2016 McLaren 570S Dissected: Powertrain, Chassis, Design, and More!

From the June 2015 issue

Just as German carmakers have mastered the art of slicing sausages into different lengths, such that an Audi A6 seems like just a foot-long hot dog to the A4 ballpark frank, McLaren’s staple ingredients are now being spread over a full menu. It ranges from the Big Mac—the million-dollar P1—to this new value-oriented 570S from the, uh, 180,000-dollar menu. With the 570S, McLaren replaces the special sauce in the 650S’s suspension with ketchup, takes a bit of beef out of the powertrain, and serves it in a familiar wrapper as an alternative to the Porsche 911 Turbo S. When it goes on sale at the end of the year, the 570S will join the Acura NSX, the Audi R8, and the BMW i8 in the burgeoning class of sub-Ferrari almost-supercars.

Tub

True to the McLaren recipe, the 570S begins with a carbon-fiber passenger cell sandwiched between aluminum substructures. Now called MonoCell II, the tub features sills slimmer than the wide, tall rails of the 650S and the P1. That should make it easier to enter and exit the car, playing to the 570S’s intended purpose as a daily driver for those who take their Sunday drives in Gulfstream jets.

Calm down, McLaren nerds. This isn't exactly the same tub as the P1 uses. This one's modified for easier entry and exit.

To strengthen the reshaped sills, engineers added 11 pounds of carbon fiber to the naked tub, which now weighs 176 pounds. McLaren reports a dry weight of 2895 pounds for the 570S. Curb weight should reach a tidy 3100 pounds by the time the car is properly fueled, cooled, and lubricated. If that number proves accurate, the 570S will weigh in roughly 500 pounds lighter than the four-wheel-drive 911 Turbo S.

Powertrain

Like the pricier 650S, the new 570S derives its name from the output of its 3.8-liter V-8 in Pferdestärke, or PS, which is metric horsepower. That’s 562 horses in the units we use. Torque is rated at 443 pound-feet. While the displacement of the twin-turbo engine matches that of the 650S and P1, the hardware changes are substantial enough—though McLaren wasn’t prepared to divulge details—to warrant a new engine code (M838T E). Italy’s ­Graziano supplies the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

McLaren's design language is inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird, a whale shark, and McDonald's golden arches.

Since McLaren remains an unwavering advocate for rear-wheel drive, the 570S won’t match the 911 Turbo S’s 2.5-second zero-to-60 time warp. The Brits say their car will rocket to 62 mph in a still-swift 3.2 seconds, but also claim that a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio will give them the edge in any race to triple-digit speeds. Keep your foot in it long enough and the 570S will eventually top 200 mph.

Concurrent with the 570S’s New York auto-show debut, McLaren unveiled in Shanghai the 540C, a less powerful, less aggressive, and less expensive version that could make its way to the United States. Without committing to selling it here, a McLaren rep did say the company would certify the 540C to keep options open. But McLaren must know that the Turbo S outsells the stand­ard 911 Turbo two to one in America. We’re not sure why it’d bother.

Bottom right: The wide-angle camera in the front fascia helps you better see where you're going without looking where you're going. Chassis

The 570S locates its wheels with a pair of control arms at each ­corner just like its brethren, but McLaren’s signature ProActive Chassis Control is conspicuously absent. That sophisticated and costly tech uses a hydraulic network to give the 650S and the P1 flying-carpet-ride quality and Ginsu-sharp handling. Instead, the 570S has conventional anti-roll bars and adaptive dampers that can be set to normal, sport, or track mode. Forged aluminum wheels measuring 19 inches in front and 20 inches out back roll on Pirelli rubber—either P Zeros or P Zero Corsas—and surround standard carbon-ceramic brake rotors.

Design

There’s no mistaking the 570S for anything but a McLaren, although you could easily mistake it for a 650S. Depending on how you feel about that, credit or blame a design language that prioritizes function over form. Chief designer Rob Melville says the surfaces “express the way the air moves around the car.” The lower edge of the channel running through the door, for example, mimics the airstream that comes off the rear edge of the front tire. The shoulders of the doors feature floating “tendons,” behind which the door releases lurk. Those of-the-moment flying buttresses funnel air around the greenhouse and over the vented decklid to extract hot air from the engine bay, increasing downforce by a claimed 22 pounds. As yet, the factory won’t supply a total downforce figure.

Because a radio doesn't make a car any faster, the 570S includes just four speakers as standard equipment. Eight- and twelve- speaker systems are optional.

