Who said that sportsmanship cannot be for day to day? The concept of speed is not always at odds with that of practicality. McLaren He believes so, although he only applies it to some models that are conceived as everyday cars. That is the case of McLaren 540C, the sports car for access to the house and its most functional model, although no less extreme for that.
The 540C is born from McLaren 570S, a decaffeinated version of it. It is integrated into the McLaren Sport Series family. Its official presentation took place at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2015, although its commercial start did not occur until a year later. Among its many markets, the United States does not appear, where the English company has decided not to present it given its interest in focusing sales on its older brother.
Since 2015 the 540C has not undergone any update or renewal. Unlike the 570S, it has not enjoyed any special edition signed by MSO, the craziest division of McLaren. Its renewal is not yet on the table, but it is known that those of Woking will continue betting on offering a more accessible product and that can rival other similar models such as the Audi R8.
Technical characteristics of the McLaren 540C
The Sports Series range specializes in models with a more comfortable and pragmatic approach. As we have already said, the McLaren 540C born as a decaffeinated version of the 570S. Both enjoy the same platform, a low-weight, high-strength monocoque chassis that must be able to handle the tough task of making a rear-wheel drive model manageable.
The measurements of the McLaren 540C lead us to a compact size sports car. A model with which it is easy to circulate. 4,53 meters long, 2,09 meters wide and 1,2 meters high. To these dimensions we must add a shortened wheelbase that limits us to a reduced cabin with a maximum capacity for two passengers.
The total weight of the set is just 1.449 kilograms, of which less than 80 kilograms derive from the carbon fiber monocoque chassis. The weight reduction has been taken to such an extent that it leaves little room for maneuver in terms of trunk capacity is reduced. A small cubicle that is located just behind the seats and on top of the engine.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the McLaren 540C
When it comes to powering the 540C, McLaren has opted for a solution that is widely used in its range, although applying a slight reduction in power so as not to match higher-cut models in performance, performance and price. Only one unit is available, and more efficient options are not expected at the moment or with some kind of hybridization.
The 540C installs its engine in the rear center position. It is a block made of aluminum with eight cylinders in vee and 3.799 cubic centimeters. It has a double overhead camshaft and a biturbo system that allows it to increase performance. The management is entrusted to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that, as we have already mentioned, sends all the power of the engine to the rear axle.
In total they are 540 horsepower at 7.500 revolutions and a maximum torque of 540 Nm between 3.500 and 6.500 revolutions. The maximum speed is 320 Km/h, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,5 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in just 10,5 seconds. All this with a combined consumption in the WLTP cycle of 12,2 liters per 100 kilometers travelled.
Equipment of the McLaren 540C
Although we all know those from Woking for their Formula 1 heritage, the reality is that those of McLaren produce some of the most desired sports cars in the world. Since its first and legendary product, the McLaren F1, the brand has showcased great craftsmanship when it comes to crafting quality, well-appointed interiors.
In the case of the McLaren 540C, a trim branch is not available. When configuring a unit there is a wide range of possibilities for both paints and rims. Much of the optional equipment focuses on improving performance, such as ceramic brakes, semi-slick tires, carbon fiber packages and titanium exhaust. Where it does not stand out is in the presence of safety elements and driving aids.
As for the equipment itself, you can enjoy a wide range of systems and technological elements. All of them are centralized in a large central screen in central position with eight inches in size, and a fully digital instrument cluster. To this we can add many more elements such as air conditioning, LED headlights or even a high-quality sound system signed by Bowers & Wilkins with up to 12 speakers.
The McLaren 540C on video
Rivals of the McLaren 540C
Although the market to which the McLaren 540C is directed is very exclusive, that does not detract from having a long list of rival models that are not going to make things easy for you. We find these enemies everywhere, although mainly in Europe under the cover of premium and luxury firms. Some rivals are: Audi R8, Mercedes-AMG GT, BMW Serie 8, Porsche 911, Lamborghini Huracán, Ferrari roma, Aston Martin DB11, Bentley Continental GT y Maserati Gran Turismo, among others. All of them are rivals for concept, performance or price, although not all offer the mid-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration that the English does.
Highlight
- Performance
- Practicality
- Quality
To improve
- High consumption
- reduced trunk
- Price
McLaren 540C Price
Performance, exclusivity and racing pedigree come at a premium. McLaren does not offer its products at an affordable price. The McLaren 540C is the signature access model. Its price starts at 197.500 euros, without offers or promotions. It is a high cost that only marks the starting point, because it is easy to increase that budget when choosing one of the many options that are available or some customization option.
McLaren 540C Photo Gallery
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