McLaren births twin screamers

The newest entry level McLaren supercars are almost ready to hit the market. The 570S (orange) and the 570C (red) are both part of the "Sports Series" line of cars by the British supercar maker, and are designed to compete with the new Italian threat from Ferrari, the 488 GTB.

Like their potential rival from Ferrari, the new McLaren twins will resort to forced induction, utilising a 3.8 liter twin turbocharged V8. The 540C, as the name suggests, comes  with a power output of 540 Ps, or roughly around 532 bhp. The 570S comes with a bit more, putting out 570 Ps and 563 bhp. While that kind of power seems tame in comparison with the average power output of entry and mid level supercars, don't forget that both these cars come with underpinnings fettled by Formula 1 maestros and they are both incredibly light yet super strong due to the carbon-fiber MonoCell II tub-chassis that they both share.

Looks wise, there really isn't much to differentiate the two, but it can be said that they are surprisingly restrained machines considering these are the guys that gave us the P1.

There are loads of visual hints linking the baby McLarens to the godfather P1. The way it sits hunched over the wheels, which are placed at the extreme corners to give a wider track and aid stability, as well as the P1-esque taillights and headlights, its all great design, but there is one complaint.

Both the 570S and the 540C look like dull, watered down P1s. What that translates to is either lazy design or the desire to instill a familial connection in all of McLaren's products, which we completely understand. The world doesn't fawn after supercars because they look restrained, and the new offerings don't look particularly graceful either. We miss the originality shown by McLaren with the MP4-12C, which had dollops of character, aggression, presence and grace all rolled into one package.

There are no allusions as to the performance abilities of the 570S and the 540C, they are, after all, McLarens. They will be at the throats of the new breed of turbocharged Ferraris with all they've got, and it'll be lovely to watch. We just wish they looked as pretty and soulfull as the red hot Italians.

• SPECIFICATIONS (570S):
  • 0-60 mph: 3.2 s
  • 0-120 mph: 9.5 s
  • Top speed: 204 mph
    • Engine: V8 Twin Turbo 3799cc
    • Power: 570PS (562 bhp) @ 7,400 rpm
    • Torque: 600Nm (443 lb ft) @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
    • Transmission: 7 Speed SSG
    • Dry weight: 1,313 kg
    • Weight distribution: 42/58 front/rear
    • Length: 4,530mm
    • Width: 2,095mm
    • Height: 1,202mm