McLaren lowers its entry price to $350K

McLaren has reduced its admission price by almost $50,000 in Australia with the announcement of a $350,000 drive-away price for its new entry-level 540C Coupe, which replaces the $398K 12C as the British supercar brand's most affordable model.

Also announced today was pricing for the more powerful 570S Coupe, which at $408,000 drive-away is more than $50,000 cheaper than the 650S ($459,250) and more than $200,000 cheaper than McLaren's top-shelf 675LT ($616,250).

The 540C Coupe price undercuts Porsche's 911 Turbo Coupe ($366,100 plus on-road costs), while the 570S Coupe is positioned below Porsche's top-shelf 911 Turbo S Coupe ($444,500 plus ORCs).

The 570S – the first model in McLaren's new, more affordable 'Sports Series' line-up -- is claimed to bring Formula One technology to the sports car segment for the first time – made its Australian debut in front of potential customers in Sydney today, but first deliveries will not take place until early next year.

While none of McLaren's 'Ultimate Series' models – left-hand drive the P1 and P1 GTR – are available in Australia, the 650S and 675LT comprise its 'Super Series' range.

The 570S is the most powerful model in the Sports Series family and is claimed to hit 100km/h in 3.2 seconds, but the entry-level 540C is nevertheless said to hit 100km/h in 3.5 seconds thanks to a lower-output 397kW/540Nm version of McLaren’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8.

Named after its 540ps power output, the 540C -- like the 570S – drives through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels, and consumes fuel at the rate of 11.1L/100km.

Built around a MonoCell II carbon-fibre tub, the 540C weighs just 1311kg -- 150kg lighter than its Porsche 911 rival, McLaren claims. At 1.2 metres tall and 2.1 metres wide, the 540C is also lower and wider than the Porsche.

The 540C can be distinguished from the 419kW/600Nm 570S by a different aerodynamics package and design for the 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) alloy wheels, which are shod with Pirelli P Zero tyres.

As standard equipment, the 540C comes with the manufacturer's Brake Steer system, which applies braking pressure to the inside rear wheel – allowing later braking into corners, and earlier application of power.

McLaren offers adaptive dampers on the 540C with three settings – instead of the 570S’ passive system, making the entry-level supercar more comfortable over long distances.

Features anticipated to be offered as standard in global markets for the 540C include digital radio, satellite-navigation, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, voice control and media player.

“The Sports Series marks an exciting milestone for the McLaren brand as it is the very first time we are competing in a new segment, beyond the supercar market," said George Biggs, Head of Sales & Operations for McLaren Asia Pacific.

"At McLaren we talk about ‘Black Swan Moments’, those moments in time that turn thinking upside down and challenge beliefs, just as the discovery of the first Black Swan in Western Australia did in 1697.

“We see the McLaren 570S as our Black Swan Moment. From engineering, to design, to positioning, every aspect of the Sports Series has been crafted with the intention to go faster and push harder, elevating the sports car driving experience to new heights and redefining what is possible in the segment.

"We are pleased to provide our Australian customers and enthusiasts with a first glimpse of this powerful and revolutionary driver-focused car.”