McLaren 540C, The Most Accessible McLaren In The Range
The McLaren 540C is positioned as the simplest and most accessible option in the Sports Series range of the British manufacturer. It comes with engine level and undercarriage updates to accommodate its new approach. All in all, a more usable and, above all, affordable set has been achieved.
In addition, the rival you face in the market changes. McLaren claims the 540C will take on the Porsche 911 Turbo and Honda NSX, while its older brother is tasked with doing the same with the 911 Turbo S. Like these, it will also be offered in two flavors: Coupe and Spider.
Design
On the aesthetic level, the changes made are minor. The only differences – specific to the model – are exclusive air ducts on the front, as well as slight changes to both the diffuser and the side. New designs for the 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels have also been included .
For the rest, it is a bodywork made of carbon fiber, the same material used in the Monocage I monocoque chassis . At the same time, it is a vehicle with such an elaborate design that almost four years after its launch it continues to look as fresh as the first day.
Cabin
The same goes for the interior. The interior of the McLaren 540C is a familiar one in motorsports, with a design that, in general terms, is the same in all the brand’s models. Even with everything, an almost perfect driving position is maintained that allows an excellent connection between the driver and the machine.
Pretations
Few changes in relation to the propellant of this McLaren. It retains the same 3.8-liter V8 engine supercharged by twin turbos already used by the McLaren 570S and 570GT. The difference with these is limited to the power output, which is reduced to 540 hp. The engine torque is also reduced to 540 Nm.
The dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddles behind the steering wheel is also maintained. With this engine, the McLaren 540C signs the 0-100 km / h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 320 km / h, important figures for the least capable model in the British manufacturer’s range.
It has not only been in the mechanics where all the changes have been concentrated. In order to reduce the cost, and adapt the behavior of the car to its new configuration, the running gear has also received changes. Carbon ceramic brakes have been scrapped in favor of simpler steel discs.
Four-piston calipers act on these discs (six in the case of the 570S). The stabilizer bars have also been modified, now mounting mechanical bars instead of electronic ones. What has remained unchanged is the suspension; retains McLaren’s adaptive magnetic suspension.
Price
It should be noted that the McLaren 540C was initially designed with the Asian market in mind, although it has finally been exported to all markets where McLaren is present. The aim of this car was to offer a high-performance sports car at the cost of lower taxes (hence the power reduction).
This strategic move leaves us with a price of 197,500 euros in the Spanish market before taxes. In addition, we must never forget the possibility of personalizing the car thanks to McLaren MSO, which allows the car to be left to the consumer’s taste down to the smallest detail.
McLaren 540C data
- 2 doors
- 2 places
- Trunk: 144 liters
- Rear-wheel drive
- 3.8 V8 engine with 540 hp and 540 Nm of torque
- Consumption and emissions: from 7.4 l / 100 km and 249 g / km of CO2
- 7-speed automatic transmission and double clutch
- Price: from 197,500 euros