While the P1 has an all-carbon skin and the 650S wears a mix of composite and aluminum, the 570S is wrapped entirely in aluminum in standard trim. The car on these pages represents a higher spec, with the roof, decklid, rockers, and front and rear fascias rendered in optional carbon fiber.

Whether in aluminum or carbon fiber, the 570S packs the same lightweight, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive flavor that has allowed the Formula 1 experts at McLaren to insinuate themselves into Ferrari’s business in a short time. Watch out, Porsche, you may be next.

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BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage evokes classic 1970s Bimmer design

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage evokes classic 1970s Bimmer designImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMWImage Credit: BMW2007 MMSRP$52,100ShopReviewsMore PhotosBMW S1000 R custom by Deus Ex Machina for Orlando BloomBMW i Apple Watch AppBMW W3 Engine Patent2015 BMW 220d xDrive Gran Tourer: Geneva 2015BMW 220d xDrive Active Tourer: Geneva 20152016 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran CoupeChris Bruce

BMW enjoys taking advantage of the annual Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este as an opportunity to re-imagine some of company's vintage shapes in modern ways with concepts like the M1 Hommage, 328 Hommage, Concept 90 motorcycle, and even last year's Mini Superleggera. This year's event on the shores of Lake Como is no different, and the Bavarian brand is celebrating one of its great sports coupes from the 1970s with the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage.

Bathed in a shade called Golf Yellow that perfectly evokes the era of the original, the Hommage's design seems to incorporate a few cues from the current 6 Series into the classic look of the 3.0 CSL. However, the front end is actually a little ungainly to our eyes due to the massive grille, and the fenders that fold up over the hood. The laser headlights are a great touch because their X-shaped centers are inspired by old racecars.

The design improves significantly in profile and really starts to show the inspiration from the original 3.0 CSL. This concept has some beautiful rear haunches, and the big, creased fenders lead the eye to the massive rear wing. The back end also maintains much of the vintage design, including the roof spoiler, but the shape gets modern touches. So while the source of this inspiration was a bit angular, the lines have been gently curved for the Hommage.

Of course, a CSL must be lightweight, as signified by the last letter in its name. Where the original uses aluminum and Plexiglas to shed pounds, the Hommage uses carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic parts throughout the body.

The interior is also made from CFRP, and occupants sit in quilted racing buckets. An especially cool touch is the V-shaped cross-member at the back that evokes the look of a roll cage, while being a bit more artistic.

The only indication that BMW is giving about the 3.0 CSL Hommage's powertrain is that it uses an inline six with eBoost, but as a concept the engine doesn't really matter, anyway. Get a good look at the whole design in the gallery above.Show full PR textBMW 3.0 CSL Hommage.

Racing flair with a touch of class.

Munich/Cernobbio. Amid the audacious design studies and automotive beauties from a bygone era gathered at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, the BMW Group presents its new BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage – and in the process makes a pretty formidable statement of its own. This model is the BMW Design Team's tribute to the 3.0 CSL, a timeless classic and iconic BMW Coupé from the 1970s.

"Our Hommage cars not only demonstrate how proud we are of our heritage, but also how important the past can be in determining our future," says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. "The BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage represents a nod to the engineering achievement exemplified by the BMW 3.0 CSL in its lightweight design and performance. With intelligent lightweight construction and modern materials, the 3.0 CSL Hommage brings the character of that earlier model into the 21st century, showing it in a new and exciting guise," he says, summarising the approach the design team took with the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage.

Lightweight design past and present.

"CSL" stands for "Coupé Sport Leichtbau" (coupé, sport, lightweight). With its aluminium bonnet, boot and wings, Plexiglas windows and equipment rigorously pared down to the bare essentials, the old BMW 3.0 CSL tipped the scales around 200 kg lighter than its sibling model, the BMW 3.0 CS. Unsurprisingly, then, it was predestined for a career on the race track. Whereas the material of choice in the 1970s was aluminium, today carbon fibre – or carbon-fibre- reinforced plastic (CFRP) – offers the optimum weight-to-strength ratio. These high-strength fibres are even lighter and stronger than aluminium. And the
BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage makes generous use of the high-tech composite, reinterpreting the concept of lightweight design for the modern age. Wherever CFRP is used, it is also visible – rendering the lightweight design principle tangible both inside and out. The BMW Group is a world leader in the production and application of CFRP in automotive design and can already boast many years of experience in series production of CFRP structural parts for the BMW M and, in particular, the BMW i.

The exterior: power and elegance.

