McLaren 570 (2015 – 2019) Review
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
McLaren 570 (2015 – 2019) Verdict
Outstanding handling. Easy to drive everyday. Exotic styling makes it stand out from the supercar crowd.
Interior isn't as good as rivals. Engine note comparatively quiet. Difficult to get in and out of. Report of body corrosion.
Find out more about the McLaren 570 (2015 – 2019)
Described by McLaren as a ‘usable daily driver’, the 570S is anything but dull, with its 3.8-litre twin turbocharged V8 creating a head thumping 570PS. As a result, it will cover 0-62mph in just 3.2 seconds, while 0-100mph acceleration is rated at 6.3 seconds - a figure that equals the legendary McLaren F1 road car from the 1990s.
Over the past 30 years McLaren's F1 team has has pioneered the use of carbon fibre and, as you might expect, the 570S is full of the stuff. This means the chassis is strong, rigid and incredibly lightweight. In fact, the 570S weighs in at just 1,313kg, which is 282kg less than the Audi R8.
Despite the F1-bred race tech, the 570S doesn’t feel like a tooth rattling, backbreaking, track car. Far from it. McLaren has put considerable effort into making its supercar as driver friendly as possible, which means it is comfortable, calm and a realistic every day car.
Obviously, with 570PS packed away behind the driver, the 570S has incredible performance at its disposal. Thump the throttle and it will pick-up momentum instantly, while the automatic gearbox does a fine job of distributing the power.
The handling is excellent too, with pinpoint steering and lots of feedback through the compact race wheel. Grip levels are staggeringly high, which is impressive when you factor in the rear-wheel drive setup and lack of a limited slip differential.
As fast as it is, the 570S rarely feels as quick as the 911 Turbo in a straight line. It’s twin-turbo V8 also lacks the aural delights of the R8’s V10. That said, this is still one of McLaren’s most accomplished supercars and it’s difficult not to be charmed by the 570S’ striking good looks and brilliant handling.
Reviews for McLaren 570 (2015 – 2019)'s top 3 rivals
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
McLaren 570 (2015 – 2019) handling and engines
- Engines range from 3.8 540 to 3.8
The 570S is one of McLaren’s 'entry-level' supercars (if such a thing exists) and, along with the cheaper and less powerful 540C, forms the Sports Series. Above this range is the Super Series (with the 650S and 675LT) and the Ultimate Series (P1 and P1GTR). However, with supersonic acceleration and a top speed of 204mph, the 570S will be more than enough for your average sports car enthusiast.
Built on a carbon fibre chassis tub, with aluminium body panels, the 570S weighs roughly the same as a Ford Focus, which means it is considerably lighter than its supercar rivals. The mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V8 is high revving and brutally quick, covering 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and peaking with a maximum 600Nm of torque between 5000rpm - 6200rpm.
On the road, the 570S is surprisingly refined, with a comfortable ride that provides supple protection from potholes, rough roads and speed bumps. The smooth steering and intelligent seven-speed gearbox are well-suited to sub-50mph driving, providing smart gear changes that make it easy to navigate traffic and busy junctions without the car jolting forwards every time you contemplate touching the throttle.
If you do find a hard speed hump or car ramp then you can prevent the bottom of the car from scraping the asphalt by activating an electro-hydraulic pump that will increase the ride height by 40mm, at up to 37mph.
The gearbox and engine can be changed from Normal, to Sport or Track mode, which increases throttle response and shortens the shift time between gears. However, unless you’re on a track, the 570S’ most hardcore setting will seldom be needed.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 | - | - | 249–258 g/km |
| 3.8 540 | - | - | 258 g/km |
McLaren 570 (2015 – 2019) interior
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | - |
| Width | - |
| Height | - |
| Wheelbase | - |
The 570S is a comfortable two-seater, available in Sport or Luxury trims with the latter getting the best supported seats for high performance driving. Storage is limited to a few cubby holes and cupholders in the cabin, although there is space under the bonnet for a couple of overnight bags.
Getting in and out of the McLaren isn’t easy, with the low floor and sports seats making it difficult to slide in or out with any manner of elegance.
The 570S' dihedral doors are special though, gliding upwards to reveal a well-sized interior. The quality of the cabin does lack the finesse and finish of the Audi R8 or Porsche 911, with the ‘floating’ centre console home to a muddling seven-inch touchscreen system that can reward and infuriate in equal measures.
