This is the McLaren 540C. The cheapest McLaren available in the dealerships.
And the best part is, no one will notice that.
That's because the differences with the more expensive 570S, is barely noticable.
The only thing that might give it away are the brake discs, which are made from steel instead of the standard ceramic brakes you get on the 570S.
There are some other changes though, but you won't really see them.
According to McLaren, the 540C has got different aerodynamics, a different suspension setup and of course, less power.
This entry model doesn't get 570 horsepower, but just 540.
To be honest, you don't really notice the power difference.
Alright, I've driven the 570S and I have the impression that when the turbo's start building pressure, around 4,000/4,500 RPM's,
that it's much more powerful, much more explosive and much more agressive than this 540C.
It's just, that engine can get to 8,500 RPM's. And if you really squeeze everything out of the engine, which it wants you to do,
the difference in performance doesn't feel that big really.
On paper it's the same story, the 570S will do 0-100 in 3,2 and flat out it will go 329 km/h,
whereas this 540C will do 0-100 in 3,5 seconds, and it will keep going until it reaches 320 km/h.
Of course, that still is extremely quick.
And yeah, like I just said, 8,500RPM's. Even though it's turbocharged it still manages to rev this high.
The more you squeeze the car, the better it sounds, the more venomous it will get,
you'll get the best throttle response when you're in the final 2,000/3,000 RPM's.
Then, you've got these two buttons here, which let you control the suspension and the drivetrain.
If you put them in Sport-mode, or even in Track-mode, that drivetrain... The clutch will get so agressive,
look at when you approach a corner...
It's down 30 horsepower, but the sensation is just as big. You really feel the knowledge and racing heritage McLaren packs in the drivetrain.
They've kept that, and that's what's most important.
And that also goes for the suspension, because McLaren says it's more suitable for every day,
it should be a little softer. Well, if there's any difference, it's very very small.
Alright, if you keep everything in Normal-mode, you could use it every day of the week.
It's very sturdy, but not annoying. As long as the tarmac is smooth, you're alright.
But when you go into Sport- or Track-mode, the dampers get very hard and the car will become something different.
It will get agressive, vicious and very grippy. You can do so much in this car.
You just don't really feel the difference. Okay, the tyres don't stick as much and you don't get ceramic brakes,
but I've been driving this for a while now, including braking quite hard for cornering,
and I don't really get the impression the brakes are about to fail.
So, you don't really need those options. I mean, you can order those ceramic brakes and stickier tyres,
but that's only fun when you onto the track.
It's actually very simple with this 540C.
If you equip those options, you'll lose half of the price difference with the 570S.
So if you often find yourself on a circuit, save up some more for the 570S.
But if you want a fantastic and sensational supercar, than this is the fastest, easiest and least painful way to save €22.500.