British car maker McLaren has finally taken the curtains off the much-hyped 540C model at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show. Touted as the most affordable McLaren to be produced till date, this entry-level sports car will give tough competition to the likes of Porsche 911 and Audi R8.
McLaren 540C is likely to be placed below the 570S model, which was unveiled some time ago. This model boasts of McLaren’s trademark aerodynamic efficiency but with a touch of subtlety, featuring 19-inch and 20-inch wheels at the front and the rear, respectively.
The entry-level McLaren car is fitted with a 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 powertrain, which is also present in the 570S model. However, the 540C model has been fine-tuned to generate a lower power level of around 533 BHP as compared to the 562 BHP produced by 570S. The mid-mounted unit transmits power to wheels at the rear via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission system. McLaren 540C has the ability to reach 100 kmph from scratch in a time frame of just 3.5 seconds and 200 kmph in 10.5 seconds. Also, it can reach a top speed of up to 320 kmph.
MonoCell II, the carbon-fibre chassis of McLaren 540C, boasts of aluminium body panels. In terms of weight, this entry-level car is 2 kilograms lighter than 570S and about 150 kilograms lower than the Audi R8. Interior of this model feature premium leather upholstery that covers door panels, seats and dashboard along with a 7-inch infotainment system.
