McLaren 540C Heading to Canada, Skips US

McLaren has announced that its new entry-level sports car will be coming to North America, but it won’t be heading to the United States, at least for now.

The British supercar builder has revealed that the new 540C will start at $196,500 in Canada, the only country in North America where it initially will be sold. Pricing was also announced for the larger 570S Coupe in Canada, going for $219,750.

Both the 570S and 540C are part of McLaren’s Sports Series and as a result share quite a few components. Both cars use a 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 hooked up to a seven-speed gearbox. As the names suggest, the 570S makes 570 PS (562 hp), while the 540C puts out 540 PS (533 hp). That makes the 570S capable of a 0 to 62 mph sprint in 3.2 seconds while the 540C makes it to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds.

SEE ALSO: McLaren 540C Unveiled in Shanghai with 533 HP

The same carbon fiber monocoque also supports both of these cars, helping to keep weight down while improving structural rigidity. Both cars have alloy wheels, though on the 540C they are wrapped with Pirelli P Zero tires while the 570S gets Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. McLaren says that the tires were designed specifically for these cars with comfort in mind.

Orders for the new McLaren Sports Series are now being accepted, with the first Canadian deliveries of the 570S anticipated in November 2015. Timing for 540C deliveries was not revealed.

We reached out to McLaren to find out when, or if, the new 540C will be sold in the USA. As of publication time, we haven’t heard back.

Update: McLaren spokesperson JP Canton responded, “We are undecided at the moment. Essentially the car will be homologation for the U.S., but it is highly unlikely we will import it [to the US].”

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