RE: McLaren 570S vs. McLaren 570GT

RE: McLaren 570S vs. McLaren 570GT

Sunday 23rd October 2016

McLaren 570S vs. McLaren 570GT

There's no loser in this contest; is there a winner though?



The Sports Series range is crucial for McLaren and as close to bread and butter volume product as the brand will ever produce, given the oft-repeated PR line that it doesn't see the need to diversify into saloons, SUVs or anything other than carbon fibre sports cars. Bravo.

Same power, different mindset; which is best?
Same power, different mindset; which is best?
There's no shortage of ambition either, the 12C launching against perhaps the best V8 Berlinetta Ferrari has ever built. Meanwhile the 570S goes up against a recently refreshed Porsche 911 Turbo, while Audi finds itself in the unusual position of offering the more emotive alternative with the second-gen R8 and its tempting pitch of cut-price, sensibly dressed alternative to Lamborghini flamboyance. Or of course you could opt for full Lamborghini flamboyance in the form of a Huracan LP580-2.

Formidable products all three, backed up by resources and economies of scale that offer significant technological advantages. Against that can McLaren's single-minded minimalism really stand a chance? Previous experience suggests yes.

Having driven the 570S and 570GT in isolation, an opportunity to drive both back to back was too tempting to pass up. The challenge? To see if there really is enough breadth in the Sports Series package to offer a credible alternative against all the Germans offer at this price point.



McLaren 570S
There will be predictable moaning about the constant comparisons to Porsche products but the 911's dominance is impossible to ignore; a 911 Turbo S ticks boxes from all-weather ability to occasional four-seater transport, underlaid by performance and accessibility still dominant in its range plus a well-practiced blend of presence and discretion. Not much of the latter in this particular 570S, it has to be said.

Supercar drama? Got it
Supercar drama? Got it
Indeed, along the 911 spectrum the spec of this particular car is rather more GT3 than Turbo. Well it is until you consider the bottom line has gone from £143,250 to something closer to £190,000 and the last 991 GT3 we tested was £115K with options, Porsche GB's RS press car £143K by the same measure. Supply and demand issues rather skew the market for 991 GT3 variants though, 'regular' GT3s now commanding £130K or so while RS versions are well into the mid-200s. Could a Porsche GT customer disillusioned with that world find solace in the minimalist interior of a 570S?

Arguably yes.

Because, more so than even the performance, the first thing that leaps out at you in this car is the quality and depth of the feedback. McLaren doesn't rely on four-wheel steering, active engine mounts or other gimmickry for this either. Indeed, the 570S doesn't even have a limited-slip differential. It comes from the stiffness and lightness of that carbon tub. And the kind of decisive weight and response to major controls even Porsche seems to have forgotten.

Classically involving in a way many now aren't
Classically involving in a way many now aren't
That there are no adornments to the wheel beyond the rocker-style one-piece shifter paddle speaks volumes, likewise a seating position that brings it right into your chest and pedals so perfectly aligned for left-foot braking it feels a stretch to do anything else. The way the wheel wriggles and writhes in your hands at any speed will come as something of a shock for many in this day and age too, likewise that the brake pedal feels solid and demands legwork to deliver meaningful retardation rather than grab with over-servoed bite on first touch. The damping is brilliant too, even the most extreme Track mode usable on a bumpy British B-road while Normal offers Lotus-like float over similar surfaces, meaning you can dial in your level of interaction according to pace and preference. Without the active aero or roll control of the 650S the 570 is perhaps a tad less composed but, on the flipside, more consistent and readable.

The appliance-like blare of the twin-turbo V8 remains a McLaren weak spot in the neck-hair prickling stakes. But the forced induction lunge when the turbos spool pretty much makes up for it, likewise that the more characterful bangs, pops and excitement only come as a reward for driving it properly. Rather than just selecting Sport mode as you might in the R8.

The minimalism of the interior works in this context too, letting you focus on the job at hand. But it's not shy. And a bright orange McLaren gets a LOT of attention. Nearly all of it positive. But what if you want to make similar progress with a bit less fuss?



McLaren 570GT
Does the addition of a glass rear hatch, slightly softer suspension and a subtle shift in intent signalled by the GT suffix really let the Sports Series play the 911 game all the way from GT3 to Turbo? And, for all the difference those changes suggest, is there really much of a leap between 570S and GT?

Or for a more discreet McLaren...
Or for a more discreet McLaren...
You can judge that in the response to the cars. In bright orange and carbon the 570S inspires traditional supercar glee in onlookers (and occupants). Novelty doors just complete the package - you kind of get used to the grins and camera phones each time the driver's door lifts on its gas strut.

