McLaren 570S & 650S Catless Downpipes — Sound, Power & Exhaust Guide (2026)
McLaren's 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8: Two Engines, Two Fitments
McLaren's Sports Series (570S, 570GT, 540C) and Super Series (650S, MP4-12C) both use variants of the M838T 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 — but they are not identical. The 570S uses the M838TE variant with a different exhaust manifold layout, turbo positioning, and catalytic converter routing compared to the 650S/MP4-12C's M838T.
This means the downpipes are not interchangeable between the two platforms. The 570S requires 570S-specific downpipes, and the 650S/MP4-12C shares its own fitment. YPG carries both.
What they share is the same fundamental response to exhaust modifications: the factory catalytic converters are the single biggest restriction downstream of the turbochargers, and removing them unlocks faster spool, more top-end power, and a dramatically improved exhaust note.
McLaren 570S Race Downpipes
The YPG McLaren 570S race downpipes replace the factory catalytic converters with straight-through high-flow pipes. They're designed as a direct bolt-on with no cutting, welding, or fabrication required.
Power Gains
- Standalone: +30–50 HP at the wheels
- With ECU tune: +80–120 HP combined over the factory 562 HP
- Estimated Stage 2 output: approximately 640–680 HP
Sound
The 570S with catless downpipes is a revelation. The factory car is relatively quiet for a mid-engine supercar — McLaren prioritized refinement over drama. Remove the cats and the flat-plane V8's true character emerges: a harder, more mechanical exhaust note with pronounced turbo whistle on spool, louder wastegate chatter, and a sharper bark on downshifts. The car sounds significantly more aggressive without becoming obnoxious.
Fitment
Fits McLaren 570S, 570GT, and 540C. All model years 2015+. Does NOT fit the 600LT, 650S, or 720S.
McLaren 650S / MP4-12C Catless Downpipes
The YPG McLaren 650S/MP4-12C catless downpipes are constructed from SS304 stainless steel and designed for the 650S and MP4-12C exhaust layout. Bolt-on fitment using factory mounting points.
Power Gains
- Standalone: +30–50 HP at the wheels
- With ECU tune: +80–120 HP combined
- Estimated Stage 2 output (650S): approximately 700–740 HP
- Estimated Stage 2 output (MP4-12C): approximately 670–700 HP
Sound
The 650S already has a more aggressive exhaust note than the 570S from the factory. Catless downpipes amplify this — the V8 becomes louder across the entire RPM range, with the turbo spool becoming the dominant sound on boost. At high RPM, the flat-plane V8 delivers a metallic, race-car-like scream that the factory catalytic converters suppress significantly.
The MP4-12C benefits even more acoustically because its factory exhaust is more muted than the 650S. The transformation from catless downpipes is more dramatic on the 12C.
Fitment
Fits McLaren 650S (coupe and spider) and MP4-12C (coupe and spider). All model years 2012–2017. Does NOT fit the 570S, 600LT, or 720S.
570S vs 650S vs 720S: Where Each Fits
YPG covers the McLaren lineup across multiple platforms:
- 570S / 570GT / 540C: 570S race downpipes — M838TE engine
- 650S / MP4-12C: 650S/12C catless downpipes — M838T engine
- 720S: See our full McLaren 720S Race Downpipes vs Stock guide for the M840T platform
For ECU tuning across the McLaren range, read our McLaren 720S ECU Tuning for GCC Owners guide.
Pairing Downpipes with ECU Tuning
On both the 570S and 650S platforms, catless downpipes should be paired with an ECU tune for maximum benefit. The tune optimizes fueling for the reduced backpressure, raises boost targets to take advantage of the improved exhaust flow, and eliminates post-catalyst sensor faults that catless downpipes can trigger.
YPG offers McLaren ECU tuning via YPG Bench — the mail-in ECU service for exotic platforms. The ECU is removed, calibrated, and returned. No OBD2 flash — McLaren ECUs require bench-mode access for calibration.
Construction
Both the 570S and 650S/12C downpipes are constructed from SS304 stainless steel. TIG-welded for strength and durability. Designed for extreme exhaust temperatures and the corrosive salt-air conditions common in coastal GCC cities. Bolt-on installation using factory mounting hardware — professional installation recommended due to the mid-engine layout.
GCC-Specific Notes
Emissions: GCC-delivered McLarens do not include OPF/GPF. Catless downpipe installation is straightforward with no filter deletes or additional coding required.
Heat: SS304 stainless handles GCC ambient temperatures without material degradation. The McLaren's mid-engine layout concentrates exhaust heat in the engine bay — proper installation with correct heat shielding is important.
Sound: No exhaust noise restrictions in the GCC. Catless downpipes are commonly run on McLarens across Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
See our guides for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much HP do McLaren 570S downpipes add?
Approximately 30–50 HP standalone. With an ECU tune, combined gains reach 80–120 HP over the factory 562 HP.
Do 650S downpipes fit the MP4-12C?
Yes. Same M838T engine and exhaust layout. The same downpipes fit both models.
What do McLaren catless downpipes sound like?
Louder, harder, more mechanical. Pronounced turbo whistle on boost. Sharper bark on downshifts. The flat-plane V8 character becomes significantly more aggressive.
Will they trigger a check engine light?
They can trigger post-catalyst sensor codes. An ECU tune is recommended to eliminate faults and optimize fueling.
What's the difference between 570S and 650S downpipes?
Different fitments. The 570S (M838TE) and 650S/12C (M838T) use different exhaust layouts. Each requires model-specific downpipes. 570S here, 650S/12C here.