Top 3 safety features on a McLaren 570
Manufacturers such as McLaren are synonymous with racing and performance and as such their product range reflect those characteristics. But if you are going to be driving fast, what is going to keep you safe if something goes wrong. We take a closer look at the top three safety features fitted to the McLaren 570 range.
The McLaren 570 range which was first unveiled in 2016 can be described as a more powerful continuation of the McLaren 540. Although the biggest change was the power output, there were cosmetic changes made to the exterior of the vehicle. Both the 540 and 570 is, however, still considered the entry-point to the brand but make no mistake, they are not slow.
Related: McLaren 570GT – the most refined McLaren yet, with practical use
The McLaren product strategy is divided into three tiers, Sports Series, Super Series and the Ultimate Series. The 570 forms part of the Sports Series which offers moderate performance while being the most attainable. The Super Series and Ultimate series vehicle sees an increase in performance but simultaneously see prices increase and unit allocations reduced.
1. Airbags
The McLaren 570GT and Spider variants, both get fitted with seatbelt pre-tensioners for both the driver and passenger. The system automatically tensions the seatbelts to pull both occupants into the safest position if it detects an impending collision. Once the collision takes place, a series of airbags will deploy to keep both driver and passenger safe.
Airbags include front airbags as well as knee airbags which keeps the head and lower extremities safe during impact. Also installed on the 570 range is side-impact airbags. These deploy to create cushioning between the door and the occupant's torso area.
2. Driver-assist systems
As with most new vehicles, the McLaren 570 range comes fitted with a variety of driver-assist systems to not only enhance the driving experience and performance but also to assist the driver in maintaining control over the vehicle. A familiar item is the ABS brakes which prevent the wheels from locking up and sliding during hard braking manoeuvres and will decelerate the vehicle from 100 km/h to 0 km/h in just 31 meters.
A traction control system and electronic stability control system ensure that all four wheels remain on the tarmac and retains traction even during tight cornering or hard acceleration and braking. This in turn makes the vehicle easier and more predictable to steer and to avoid accidents.
3. MonoCell chassis
As any automaker will admit, the first and foremost component in occupant safety is the vehicle's body and chassis construction. The engineers at McLaren believe in this too, but they also believe in keeping vehicles light. This has resulted in the development of carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis which basically looks like a big carbon fibre tub.
It is to this chassis that the engine, seats, roof and suspension is fixed to and ultimately results in a total dry weight of 1 356 kg. Not only does this chassis allow McLaren to improve on the dynamics of the vehicle, but the carbon fibre construction which is both lighter and stronger than steel will keep the occupants safe during a collision.
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