The leather interior is comfortable though, albeit after you’ve lowered and twisted your way into the cabin. Getting comfortable is simple - the driver's seat has six-way adjustment, including electric height adjustment. There is lots of head and legroom plus carbon fibre shelled racing seats, as found in the McLaren P1, are available as an option.
As well as the S, the 570 can also be ordered as a luxurious GT, with a small boot that is positioned above the engine. Getting into the 220-litre rear storage compartment, which is covered in leather, is easy thanks to a glass rear door. The GT also gets additional space behind the seats for couple of soft holdalls, while the interior has more helpings of leather across the dashboard and door trims.
Regardless of trim or seat choice, the driver gets a wide view of the road, thanks to the huge, raked windscreen. The compact door mirrors also provide plenty of all-round visibility, although, the view from the back window is more akin to a postbox, with the mid-mounted engine obscuring most of the view. That said, parking sensors and rearview camera are fitted as standard.
McLaren 570 (2015 – 2019) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | - |
| Width | - |
| Height | - |
| Wheelbase | - |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1515–1521 kg |
| Boot Space | - |
| Warranty | |
| Servicing | - |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | - |
| Insurance Groups | 50 |
| Road Tax Bands | L–M |
| Official MPG | - |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 3.8 2dr | - | - | - |
| 3.8 2dr | - | - | - |
| 3.8 V8 2dr | - | - | - |
Model History
- April 2015: McLaren introduces 570S
- February 2016: McLaren launches 570GT
- December 2016: McLaren Extended Warranty extended up to 12 years old.
April 2015
McLaren introduces 570S
Pricing for the higher-powered 570S will retail from £143,250. McLaren also confirmed that the pricing for the 540C Coupe will start at £126,000.
The Sports Series is the most usable and attainable model to wear a McLaren badge to date, but it retains the core design and dynamic focus that ensure it is still worthy of the iconic name. Weighing as low as 1,313kg, thanks in part to the unique lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis, the Sports Series is almost 150kg lighter than its closest rival.
Power is provided by an evolution of the 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine with 30 percent new components. This ensures electrifying performance, with the 570S boasting a class-leading power-to-weight figure of 434PS per tonne.
As with other panels on the Sports Series, the doors are produced primarily from aluminium to minimise weight and allow for the intricate aerodynamic design. The upper tendon is manufactured using a resin injection process to deliver an extremely rigid yet slender component, along with a lightweight core to minimise weight. To keep the exterior surfaces clear, the door is opened using the button located on the lower edge of the tendon.
Every effort has been made to optimise aerodynamic performance on the Sports Series. An example of this is evident in the design of the wing mirror arms, which improve cooling efficiency by two percent. This aerodynamic gain has been achieved through minimising the cross sectional area of the wing mirror arms while also studying how best the airflow from the vehicle and mirrors interact.
Airflow management is key to the Sports Series, from the front bumper through the integrated rear spoiler. Below this sits an intricate rear diffuser, unrivalled in its class for complexity and effectiveness. Efficiency is maximised with the underside of the Sports Series being completely flat, feeding clean air to the rear of the vehicle and the aggressive diffuser.
The Sports Series is fitted with a newly-developed suspension system ensuring enhanced levels of driver engagement and refinement on both road and track. The system uses independent adaptive dampers with front and rear anti-rollbars – distinct from the Super Series – and Formula - style dual wishbones, with the set up.
The carbon fibre MonoCell II is 25 percent stiffer than a comparable aluminium chassis, and has an even greater margin of superiority over steel. This structural stiffness improves handling, agility and ride comfort. It is stronger and safer in a crash, and needs no extra bracing or reinforcement (such as side intrusion beams). The carbon fibre has enough intrinsic strength without ‘bolt on’ safety beams. It is also more durable than metal, and its greater dimensional accuracy improves build quality.
The Sports Series features an evolution of the 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine, named M838TE, with 30 percent of components bespoke to the new model. Engineered by McLaren, it produces 570PS at 7,400 rpm, and 600Nm of torque at 5,000-6,500 rpm.
