2016 Mclaren 570s 2dr Coupe on 2040-cars

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McLaren 570S priced at $184,900

McLaren broke new ground when it launched the new 570S at the New York Auto Show this week, moving in into lower-priced but higher-volume territory for the first time. But that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg: there will be an entire Sports Series to follow, with additional body styles and more affordable (a relative term in this case) levels of specification. The second model, dubbed 540C, is set to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show. US dealers will exchange $184,900 for keys to a 570S, which is $2,200 more than Porsche's base price for the 911 Turbo S. Based on 540C pricing already announced in the United Kingdom, we estimate that model will cost about $160,000 if it comes Stateside. The 540C is to the 570S as the Asian-market 625C is to the 650S. The smaller number designates a lower level of equipment and a little less power, but also a lower price tag. In the case of the 540C, that's 533 horsepower instead of 562 hp. The carbon-ceramic brakes on the 570S will most certainly disappear from the standard features list for the 540C, among other features. Of course that doesn't mean the 540C will be offered Stateside. The 625C at the bottom end of the Super Series is only offered in Asia, and with the new 540C set to be unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month, McLaren could follow a similar formula. Show full PR text McLAREN 570S: A NEW BENCHMARK FOR THE SPORTS CAR MARKET PREMIERES IN NEW YORK · Sports Series completes the McLaren three tier model range, priced from $184,900 · Highest power and lightest car in the sports car segment by almost 150 kg (331 lbs) means a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 434PS per ton (5 lbs per hp) · Two examples of the 570S unveiled in New York showcase some of the customization options available with the new 'By McLaren' designer interiors The all-new McLaren Sports Series brings McLaren race-derived technologies and supercar driving exhilaration to the sports car market for the first time. Launching with two power outputs, the Sports Series offers class-leading performance, lightweight construction including a carbon fiber chassis, recognizable McLaren design values and a comprehensive specification list. Pricing for the higher-powered 570S, shown for the first time at the New York International Auto Show, will retail from $184,900 USD. Global deliveries of the Sports Series will commence later this year.

F1 should scrap qualifying and drop out of the sky instead

There's always some new controversy hovering over the Formula One paddock like a thick fog. If it's not team orders or industrial espionage it's unsportsmanlike conduct between two rivals or the off-track behavior of some driver or FIA official. This year it's all about qualifying, with the new format introduced for the Australian Grand Prix already jettisoned in time for the next round in Bahrain. But as ridiculous as this video may seem, McLaren may just be onto something. The clip shows Jenson Button strapping himself into the cockpit of the latest McLaren-Honda, just as he would for any race. Only this time he's not starting from the grid or even the pit lane. This time the former world champion straps in for a computer-animated airdrop out the back of an RAF C-130. Okay, so maybe it wouldn't be the safest way to determine the starting order, at least not until those proposed new halos are installed (along with some beefier shocks). But suppose, just for a second, that instead of lining up according to the fastest qualifying times, F1 drivers hit the ground running after being airlifted and parachuted out of a cargo plane? After all, if the Stig could bungee-jump an F1 car, and drag racers can pack parachutes, why not skydive onto the grid with the engine running? It's not like the drivers can't handle the G forces, and it'd sure beat the classic Le Mans start where the drivers run across the track, jump into their cars, and get moving. Okay, fine. We're just kidding. Related Video:

McLaren confirms Sport Series Spider for 2017, another bodystyle due [w/poll]

While famous in motorsports and for the F1, McLaren is still building a name for as a major producer of modern supercars. Every year, the company just keeps adding more variants to the lineup, and now we're getting the scoop on some of the coming developments. In a recent latest financial announcement, McLaren tips its hand that two, new bodystyles for the Sports Series models are on the way for 2016 and 2017. Currently comprised of the 570S (pictured above) and 540C coupes, the Sports Series models are meant to challenge rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GT and Audi R8. Adding a convertible to the range isn't really a surprise, but now McLaren is verifying that's the case. "I can tell you that the new bodystyle for 2017 will be a Spider," spokesperson Wayne Bruce confirms to Autoblog. However, McLaren is clear in its announcement: "a second body-style will be introduced in 2016 followed by another in 2017." So what could next year's model be? Rumors suggest that the company might be working on an odd combination of GT and shooting brake for the Sports Series. While it isn't confirmed, leaks claim that the variant has a larger luggage compartment that runs on top of and possibly behind the engine, and this is somehow accessible from the side. Maybe the shape looks better in reality, than the description implies. Of course, that's not the only option. It's not hard to imagine McLaren doing a hardcore version of the 570S, like the relationship between the 675LT and 650S. Although for all we know right now, the company could even have a hyper hatch or tiny pickup to take on Australia's high-performance utes in the works. It's certainly fun to speculate. Let us know what you would like to see in the poll below. NEW MODELS DRIVE McLAREN AUTOMOTIVE TO RECORD RESULTS McLaren Automotive records second consecutive year of profitability just four years after opening its first retailer 2014 sales increased 18 percent over 2013, another year of growth Already a sustainable business investing in its future and people An expanding range of luxury sports cars designed, engineered and made in the UK...and intending to stay that way More than 1,200 people employed, most in the UK, with 50 percent of parts UK sourced, and 92 percent of output exported The incredible story of McLaren Automotive continues with the announcement of a second consecutive year of profitability four years since the company opened its first retailer.