McLaren 570S
2015-2021
The 570S represents McLaren's philosophy of making Formula 1 technology accessible to more drivers. It combines genuine supercar performance with surprising practicality, featuring a usable cargo area and comfortable ride quality when needed.
Quick Take
The McLaren 570S is the entry-level model in McLaren's Sports Series, offering genuine supercar performance in a more accessible package. Built on McLaren's carbon fiber monocoque chassis, it delivers exceptional performance with remarkable daily usability. The 570S established McLaren as a serious competitor to Ferrari and Lamborghini in the mid-tier supercar segment.
Best For
Key Strength
Carbon Fiber Monocoque
Watch For
Hydraulic System Complexity
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
As McLaren's first foray into the 'entry-level' supercar market, the 570S carried decades of Formula 1 expertise into a more attainable package. It marked McLaren's serious challenge to the established Ferrari 458/488 and Lamborghini Huracán duopoly.
Design Philosophy
The 570S embodies McLaren's 'form follows function' ethos with dramatic dihedral doors and sculpted bodywork that channels air for cooling and downforce. Every curve serves an aerodynamic purpose while creating one of the most distinctive silhouettes in the supercar world.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The 3.8L twin-turbo V8 delivers immediate, linear power with minimal lag thanks to lightweight internals and sophisticated boost control. It's both docile in traffic and explosive under full acceleration, with tremendous mid-range punch that makes real-world performance exceptional.
Chassis Dynamics
Built around the carbon fiber MonoCell II chassis, the 570S offers remarkable rigidity with adaptive dampers that transform from compliant daily driver to track weapon. The steering is telepathic, and the chassis balance allows both novice and expert drivers to explore its limits progressively.
Sound Signature
The twin-turbo V8 produces a distinctive growl that's more refined than raw, with turbo whooshes and crisp exhaust notes that intensify with the sport modes.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The MonoCell II carbon fiber chassis provides incredible structural rigidity while keeping weight down to just 3,186 pounds. This foundation enables the 570S to deliver supercar handling dynamics with remarkable precision and control.
McLaren's Proactive Chassis Control II with adaptive dampers transforms the car's character instantly. The system provides genuine comfort in Normal mode while delivering track-focused dynamics in Sport and Track modes without compromise.
Honest Tradeoffs
The sophisticated hydraulic systems controlling suspension, steering, and transmission can be expensive to maintain and repair. When these systems fail, repair costs can easily reach thousands of dollars at specialized McLaren service centers.
Minimal storage space, challenging entry/exit, and a cabin that prioritizes performance over comfort make the 570S impractical for daily driving. The low nose also requires careful navigation over speed bumps and driveways.
Ideal Owner
Perfect for the driver who wants genuine supercar performance with daily usability, appreciating McLaren's technological approach over traditional exotic car drama.