Karim Habib, Head of BMW Design, explains the thinking behind the design of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage: "For BMW designers like us, the BMW 3.0 CSL is a style icon. Its combination of racing genes and elegance generates an engaging aesthetic that continues to win hearts even today.

The BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage celebrates many of those characteristic features, but without copying them. Indeed, some of the parallels are not immediately obvious. We wanted people to sense the family resemblance rather than see it straight off."

The BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage is a vision of pure athleticism: the elongated body is set off by distinctive air deflectors, powerful wheel arches and prominent spoilers to the roof and tail. Despite its size, the aerodynamic elements are key in enabling air to flow optimally along the sides of the vehicle. The front air deflector serves to vent the engine compartment, while wings over the rear wheels ensure optimum airflow around the vehicle. Small rear-view cameras serve to further reduce aerodynamic drag. The large rear spoiler increases downforce on the driven rear axle and in so doing improves power transmission. The Air Curtain and Air Breather systems guarantee optimum ventilation of the wheel housings. And the sheer self-confidence and sporting prowess of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage are perfectly summed up in the original colour of its spiritual predecessor – Golf Yellow.

The front end – muscular athleticism.

Boasting one of the broadest and lowest front ends of any vehicle in the BMW Group, the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage's front exudes pure power and athleticism. At the centre, the characteristic BMW kidney grille stands tall in citation of the more upright styling of the kidney grille of yesteryear. The size and spatial depth of the kidney grille symbolise the output of the powerful six-cylinder in-line engine with eBoost. At the same time, the finely wrought geometry of frame and kidney struts lends the front end an air of quality and exclusivity. The characteristic four-eyed face gives a contemporary, hexagonal interpretation of front-end sportiness. Laser light and LED technology facilitate slender, state-of- the-art lighting graphics, and the flat contours of the headlamps generate that characteristically focused BMW look. A stylised "X" inside the lights divides the lighting functions and conjures up memories of the X-shaped headlamp stickers once used in long-distance racing. Horizontal LED strips create a visual bond between headlamps and kidney grille while at the same time emphasising the broad, flat impact of the front end. A large carbon-fibre front splitter reduces the gap between road and front end and, in combination with the kidney grille, offers a modern interpretation of the earlier car's highly distinctive shark nose. Two circular openings and a series of elongated slots pay tribute to other elements featured in the earlier car, but offer a new interpretation for the 21st century.

The sides – contrapuntal elegance.

The vehicle sides are in elegant counterpoint to the marked athleticism of front and rear. The long wheelbase and elongated bonnet appear to stretch the Hommage's silhouette. A continuous, horizontal line encircles the vehicle by way of paying tribute to a distinctive stylistic feature of the earlier BMW 3.0 CSL: its all-round chrome trim. In combination with the black highlight beneath, the continuous line intensifies the flat, elongated appearance of the sides.

A particular detail of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage is the roofline. Consciously subdivided into three, the line recalls the distinctive upper section of the BMW 3.0 CS – one of the first coupés to feature a roof that did not flow into the tail. Compared with the ubiquitous fastback coupés of the day, this was both an innovation and a design statement, a feature that exuded athleticism and elegance in equal measure. In keeping with the BMW 3.0 CSL, the Hommage features a BMW logo on each of the C-pillars.

The all-round shoulderline is also the starting point for the subtle, finely sculpted surfaces of the sides. It follows the development of the shadowy areas behind the front wheel all the way to the lit surfaces above the rear wheels. This interplay between light and shade lends movement and dynamic intensity to the generous surfaces of the vehicle's sides. Dark CFRP areas narrow the gap between the sides and the road, again paying tribute to the consistent lightweight design of the BMW 3.0 CSL. In combination with the black graphic accents, the dark lightweight elements reduce the perceived height of the vehicle and further emphasise its flat silhouette. The black 21" alloy wheels in matt and high-gloss bi-colour versions offer an additional unique highlight. Air control blades in the interstices of the wheel rims, meanwhile, serve to further optimise aerodynamics.

The rear end – a muscular presence.

As with the front end, the vehicle's tail is broad and muscular in design. Generous surfaces generate presence, horizontal elements emphasise width. A particular highlight is the styling of the rear lights: an LED strip above the spoiler links the two lights, thus giving the rear end a formal framework. The powerfully sculpted rear apron with CFRP diffusor creates a visual impression of the BMW 3.0 CSL's raw power. Even viewed from above, the BMW 3.0 CSL is extremely dynamic. From kidney grille to headlamps, the bonnet traces a broad "V" – a nostalgic throwback to a distinctive and dynamic element of earlier BMW coupés.

The interior – purist elegance.

