The 540C Coupe is a pure McLaren and a pure sports car, sharing its DNA with the models in the Super Series and Ultimate Series, including a lightweight carbon fibre chassis and race-derived technologies. It is fitted with a mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin turbocharged V8 engine, which has been developed to be responsive and thrilling, even at low engine speeds. 

As its name suggests, the Sports Series' dedicated application of the award-winning McLaren power unit generates 540bhp at 7,500rpm and 540Nm of torque at 3,500rpm to 6,500rpm. With stop-start technology, it offers optimised levels of efficiency and a longer range suited to the typical usage of cars in this segment. 

The unique carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis weighs a low 1,311kg, which is almost 150kg lighter than its closest competitor.

Power is delivered through the rear wheels via a seven-speed Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG) which, aided by the low weight of the 540C, sees the century sprint completed in 3.5 seconds, 0 to 200km/h in just 10.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 320km/h.

Unique aero blades below the front bumper channel cold, clean air through the lower bodywork and up over the sculpted bonnet, flanked by large LED headlamps. At the rear, the diffuser sits between the twin exhausts which exit below the rear bumper. 

This design feature channels air along the length of the door into the two integrated air intakes mounted in the rear quarter panel. This creates a clean path for the air to flow along the bodywork with minimal drag, directing air to the flying buttresses at the rear of the cabin, which optimise air flow over the rear deck to increase downforce levels and aid engine cooling. 

The 'floating' centre console features a 7.0-inch IRIS touchscreen, which controls all elements of the infotainment system. The air-conditioning controls are also incorporated, as first seen on the McLaren P1, minimising switchgear in the cabin. The touchscreen also controls the standard DAB digital radio, as well as satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephony and media streaming, voice activation and the audio media player. The IRIS system also includes the electronic owner's manual.