McLaren 540C Coupé

In the wake of its big sister, the 570S Coupé presented in New York, the 540C, unveiled in Shanghai, completes McLaren’s Sport Series, henceforth democratizing this very select segment.

This fourth model launched in 2015 by British constructor McLaren boasts 540 hp under the hood, leaps from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and chalks up a top speed of 320 km/h. With an ultra-light carbon fibre chassis (the MonoCell II, as in the 570S) combined with technologies inspired by car racing, the 540C is fitted with a central 3.8-litre twin turbo-charged V8 engine. Its dry weight of 1,311 kg is also achieved thanks to the use of aluminium body panels, making it almost 150 kg lighter than its closest competitors.

Aerodynamic air intakes beneath the front bumper, a sculpted hood flanked by large LED headlamps, a rear diffuser between the twin exhausts and, the cherry on the cake, dihedral doors with sophisticated floating door tendons. The cast alloy wheels are proposed with a silver or stealth finish, 19-inch at the front, 20-inch at the rear. The standard Pirelli P Zero tyres have been specially designed for the Sport Series to offer progressive levels of grip depending on road conditions. Derived from Formula 1, the Brake Steer system is designed to aid cornering by applying braking force to the inside rear wheel. The car brakes later when coming into the bend, and picks up speed sooner on exiting. Independent adaptive dampers and dual wishbone suspension further improve driving comfort.

Only one month separates the presentation of the 540C from that of the 570S, more powerful but also heavier. McLaren completes its Sport Series in a very elegant manner.

McLaren 570S. It shares the same architecture, the same mould and mechanical features with the British manufacturer’s 650S. Approx. 170,000 €.

Engine : 540 hp - 0-100 km/h : 3.5 s - 0-200 km/h : 10.2 s - Top speed : 320 km/h - CO2 emissions : 258 g/km

Inside the 540C Coupé, space and ergonomics are the key words, with leather upholstery for the seats, dashboard and lower doors. A 7-inch IRIS touchscreen on the central console provides an “infotainment” system, air conditioning controls, digital radio, the satellite navigation system, Bluetooth telephony and media streaming, voice activation and the audio media player. Priced from 161,250 €, with delivery in France scheduled for 2016.