Pared down to a minimum, the interior of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage puts its lightweight design on show and renders its racing character elegantly tangible. All interior elements are there out of absolute necessity, every part has a high- quality design, structural or drive-related function. In the all-CFRP interior, the only wood-like presence is the "instrument panel" – a cross-member and purely structural element. This is a clear reference to the interior of the earlier
BMW 3.0 CSL, which featured an all-round wood trim throughout the interior. In the new version, only the small central eBoost charging display interrupts the wooden instrument panel. Infotainment is equally minimalist in concept: a central display on the steering column informs the driver of the current gear, speed, revs and shift point.

Racing genes and lightweight design with finesse.

Other racing features include bucket seats with high-quality stitching, a six-point belt and red anodised safety features such as the outlet nozzles for the extinguishing foam, the fire extinguisher itself, and the two switches on the centre console for the emergency shut-off and fire extinguishing mechanism. The only elements in the rear of the vehicle are two helmets integrated into the transmission tunnel. These are held in place by a belt when not in use. In the place of a rear seat bench, there are only covers for the eBoost energy accumulators. Special reflector technology in combination with LED strips create an impressive 3D effect on the covers.

In its use of cutting-edge materials and detailed solutions, the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage displays technical sophistication and subtlety of form. Meticulously crafted aluminium sleeves add high-quality accents at the junctions between individual structural elements. The door design is as minimalist as it is expressive: precise, clean surfaces trace an arc rearwards, lending the door element a flowing, dynamic quality. The door openers combine a DTM-style pull strap with the elegant handle-integrated opener of the earlier BMW 3.0 CSL, resulting in the hybrid solution of a nylon pull strap located directly behind the grab handle in the door. As with the interior as a whole, this detail lends expression to the unique character of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage: a winning combination of lightweight design, athleticism and elegance.Featured GalleryBMW 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept

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Mercedes partners with Lufthansa to design executive jet cabins [w/poll]

Mercedes partners with Lufthansa to design executive jet cabins [w/poll]Image Credit: Mercedes-BenzImage Credit: Mercedes-BenzImage Credit: Mercedes-BenzImage Credit: Mercedes-BenzImage Credit: Mercedes-BenzImage Credit: Mercedes-BenzImage Credit: Mercedes-BenzImage Credit: Mercedes-BenzImage Credit: Mercedes-BenzMore PhotosMercedes-Benz Vehicles for Jurassic World1991 Mercedes-Benz 350SD2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe: ReviewMercedes-Benz Untertürkheim Plant2015 Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 Safety/Medical CarsNoah Joseph

Luxury automakers like to crow about their flagship models boasting first-class cabins, but the truly elite class of travelers know there's a class above that. We're talking about private jets, and now Mercedes is applying its skills to those as well.

The German automaker isn't building its own jet aircraft. Its design department has, however, collaborated with Lufthansa to create a cabin space for executive jets that looks even more upscale.

The concept integrates the walls, ceiling, and floor of the cabin into one fluid, continuous surface, with the furniture similarly integrated into the design with chairs, sofas, beds, and tables. It's even got a fish tank on board and auto-dimming touchscreen glass panels in front of the windows that can control the infotainment system.

The design is being showcased by Mercedes-Benz Style and Lufthansa Technik at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibit (EBACE) in Geneva. It's the same show where Brabus displayed its jet cabin design, rival BMW Designworks did the same, and where the Mercedes' Eurocopter cabin design debuted four years ago. There, Mercedes hopes to attract orders from private customers. If the finished product ends up half as stunning as these design renderings look, we don't doubt they'll find a few takers.

How much do you want to fly in this jet?

More than anything. It looks alright, if you're into that kinda thing. I'll fly commercial or stay grounded, thanks. Vote Show full PR textMercedes-Benz Style and Lufthansa Technik develop VIP cabin for short- and medium-haul aircraft: State-of-the-art luxury high above the clouds
Stuttgart/Geneva, May 19, 2015

In time for EBACE 2015, which will take place from 19 to 21 May 2015 in Geneva, Mercedes-Benz Style and Lufthansa Technik have announced their cooperation on the design and completion of VIP aircraft cabins. The two companies will jointly develop an entirely innovative, luxurious and integrated cabin concept for short- and medium-haul aircraft.

