Launched for the 2016 model year, the 570S is the newest sports car->ke506 to wear the McLaren->ke284 badge and spearheads the company venture into an entirely new segment. Slotted under the 650S,->ke4801 it is aimed at the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo and it is one the most accessible McLaren models to date, surpassed only by the nearly identical but less powerful 540C. Part of the Sports Series->ke4981 that also includes the 570GT, which boasts enhanced luggage capacity, the 570S->ke4924 has also spawned a full-fledged race car and will receive a number of limited-edition models throughout its life-cycle.

The first one has already arrived and it goes by the name M2B Edition. While avid Formula One->ke190 enthusiasts might recognize the M2B nameplate, the uninitiated need to know that the badge is of great importance for the brand. The M2B was the first Formula One car created by company founder Bruce McLaren and the single-seater used in McLaren debut season in 1966. Although it wasn't as successful as the later cars that brought the racing team 12 drivers and eight constructors championships between 1974 and 1998, it was one of the most advanced vehicles fielded in 1966 and the beginning of McLaren's success in the sport.

It's been exactly five decades since the M2B made its F1 debut at the Monaco Grand Prix with Bruce McLaren himself behind the wheel, and the British company is paying tribute to the single-seater that started it all with a special-edition->ke2041 570S sports car.

Continue reading to learn more about the McLaren 570S M2B Edition.

What makes the McLaren 570S M2B Edition special

The only detail that sets the M2B Edition apart from the standard McLaren 570S is the paint scheme. Whereas regular models are finished in just one color, the M2B Edition features a livery that pays tribute to the Formula One car that McLaren built to make its debut in the competition back in 1966. The sports car is finished in white, while the nose was dipped in what appears to be British Racing Green. Just like the F1 car, a similar stripe runs from the nose toward the windscreen and then continues on the roof. The green stripe and upper section of the nose also have silver edging, a feature seen on the vintage race car as well. Other than that, the M2B Edition's exterior is as standard as they come. And, while that may not sound like a lot for a special-edition or one-off model, I bet classic Formula One enthusiasts will appreciate its simplicity and visual similarity to the 1966 M2B.

McLaren made no mention of the 570S' interior and didn't release any image, so it's safe to assume that the cabin is standard as well. Not exactly surprising given that Formula One cars have a tiny cockpit and 1960s racers were pretty spartan in that department. Sure, McLaren could've added a vintage gauge or some sort of commemorative plaque to link the interior to the M2B, but sometimes it's better to keep things simple.

Under the hood, the M2B Edition hides the same twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-8 found in the regular 570S. The unit pumps out 570 PS (hence the car's name), which converts to 562 horsepower. Torque is rated at 443 pound-feet. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission and enables the coupe to hit 62 mph from a standing start in only 3.2 seconds and 124 mph in just 9.5 ticks. The 570S tops out at 204 mph, which is downright impressive for its category, making it only one mph slower than the range-topping Porsche 911 Turbo S.

This mind-boggling performance is also linked to the fact that the 570S is the lightest vehicle in its class at 2,895 pounds and benefits from a power-to-weight ratio of 428 horses per tonne.

McLaren didn't say how many M2B Edition models it is planning to build, but my best guess is that it's a one-off that will probably remain with the company. Should this car be for an actual customer, he probably paid well in excess of the 570S' sticker of $184,900 for the special livery the privilege of getting a unique model.

McLaren 570S

The 570S was unveiled at the 2015 New York Auto Show as McLaren's first venture into a segment of more affordable cars. Slotted under the 650S, the 570S is part of the Sport Series, a family of entry-level models that also includes a slightly less powerful 540C and the 570GT, a version with added luggage room behind the seats. The 570S gets its juice from the award-winning, twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-8 (found in all current McLaren cars) and comes with 562 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of twist on tap. Pricing starts from $184,900, making it the most affordable McLaren sold in the U.S. since the 540C isn't offered on this side of the pond.

Read our full review on the McLaren 570S here.