McLaren has revealed the second model set to join its new Sports Series lineup.
It might look a lot like the 570S, but the 540C sports a few changes underneath its skin. Most notably, the standard twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 is tuned to produce 533 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft. of torque, some 29 horsepower and 45 lb.-ft. of torque compared to its bigger brother.
The McLaren 540C.
Handout, McLaren
That doesn’t mean the 540C skimps on performance – paired to McLaren’s seven-speed sequential transmission, the zero-to-100 km/h sprint is done in just 3.5 seconds. Like the rest of the cars in McLaren’s lineup, the 540C boasts the automaker’s MonoCell II carbon fibre chassis, lending to a 1,310 kilogram curb weight. The 540C also boasts a unique suspension setup, in that it’s geared a little more towards on-road comfort.
The McLaren 540C.
Handout, McLaren
Visually, the 54C’s rear diffuser is styled less agressively, and aside from the badging and wheel design, you’d be hard pressed to pinpoint the differences between the 540C from the 570S both inside and out.
And that’s what makes the 540C so appealing – it’s virtually identical to the 570S and offers very similar performance, yet is priced at a relative bargain. Canadian pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but the 540C will be priced at around $165,000 in the U.S.
The McLaren 540C.
Handout, McLaren