Dynamic architecture instead of traditional interior cabin design: Under the joint approach adopted by the two companies, the traditional separation of ceiling, wall and floor will be entirely replaced by a dynamic, spiral layout. This gives rise to new, independent spatial zones without the typical arrangement of seat and wall elements. The new sense of space is additionally reinforced by Mercedes's typically strong emphasis on contrast in terms of material, colour and lighting. The overall design is characterised by the aesthetic appeal of state-of-the-art luxury embodied in the Mercedes-Benz brand. Mercedes-Benz Style and Lufthansa Technik plan to target this innovative concept at a private global clientele with a strong affinity for unique design. Lufthansa Technik will contribute its decades of experience in the customisation of VIP and VVIP aircraft in order to harmonise unique design with the particular requirements of an aircraft cabin.

"It was an inspiring challenge to transfer our design philosophy of sensual purity into the area of aeronautical engineering. The spectacular architecture of the interior shows creativity and modernity. Sensual surfaces and clear forms, combined with intelligent high-tech features and perfectly shaped modern luxury are the characteristic features of Mercedes-Benz design," explains Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG. "The purpose of our cooperation with Mercedes-Benz Style is to unite the two companies' innovative expertise in the areas of design and technology. Our goal is to offer a highly discerning global clientele a standard of interior design that leaves nothing to be desired. Whether for private or business use, our modular completion concept perfectly fits every purpose," says Walter Heerdt, Senior Vice President VIP & Executive Jet Solutions, Lufthansa Technik AG.

Innovative approach, away from the familiar

In a departure from the familiar design of aircraft interiors, the cabin concept adopts an entirely new approach. The interior of the cabin is organic and homogeneous like a DNA helix. Floor, wall and ceiling flow into each other. Featuring numerous innovative details, the furniture with its sensuous clarity of design merges seamlessly with the cabin interior. The cabin windows are concealed by so-called black panels, which, inspired by the screen design in the Mercedes‑Benz S-Class, appear to float in front of the window like a light corona. Innovative Mercedes-Benz Magic Sky technology allows the panels to be dimmed electrically from black to transparent. Displays and touch screens for entertainment and information can easily be integrated into the black panels.

In the coming months, the two companies will jointly evaluate the general level of customer interest on the VIP market, in addition to further developing the details of the design concept.

About Mercedes-Benz Style

Since 2010, in addition to classic automobile design, Mercedes-Benz designers have also created designs for other products in cooperation with selected partners under the label Mercedes-Benz Style. The aim is to transfer Mercedes-Benz's unmistakable, progressive design idiom and high standards of luxury and aesthetic appeal to other spheres of life. All Mercedes-Benz Style products stand out through the dynamic and avant-garde design that is a hallmark of the brand, uncompromising quality and the choice of fine materials finished to perfection. The portfolio of Mercedes-Benz Style includes products from the areas of mobility, lifestyle, sport and interior design. The complete portfolio can be seen at www.mercedes-benz-style.com.

About Lufthansa Technik

Lufthansa Technik is one of the world's leading providers of technical services for commercial and corporate aircraft as well as VIP and government aircraft. In addition to maintenance, overhaul and repair, Lufthansa Technik also offers special services such as the completion of customised aircraft cabins. In the area of VIP aircraft, Lufthansa Technik has over 50 years of experience in the development and installation of technically and aesthetically high-end solutions. To date, the VIP & Executive Jet Solutions Division of Lufthansa Technik has modified or completed over 100 short-,
medium- and long-haul aircraft. More information is available at www.lufthansa-technik.com.
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Takata changed airbag design in 2008

Takata changed airbag design in 2008Chris Bruce

With Takata now cooperating with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the massive 34-million vehicle airbag inflator recall, the supplier appears to be more receptive toward getting the situation fixed. However, recent evidence suggests that the company has been hiding knowledge of the problem for years.

According to three insiders speaking to Bloomberg under the condition of anonymity, Takata changed the recipe of its inflator propellant in 2008 to lower the risk of rupture after long periods of exposure to humidity. The decision came in the wake of Honda's decision that year to recall the flawed parts. Since then, some government officials have been advised about this switch.

Additionally, Takata has released some of its own evaluations to NHTSA. After activating 30,801 inflators in testing, it found 265 that ruptured, according to Automotive News. These parts had been removed from recalled vehicles.

The supplier also has 84 reports of rupturing inflators on the road, including 15 of those in models that weren't recalled. According to Automotive News, 63 of those cases were on the driver's side and 21 on the passenger side.

NHTSA's announcement yesterday said that it didn't yet know "a definitive root cause" for the ruptures. However, exposure to moisture appears to be part of the problem because it causes the propellant in the inflator to ignite too quickly. The faulty parts have been linked to six deaths worldwide, and a US District Court in Florida has been evaluating dozens of lawsuits over fatalities and injuries related to the problem.

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