New York 2015: McLaren 570S Coupe

We are reporting from the New York Auto Show 2015 were one of the stars of the show, the McLaren 570S, has been unveiled for the very first time.
The McLaren 570S Coupe is the first car of the McLaren Sports Series models and its looks fantastic with its striking design cues. This is not a car that is just about the aesthetics, the McLaren 570S Coupe packs some serious punch. The performance figures may not match those of the Super or Ultimate Series cars, but are still very impressive in their own right. The headline numbers are as follows, a power output of 564 bhp with light weight construction to give a class leading power-to-weight ratio of 428 bhp per tonne. These figures culminate to fire the the 570S from zero to 100km/h (62 mph) in 3.2-seconds, while 200 km/h (124 mph) is reached in a very impressive 9.5-seconds with the pace not letting up till the car reaches a top speed of 328 km/h (204mph).

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This supercar speed comes courtesy of the power plant we have become so familiar with, the 3.8-litre twin turbo unit producing. This unit has been branded the M838TE – E standing for ‘Evolution’ – with 30 percent of components bespoke to the Sports Series. Linked to the engine is a seven-speed SSG transmission that promises to be quick and smooth. Stopping power should be just as impressive courtesy of standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes, fitted behind a newly designed range of forged alloy wheel options shod, as standard, with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.

Weight was a crucial factor in the creation of the McLaren 570S, carbon fibre has been used extensively, the unique carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis is incredibly strong and stiff yet weighs less than 80kg, and has been designed to offer optimum levels of protection without inhibiting ingress and egress from the cabin making it easier to enter and exit the car. This in conjunction with the use of aluminium body panels, contributes to a dry weight of as low as 1,313kg (2,895lbs), almost 150kg lighter than
its closest competitor. [Gallery not found]
The interior of the McLaren 570S reflects its designers desire to make to Sports Series more usable than any McLaren before it. It is all typical McLaren, simplistic and driver focused but upholstered with more leather than alcantara for a more comfortable feel over long distances.
The McLaren 570S will certainly have to prove itself against some tough competition including the Audi R8, Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari 488 GTB and more, only time will tell if the McLaren will be the class leader. We cannot wait to find out!

Official: 2016 Lexus RX

The all-new fourth generation 2016 Lexus RX has just been introduced at the New York Auto Show 2015. The new RX adopts the Japanese marque’s bold styling language and bares many resemblances to the smaller Lexus NX crossover unveiled last year.
The main engine offered for the 2016 Lexus RX will be a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 engine delivering a total of 300 hp and coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels. Lexus has also improved its hybrid powertrain for the RX with it including a 3.5-litre V6 and a small electric motor to also return around 300 hp. The hybrid however, is more fuel efficient than the standalone V6.

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Visually speaking, the 2016 Lexus RX has been completely overhauled over previous iterations of the car. With that in mind, a new front fascia has been adopted with it incorporating Lexus’s trademark spindle grille complete with a chrome surround. Elsewhere, aggressive headlights are featured alongside sharp lines with the fog lights sitting in the middle of small triangular elements of the front bumper.

Elsewhere, the Lexus RX includes aggressive body lines on the sides as well as flared rear wheel arches reminiscent of the NX. The sharp body lines featured on the side of the 2016 RX aren’t just for looks however with Lexus claiming they minimise drag while reducing front and rear lift to make the car more stable and to reduce wind noise. Elsewhere, 20-inch aluminium wheels are featured on the new car. The rear then utilises L-shaped taillights as well as tapering creases and edges.
For the fourth-generation Lexus RX, the marque also focused heavily on strengthening the chassis to provide better stability and rigidity. Fully independent suspension is also featured with a double wishbone system at the rear and MacPherson struts at the rear. The 2016 RX is also available with the Adaptive Variable Suspension system which electronically adjusts the suspension damping and steering depending on the driving conditions.

Subaru STI Performance Concept

For the New York Auto Show 2015, the bold Subaru STI Performance Concept has been introduced to provide a potential glimpse into what a BRZ STI could look like.
The automaker itself claims that the STI Performance Concept has been created to signify the expansion of Subaru Tecnica International (STI) in the United States. As with many Subaru concepts, the car is exceptionally aggressive and perfectly showcases the work which Subaru’s performance division is capable of.

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Evidently based around the BRZ, the Subaru STI Performance Concept adopts a thoroughly redesigned body. The new body incorporates a different front fascia incorporating a carbon fibre front splitter as well as new headlights featuring red accents. Elsewhere, a set of high gloss silver wheels have been installed alongside carbon fibre side skirts and smaller than standard carbon fibre wing mirrors.

At the rear, the changes are just as bold with a towering wing and an ultra-aggressive diffuser and dual central exhaust pipes. A subtle bootlid lip spoiler is also present beneath the wing while a different bumper and new taillights have also been installed.
Technical specifications about the car haven’t been released but when speaking about the STI brand generally, STI’s president Yoshio Hirakawa said “At STI we know from our racing that to win, it is important not only to have high power, but also that all aspects of performance are balanced over the whole car. When we achieve this balance, the driver feels that the car is easy to handle and reliable, and he can use it fully to the limits of its performance. Our plan is to produce cars and accessories that drivers can really enjoy.”