A subtly revised aerodynamic package and a dedicated wheel
design mark out the 540C Coupé against the more powerful 570S Coupé. Unique
aero blades below the front bumper channel cold, clean air through the lower
bodywork and up over the sculpted bonnet, flanked by large LED headlamps. At
the rear, the diffuser sits between the twin exhausts which exit below the rear
bumper. The aerodynamically-led styling of the Sports Series Coupé includes intricately
designed dihedral doors which include the elegant floating door tendon. This
design feature channels air along the length of the door into the two
integrated air intakes mounted in the rear quarter panel. This creates a clean
path for the air to flow along the bodywork with minimal drag, directing air to
the flying buttresses at the rear of the cabin which optimise air flow over the
rear deck to increase downforce levels and aid engine cooling. An integrated
spoiler at the trailing edge of the rear deck provides optimal downforce.
The 540C Coupé is fitted with distinctive new cast alloy
wheels, available with silver or stealth finish, 19-inch at the front and
20-inch at the rear. These are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tyres as standard,
which have been developed specifically for the Sports Series to offer high
levels of performance in all conditions, with progressive levels of grip and a
focus on comfort. The 540C retains the Formula 1 derived Brake Steer system,
designed to aid cornering through the application of braking force to the
inside rear wheel. This enables later braking into corners, and earlier
application of power on exit.
The 540C features a newly-developed suspension system
ensuring enhanced levels of driver engagement and refinement on both road and
track. The system uses front and rear anti-rollbars Formula 1- style dual
wishbones and independent adaptive dampers. The damper tuning has been revised
on 540C, over 570S, with more focus on day-to-day road driving. Adaptive
dampers offer control over bump and rebound settings using the familiar McLaren
‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ handling settings, with the Sports Series having
its own unique damper settings. In ‘Normal’ mode, the system provides a refined
yet engaging ride, while the ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ settings allow a greater level
of focus and engagement when required. Twin damper valves ensure precise
control, while dual wishbone suspension provides optimised levels of ride
quality and driver feedback.
The interior of the Sports Series has been created with a
focus on space and ergonomics, offering great outward visibility and interior
space for occupants and their belongings.
Organic curves carried inside from the exterior design bring delicate tension
without aggression to ensure the cabin remains a welcoming environment.
Inside the cabin, the 540C Coupé is luxuriously appointed
with leather upholstery to the seats, dashboard and lower doors as standard.
The ‘floating’ centre console features a seven-inch IRIS touchscreen which
controls all elements of the infotainment system. The air conditioning controls
are also incorporated, as first seen on the McLaren P1, minimising switchgear
in the cabin. The touchscreen also controls the standard DAB digital radio, as
well as satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephony and media streaming, voice
activation and the audio media player. The IRIS system also includes the
electronic owner’s manual.