McLaren has revealed the all-new 540C Coupe sports car at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show. Priced from £126,000, it is the new entry-level model in McLaren’s car range and it’s available to pre-order now, with deliveries expected to start in early 2016.
The 540C Coupe will sit below not just the P1 and 650S supercars, but also the McLaren 570S sports car. The latter was revealed only earlier this month during the New York Motor Show, priced from £143,250.
The new 540C uses the same carbon fibre chassis and aluminium body panels as the McLaren 570S and on the surface they both look very much alike.
Subtle differences include redesigned alloy wheels and some alterations to the front bumper design. McLaren has reworked the aerodynamic package for the 540C and it features unique aero blades which channel more air below the front bumper for additional downforce.
Although it’s cheaper and less powerful than any other McLaren on sale or upcoming, the 540C still has plenty of pace to offer. In fact, the Coupe will rival the likes of the Mercedes AMG GT and the Jaguar F-TYPE R.
Powered by a 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine, linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the McLaren 540C Coupe will cover the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.5 seconds. It can also go on to a top speed of 199mph.
While it is undoubtedly very fast, the 540C has, according to McLaren, a set-up that’s more focused on comfort compared to any of their other road cars. Its adaptive suspension dampers have been tuned for a more forgiving ride when compared with the quicker 570S. But, ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes will be available, should drivers wish to firm things up.
Standard equipment for the McLaren 540S includes DAB radio, sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity, leather seats and a seven-inch touchscreen display.
