The entry-level McLaren we all knew was coming has arrived, with the wraps taken off the carmaker's most affordable model to date – the McLaren 540C Coupe – at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show. Having unveiled the 570S in New York, the 540C represents the second model in the Sport Series range and at £126,000 is priced around £17,250 less than its more potent sibling. McLaren says the 540C has subtly revised aerodynamics and fitted the sports car with unique 19/20 inch rims finished in silver or stealth.

It also gets revised damper tuning for more comfortable daily driving. But if you want to thrash it, know that power comes from the ubiquitous 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 rated at 533 horsepower (540 metric horses) and 398 lb-ft of torque. Connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, 0-62 mph comes in at 3.5 seconds, 0-124 mph in 10.5 seconds and top speed is 199 mph. Featuring aluminum body panels wrapped around a 'MonoCell II' carbon-fiber chassis, the 540C weighs just 1,311 kg. That's just 2kg lighter than the 570S, but 150 kg than the Audi R8, the next lightest "mainstream" sportscar.

The interior is swathed in premium leather, and sports a seven-inch infotainment system. Available globally, the 540C is available to order now, with deliveries to commence early next year. Thanks to Car News China for a couple of live pictures of the new McLaren live on the Shanghai Motor Show floor.