McLaren Reveals the 540C

Just recently, we learned all about the first half of the McLaren Sports Series line

McLaren 540C (Credit: © McLaren)

up, the 540S. Today, we get a peek at the other half of this lineup, and that’s the 540C. McLaren revealed this less powerful, but still insanely awesome supercar at the Shanghai Auto Show.

Any McLaren nerd can guess what’s under the hood of this new model… That’s right, it’s a new version of the same 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 that graces the engine compartment in every other current McLaren. In this tune, the 3.8-liter powerplant puts out 540 PS (533 horsepower) and 540 Nm (398 pound-feet) of torque. The engine mates to a seven-speed SSG transmission.

The drivetrain combines to deliver pretty impressive performance numbers. The 540C can sprint to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds, to 124 mph in just 10.5 seconds, and up to a top speed of 199 mph. Those numbers are 0.3 seconds, 0.7 seconds, and 5 mph slower than the 570S, respectively. Like the 570S, the 540C also delivers up to 25.5 mpg combined on the EU cycle.

McLaren 540C (Credit: © McLaren)

The base body of the 540C is identical to its more powerful sibling, but McLaren revised its aerodynamics a bit. This model features unique aero blades under the front bumper and a slightly less aggressive rear diffuser when compared to the 570S.

Also setting this less-powerful model apart are its exclusive wheels. These rollers measure 19 inches up from and 20 inches out back, and McLaren wrapped them up in Pirelli P Zero performance rubber. On top of the exclusive wheels, McLaren also tuned the 540C’s suspension more for everyday driving when compared to the 570S. However, this model still features am F1-style dual-wishbone setup and adaptive dampers to assure precision handling.

Pricing for the 540C will start from £126,000, which is £17,250 less than the 570S.