570GT is McLaren’s take on practicality
Meanwhile, the C43 offers a step between a standard C-Class and a full-force AMG
McLaren is branching off into grand touring models with a new variant of the 570S. Billed as a softer, cushier and (slightly) more practical sibling to the 570S, the 570GT is much more than just a plaything for weekend cruises and car shows.
The biggest changes include a glass rear hatch and a second storage compartment behind the rear seats. In total, the 570GT can haul 370 litres of cargo — definitely not as much as a Honda Accord, but the 570GT is certainly spacious enough for weekend getaways.
Visually, the rear-end design is slightly different. The hatch eliminates the so-called flying buttresses of the 570S, which are replaced with a larger spoiler to compensate for the aerodynamics. The hatch, which is hinged on the side, opens to the left or right, depending on whether the car is left- or right-hand drive. McLaren says this is done to ease curbside loading.
Adding to the 570GT’s touring potential is a glass roof, fitted luggage to take advantage of the space and a softer suspension setup. McLaren reduced spring rates by 15 per cent up front and 10 per cent in the rear, and retuned other components and slightly reduced the steering ratio to match.
Like the 570S, the 570GT is powered by McLaren’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V-8 engine, pumping out 562 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. That kick is sent to the rear wheels, leading to a zero-to-100kilometres-an-hour time of 3.4 seconds.
Canadian pricing hasn’t been announced just yet, but the 570GT will be available later this year.
C43 coupe joins AMG line
Think of the latest member of the AMG family, the Mercedes-- AMG C43 coupe, as a C63-lite.
Power comes from Mercedes’ 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, sending 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque to each wheel via a nine-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. The C43 coupe completes the zero-to-100-km/h run in 4.6 seconds before topping out at 250 km/h.
Visually, the C43 is nowhere near as aggressive as the C63 S, but there is enough for it to stand out from the standard C-Class coupe. The unique front and rear fascias are certainly reminiscent of the C63 . Inside, the sporting theme is carried on by black leather sport seats with contrasting red stitching, and a handful of AMG-accented trim pieces.