Orders in for McLaren 570S

Australian high-performance fans are having a winter of content... Hot on the wheels of Ferrari's local debut of the 488 GTB, UK-based supercar brand McLaren has lifted the sheets on its new Sport Series 570S.

And, it seems, those well-heeled petrol heads are voting with their wallets. According to APAC Regional Director for the brand, David McIntyre, the company is already holding 18 firm local orders for the new 400kW-plus two-seater.

To the end of July 2015 McLaren has already delivered 21 cars. In 2014, the brand sold a grand total of 26 cars Down Under.

The first of at least two Sport Series models to arrive in Australia, the 570S uses a new version of McLaren's carbon-monocoque structure and alloy (instead of composite) bodywork. It's less powerful than the 650S and upcoming 675LT (hence the name – which aligns to horsepower) and also misses out on the Super Series cars' active aerodynamics and semi-active suspension systems.

On the plus side, the $408,000 (driveaway) 570S' cabin is a vast improvement in both amenity and quality. Think more leather and easier access via the redesigned tub.

"The 570S is aimed at a very different user group [than the Super Series cars]," McIntyre told motoring.com.au.

"We expect Sport Series buyers will use their cars more often... Every day in some cases...

"This is a more usable car. It brings supercar [tech] into the sports car segment," he said.

McIntyre asserts that to date McLaren has sold to people who have owned other supercars. The Sport series and 570S in particular is aimed at "owners of German sports cars", he said, referencing cars like Porsche's 911 Turbo S.

McLaren claims the 570S will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.2sec and on to
200km/h (124mph) in 9.5sec. Top speed is 328km/h – over the magic double-ton imperial mark.

Local deliveries of the 570S commence early in 2016. The enthusiast-targeted $350,000 540C (C for ClubSport) will arrive mid-year.