McLaren’s new Sport Series is being shown to the world for the very first time at the New York International Auto Show currently under way in New York, US.

The new car brings McLaren race-derived technologies and supercar driving exhilaration to sports cars for the first time and sets a new benchmark for that market, according to the UK car manufacturer.

Launching with two power outputs, the Sports Series offers class-leading performance, lightweight construction including a carbon fibre chassis, McLaren design values and a comprehensive specification list. 

Pricing for the higher-powered 570S, shown for the first time at the auto show, will retail from £143,250 ($214,502). 

McLaren also confirmed that the pricing for the 540C Coupe will start at £126,000 ($188,672). This model will be unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show when further details and pricing information will be made available. 

Global deliveries of the Sports Series will commence later this year.

The latest addition to the McLaren range completes the three-tier model strategy alongside the Super Series and Ultimate Series.

The Sports Series is the most usable and attainable model to wear a McLaren badge to date, but it retains the core design and dynamic focus that ensure it is still worthy of the iconic name, the car manufacturer says. 

Weighing as low as 1,313 kg, thanks in part to the lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis, the Sports Series is almost 150 kg lighter than its closest rival. 

Power is provided by an evolution of the 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine with 30 per cent new components.

This ensures electrifying performance, with the 570S boasting a class- leading power-to-weight figure of 434PS. At the same time, the interior is more tailored around day-to-day usability, with optimised access, greater levels of stowage space and more refinement.

At the show, the covers were pulled off a pair of 570S Coupes showing two new ‘By McLaren’ colour specifications, highlighting the levels of customisation available. 

The Ventura Orange model showed a more track-focus, with extensive exterior carbon fibre upgrades, optional stealth-finished five-spoke lightweight wheel option and two-tone sports interior, while the Blade Silver model debuted a more luxurious specification with saddle tan interior and the 10-spoke super lightweight wheels.

“The new Sports Series is aimed at a new audience for McLaren,” explains Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive. ‘It’s the first time we’ve competed in the sports car as opposed to the supercar market. As with all McLaren models, we have prioritised performance, driving engagement and exhilaration. It is a totally driver- focused car, with excellent ergonomics and visibility, and a class-leading driving position. This is also the most day-to-day usable, practical and attainable McLaren we’ve ever made. It is a dramatic and beautiful sports car.”

The New York International Auto Show runs until April 12 at the Javits Center in the city.