2020 McLaren 570S

Starting at $195,000 

The 2020 McLaren 570S is a mid-engine sports car that embodies the aspirations of individuals who strive to achieve greatness. Unlike other sports cars that are primarily designed for casual cruising or to draw attention, the 570S is focused on providing an immersive driving experience. This applies to both models available: the sporty 570S and the convertible 570S Spider.

Under the hood of these cars lies a powerful 562-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 engine that delivers impressive acceleration. The engine's exhaust note resembles the sound of a heavy-metal band, adding to the car's character and excitement. Combined with the precise handling capabilities akin to an Olympic figure skater and the incredible grip comparable to a vise, driving any of the 570 clan McLarens guarantees an exhilarating experience.

What sets the 570S apart from mere supercar pretenders is its ability to truly contend as a top-tier supercar. It embodies the qualities and performance expected from a high-performance vehicle of this caliber.

          What's New for 2020?

While McLaren made no significant changes to the 2020 570 lineup, they did introduce new models to their lineup during that time. These additions included the McLaren GT and the Speedtail.

The McLaren GT is a luxurious grand tourer that combines comfort and performance. It offers a more spacious and refined cabin compared to other McLaren models, making it suitable for long-distance journeys. Despite its grand touring characteristics, the McLaren GT still retains the brand's signature performance with a powerful engine and impressive driving dynamics.

On the other hand, the Speedtail is an ultra-exotic hypercar designed to push the boundaries of speed and technology. It features a futuristic and aerodynamic design, with a central driving position reminiscent of the legendary McLaren F1. The Speedtail boasts an incredibly powerful hybrid powertrain and sets new benchmarks for acceleration and top speed.

These new additions to McLaren's lineup showcase the brand's commitment to providing a diverse range of high-performance vehicles, catering to different driving preferences and desires.

        Pricing and Which One to Buy

It is unlikely that a real-life McLaren shopper would base their buying decision on our recommendation, just as it is unlikely for us to actually be shopping for a McLaren 570 with its starting price around $200,000. However, that doesn't discourage us from sharing how we would customize our ideal version of the remarkable mid-engine sports car.

As enthusiasts who won't be pushing the car to its limits on the racetrack, we would opt for the convertible 570S Spider to enjoy the open-air experience it offers. Despite being the most expensive version, we would spare no expense when specifying our ideal configuration. To make a bold statement, we would choose a vibrant and eye-catching paint color to enhance its visual appeal.

For enhanced performance, we would select the Track pack. This package includes lightweight wheels, a sport-tuned exhaust, abundant carbon-fiber additions both inside and outside the vehicle, and a telemetry system for tracking lap times. These features would add a touch of aggressiveness and deliver an exhilarating driving experience.

Additionally, we would indulge in the Luxury pack, which would equip the car with heated and power-adjustable front seats, an adjustable steering column, and a high-quality 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. This would ensure a comfortable and immersive driving experience.

To address practicality, we would also opt for the vehicle lift option to prevent any issues with ground clearance when encountering speed bumps or steep driveways.

It is important to note that McLaren offers a wide range of bespoke options, allowing owners to personalize their purchase according to their specific preferences and requirements.

While these choices reflect our personal preferences, each McLaren shopper has the opportunity to create a unique and tailored configuration that aligns with their individual tastes and desires.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The heart of the McLaren 570S is its impressive 562-horsepower twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-8 engine, which bears the unmistakable influence of McLaren's Formula 1 expertise. Teamed up with a responsive dual-clutch automatic transmission, this powerhouse delivers breathtaking acceleration that can be overwhelming, even causing strain on the neck muscles. The intoxicating sound emanating from the engine only fuels the desire to push the accelerator to the floor without hesitation.

The 570S is a car designed with a clear focus, heavily skewed towards conquering back roads at astonishing speeds. It elicits both awe and a touch of fear when driven the way its creators intended. Its brilliance lies in its singular purpose and uncompromising dedication to delivering an engaging driving experience. However, it's worth noting that some other cars in this class offer a more refined and comfortable ride.

Nevertheless, few vehicles can match the 570S when it comes to driver engagement. Its steering provides exceptional feedback, the chassis feels alive, and its seemingly limitless power reserves leave drivers yearning for more time behind the wheel on their favorite roads. The 570S is not a car known for its coziness or convenience, so potential buyers must weigh the unparalleled driving experience it offers against their daily utility needs.

When it comes to braking, the 570S remains composed and undeterred regardless of the intensity with which the brakes are employed. However, at high speeds, the car may exhibit a slight dance or hint of instability when the brakes are squeezed forcefully. For the right customer, this characteristic only adds to the thrill and excitement of the driving experience.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel efficiency is not typically a primary concern when purchasing a supercar. However, it can be a pleasant surprise if a high-performance vehicle manages to provide decent fuel economy while delivering exhilarating performance. In the case of the McLaren 570S, the EPA only provides estimates for the coupe variant. However, during testing, the version tested on a 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route achieved an impressive 24 mpg while maintaining a steady speed of 75 mph. This exceeded the car's official 23-mpg highway rating. It's worth noting that individual driving habits and conditions can affect actual fuel efficiency, but these results indicate that the 570S offers a relatively efficient balance between performance and fuel consumption compared to other supercars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The interior of the McLaren 570S prioritizes carbon fiber aesthetics over creating a luxurious living space. While the driver and passenger have a similar amount of room compared to similar vehicles, the narrow seats, low seating position, and wide doorsill can make it challenging to find a comfortable seating position. The 570S does offer dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, and the option for a faux-suede headliner, which adds to its upscale ambiance. However, the emphasis on weight reduction is evident, and other amenities are limited.

One of the paradoxes of a supercar like the 570S is that it tempts you to embark on open-road adventures, but it's not well-suited for long trips. Cargo space and storage options are minimal, making it challenging to bring anything beyond a few essentials. The limited space means you'll have to pack lightly, possibly only accommodating items like a pair of flip-flops.

Overall, the interior of the McLaren 570S places more focus on its lightweight and performance-oriented design rather than providing extensive comfort or practicality for extended journeys or carrying additional cargo.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The McLaren 570 models, unfortunately, have not undergone crash testing by U.S. agencies, so there are no official safety ratings available for them. Additionally, these models lack driver-assistance technologies typically found in modern vehicles. The focus on performance and weight reduction in the 570 series means that adding driver-aid systems could compromise their lightweight and high-performance characteristics. As a result, McLaren has chosen to prioritize the vehicles' performance capabilities over incorporating driver-assistance features.

It's important to note that while the 570 models may lack certain driver-assistance technologies, they are built with advanced engineering and safety features inherent to their design. McLaren's expertise in manufacturing high-performance vehicles aims to provide a safe and controlled driving experience even without the presence of driver-assistance systems.

Potential buyers interested in the McLaren 570 series should consider their preferences and priorities regarding safety and driver-assistance features before making a purchasing decision.