The classic mid-engine rear-wheel drive supercar configuration optimises handling and agility – except that it competes in the sports car, not the supercar, market – delivering power through a seven-speed seamless shift gearbox (SSG). The 570S returns 25.5 mpg on the EU combined cycle with an improved range, while emissions are just 258g/km.
February 2016
McLaren launches 570GT
The McLaren 570GT joins the 570S Coupe and 540C Coupe as the third model in the recently announced Sports Series family. A standard fixed glass Panoramic Roof provides a bright, open cabin running through to the large rear glass hatch creating the most luxurious and relaxing McLaren driving environment.
The front luggage area remains unchanged from the Coupe, providing 150 litres of stowage, while a further 220 litres of space is available behind the seats on the leather-lined Touring Deck. This additional space is accessed via the side opening Glass Hatch bringing the total storage space for the 570GT to 370 litres. The Glass Hatch opens on the kerbside whether left- or right-hand drive and is framed by carbon fibre providing significant torsional rigidity.
Refinement and day-to-day usability are further enhanced through the latest tyre technology from McLaren Automotive technical partner, Pirelli. The 570GT features specially developed Pirelli P Zero tyres which reduce in-cabin road noise by up to three decibels.
As standard, the new model features extended leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated seats with memory function, front and rear parking sensors, an electric steering column with easy entry / exit function, soft close doors and a quieter exhaust system compared to the 570S Coupe. Lightweight noise absorbing and damping materials are used to line the Touring Deck and bulkhead, further enhancing the level of refinement within the cabin.
Available from launch are a range of ‘By McLaren’ designer interior specifications, designed to demonstrate the breadth of personalisation available. As with the 570S Coupé, these are available in a choice of Luxury or Sport configurations, and are designed to showcase the interior design of the 570GT, and compliment the exterior colour choices.
The overall set up of the 570GT has been calibrated to enhance road and motorway driving, and aid ride quality over poor road surfaces. The electro-hydraulic steering system is retained from the Coupé models but with a reduced ratio – by two percent – and has been specifically designed to smooth out driver inputs at high cruising speed.
The 570GT is fitted with the McLaren-developed 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 M838TE engine which debuted in the 570S Coupé. Power and torque remain at 570PS and 600Nm and power is delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed seamless-shift transmission with adjustment through Normal, Sport and Track settings to produce one of the most rewarding and engaging driving experiences in the sports car class. The settings include bespoke gearchange calibrations with comfort (Normal), Cylinder Cut (Sport) and Inertia Push (Track) technologies all available.
The MonoCell II debuted in the 570S Coupé, and is shared across the Sports Series models. Weighing just 75kg, the lightweight yet extremely stiff chassis contributes to a dry weight of 1,350kg. This equates to 422PS per tonne, providing breathtaking performance more commonly seen in the supercar segment: 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds, 0-124 mph in 9.8 seconds, with a top speed of 204 mph.
Despite supercar performance figures, there have been no sacrifices to the everyday drivability and practicality of the 570GT which returns 26.6 mpg on the EU combined cycle and emissions of 249 g/km.
The latest model in the Sports Series is fitted with a lightweight composite braking system. Set up with a greater focus on road driving, the system includes iron discs (front 370mm x 32mm / rear 350mm x 30mm) with four-piston callipers front and rear. In front of these sit a set of unique 15-spoke GT Design cast alloy wheels – 19-inch front, 20 inch rear. The newly-designed wheels are fitted exclusively with Pirelli tyres. As standard, road-focused P Zero tyres are fitted, while a more performance-focused P Zero Corsa option is also available.
The 570GT is priced from £154,000 in the UK, with deliveries from late 2016.
December 2016
McLaren Extended Warranty extended up to 12 years old.
Launched in 2014 can now be renewed up to the car’s 12th birthday. (Previously could only be extended up to 7 years old.) McLaren Extended Warranty benefits include unlimited mileage cover, roadside assistance in selected markets and, in the event of claim, guaranteed use of McLaren Genuine Parts fitted by fully trained McLaren technicians. The scheme is available for all new, existing and approved-used McLaren Qualified vehicles that have covered less than 100,000 miles and have been owned for a minimum of 90 days.
What to watch out for
Report of severe corrosion on several body panels of McLaren 570S. Dealer told owner that several other McLarens are affected and that it will take 2-3 months to resolve. No courtesy car offered.
