Supercar introductions are usually quite rare. McLaren has one every year though.
After the 12C, the P1 and the 650S, we got to meet the 675LT. And now this.
Not really a supercar though, as the 570S is more of a sports car to battle the 911 and R8.
So it's an entry-level model. It looks like other McLarens, but it is very different.
It's got an aluminium body instead of carbon and there's no active suspension.
There's less downforce, too. The interior is more comfortable and the view is better.
There's even a stop/start system. It's more fun and sensible than about lap times.
So how is this road-going baby McLaren? And how does it stack up against its rivals?
More. Focus. A Porsche 911 Turbo or Audi R8 V10 can make you forget about their supercar status.
With this, you feel everything. Even the thickness of the paint on the road.
The steering, the chassis - it feels very rigid. In Normal mode already.
Set it to 'Sport' and the auto 'box livens up, the dampers stiffen and the steering gains feeling.
At low speeds already. Floor it, and this happens. Hoho! Such speed!
It's got the same 3.8 flat-plane, twin-turbo V8 as the 650S. With 570 PS though.
The throttle is so lovely responsive. Hardly any turbo lag. It just goes - and sounds great!
They worked hard to achieve that. And it paid off.
And it steers SO direct. You can really feel the car. It's a celebration of communication.
And these are just public roads. It's entertaining, playful and accessible.
With stability control set to Dynamic, you can break traction a bit. It's such a fun car.
On track, it's supposed to be even better.
This is the Portimao race track. It has so much more to give.
Its balance is amazing. Just over half the weight is on the rear axle.
So it wants to slide, but you can sense that before it happens.
It's so very communicative.
It may be the least track-focussed McLaren, yet it's so much fun.
The carbon brakes, the chassis - it's all in harmony. It's a track car for the road.
So, it's much fun on the road AND on track. Are there no drawbacks?
Yes: if you're critical, which you're entitled to at 227500 euros, it's not all good.
Your left foot has little room, infotainment controls are poor and the interior is less refined than a Porsche or Audi.
So what? It's a different car, full of fun and technology. Anything else matters less.
It really is the McLaren of the sports cars.