness, though the effect is primarily psychological. Improved door cards and the addition of a small storage shelf further enhance usability. Despite the changes, McLaren retained its tech-savvy sophistication, including the rotating dials for handling and powertrain settings.
Infotainment: A Mixed Bag
McLaren’s in-house infotainment system, while improving, remains a weak point. The 7.0-inch touchscreen is functional, but the sat-nav and DAB tuner are frustratingly unintuitive. Reliability is also an issue; Bluetooth connectivity drops, and the radio can fail entirely.
The standard four-speaker stereo is underwhelming. Upgrading to the optional eight-speaker system is recommended, but the ultimate choice is the 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system with a 14-channel, 1280W amplifier.
Track-Ready Performance
The 570S delivers supercar performance at a sports car price point. Standing quarter-mile tests reveal that it can accelerate from 0 to 60 in under 11 seconds—faster than many exotics costing far more. The twin-turbo V8 feels unstressed yet potent, with crisp throttle response and addictive power.
While turbo lag exists below 3000 rpm, the engine shines in its upper rev range. The dual-clutch gearbox shifts flawlessly, and the carbon-ceramic brakes provide immense stopping power. McLaren’s ESC Dynamic mode for stability control is well-tuned, allowing for controlled slides without sacrificing speed.
On the track, the 570S is awe-inspiring. Lap times are competitive, with the car beating many rivals. The standard Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires provide ample grip, while the chassis remains stable even in wet conditions.
Balancing Performance with Usability
McLaren faced a unique challenge: building a car that could deliver supercar performance while remaining practical for everyday use. The 570S succeeded by striking a balance between rigidity, comfort, and stability.
The ride is firm but compliant in Normal mode, effectively smoothing out bumps. Sport and Race modes are best reserved for smoother roads or the track. While some noise from the tires and suspension is noticeable, it’s no worse than other cars in the class.
The McLaren 570S wasn’t just a faster car; it was a statement. By breaking the rules of the sports car market, McLaren reshaped expectations and redefined what drivers could expect for their money.
The 570S proved that high performance doesn’t have to come at the expense of usability. This remains a landmark achievement in automotive engineering.
