McLaren Sports Series launches with 570S Coupe (pictures)

The 570S Coupe follows McLaren's previous models, such as the 650S and MP4-12C, as a two-seater high-performance car, but uses a newly designed body and chassis.

Designed with everyday utility in mind, more than 5 cubic feet of cargo can be stowed under the hood.

McLaren engineers its swoopy logo into the front of the car, yet this design also serves an aerodynamic purpose. Air ducts in front feed low temperature radiators designed to provide initial cooling.

LED headlights throw a bright beam, while also allowing a narrower headlight opening.

The 570S Coupe uses adaptive dampers in its suspension, letting the ride go from track-rigid to public road-firm.

Air ducts along the side feed high-temperature radiators, air that can help cool the mid-mounted engine.

Nineteen-inch wheels up front, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa rubber measuring 225/35/R19, provide steering grip.

Larger Pirelli tires at the rear, fitted over 18-inch rims, measure 285/35/R20. Mark Vinnels, McLaren executive director for product development, said the tires were designed to drivers could have some fun with the car, allowing a little bit of slip.

Carbon fiber makes up much of the body, lessening weight and likely making the 570S Coupe an expensive proposition.

Upswinging doors fold to almost vertical, allowing easy cabin access, while McLaren also made sure the door sill was narrow enough to not interfere with entrance and exit.

The 570S Coupe does not feature active aerodynamics, like McLaren's other models, but every surface was designed for useful air flow.

A smooth undercarriage helps air flow under the car, while a rear diffuser channels it.

Buttresses on either side of the cabin help channel air back over the rear of the car, providing downforce.

The 570S Coupe employs corner braking, with the car lightly applying the brakes on the inside wheels in a turn to help rotation.

The engine uses the same 3.8-liter V-8 block as McLaren's other cars, although different turbos and tuning puts the output at 562 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque.

LED taillights serve as an efficient rear lighting source, and front and rear cameras help the driver maneuver.

McLaren showed the car with orange-trimmed black leather sport seats, although the McLaren Special Operations team can work with buyers to create bespoke interiors and exterior color schemes.

McLaren's navigation head unit, created in-house, has been improved for the 570S, and uses a wider screen than previous McLaren models.

The steering wheel is the same diameter as in previous McLaren models, and offers paddles to shift the automated clutch transaxle.

Buttons on the console let the driver individually set Sport, Normal and Track mode for suspension and drivetrain performance.

The 570S Coupe represents McLaren's first use of an LCD panel for the instrument cluster. The information displayed changes depending on the performance mode of the car.

A premium audio system for the 570S Coupe includes this torpedo-like center speaker on the dashboard.