The GT is similarly exotic - much more so than an equivalent 911 Turbo or R8 - but the response seems much more considered. A narrowing of the eyes and a considered "Mmm, that's NICE!" rather than goofy grins and raised thumbs. And, let's face it, if you're going to live with the car day in, day out (more on this shortly...) the reaction from other people is something to consider.

Looks are a personal preference and there's so much scope in the individualisation options of both cars to make a straight comparison difficult - you could spec a GT in Mantis Green with carbon bits or 'detune' an S with standard paint and silver wheels. It's clear the GT trades outright aggression for a tad more elegance though, the rear quarter in particular rather more restrained and understated.

Do they drive any differently though? The steering is geared a little slower in the GT - 15.7:1 10 degrees either side of dead centre against 15.1 in the S - and you feel that immediately out on the road, this informing a slightly more languid driving style. All things relative though; there's still weight, feedback and positivity to the wheel that stands out in this day and age and a sense of feistiness and agility born of a kerbweight at least 100kg less than a 911 Turbo. It's only 55kg heavier like for like than the S too. And while their respective settings on the three-stage Powertrain and Handling dials feel to converge in Track mode, the GT and S are certainly further apart in Sport and Normal. The quieter standard exhaust and additional sound deadening of the GT add some filtration, while its P Zero tyres mean more measured feedback than the constant chatter through the S's stiffer sidewalled, more camber sensitive P Zero Corsas. Standard steel brakes on the GT add unsprung weight of course but there seems little compromise in power, at least for road use.

Less frenzied, yes, but still pretty special
Less frenzied, yes, but still pretty special
Fears it has been dialled back or dumbed down for wafting need to be put into perspective too - this is still a 200mph-plus car, its 9.8-second 0-124mph three tenths slower than the S but a symbolic tenth faster than a 991 Turbo S with all its four-wheel drive and Sport Chrono enhanced wizardry.

Comparisons with that car - and the R8 - extend to more than just bombastic performance though; here the pared-back style of the McLaren's interior, and some literal rough edges to fit and finish, face tougher scrutiny than in 570S against GT3. The Germans clearly think a significant number of buyers in this sector place value in button and gizmo count and here the McLaren focus on feedback and driver-focused purity may struggle. The GT Upgrade Pack that bundles nose lift, Bowers & Wilkins audio, rear view camera and a few other bits and bobs will help address a few convenience and luxury concerns. But there's also no escaping that it feels more 'special' than an R8 or 911. Normally that'd be seen as a bonus. But however subtle the paint choice basic kerbside rituals like parking or loading the shopping create more theatre than an equivalent Porsche or Audi, which is not always what you want.



Verdict
Motivation to drive the S and GT back to back was more than just idle curiosity, because we'll be making this choice for real when we spec our 570 long-term test car. Yes, that is as outrageous a proposition as it sounds but we'll selflessly go through this agony of choice and report back on the findings.

More to follow once a decision has been made!
More to follow once a decision has been made!
For those living this dream for real there are some R8 and 911 customers for whom the McLaren's exotic looks and driver-focused character will be a little too much, likewise the apparent lack of bells and whistles in interior or mechanical spec. There's no ignoring how quickly the prices of both variants can quickly spiral from junior to proper supercar league too, a generous extras spend on a 911 Turbo S or R8 V10 Plus barely covering a few ticks on the McLaren options sheet.

But if you care as much about the experience as you do about the image the Sports Series in both configurations is a breath of fresh air. From a driving perspective 570S to GT can indeed rival the spectrum Porsche covers from GT3 to Turbo S, McLaren also delivering on the proper supercar thrills Audi offers with the R8 minus a load of weight and gimmickry. No mean achievement.

And a few late nights on the configurator at PH towers as we ponder the final spec for our long-termer. There are worse dilemmas...


MCLAREN 570S
Engine
: 3,799cc, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: 7-speed SSG, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 570@7,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 443@5,000-6,000rpm
0-62mph: 3.2sec
Top speed: 204mph
Weight: 1,440kg (DIN plus driver)
MPG: 26.6 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 249g/km
Price: £143,250 (As tested £187,290 comprising £1,350 for Mclaren Orange special paint, £2,810 for super-lightweight wheels, £5,540 for Carbon fibre exterior pack 1, £7,730 for Carbon fibre exterior pack 2, £4,210 for Carbon rear deck and plenum cover, £3,600 for sports exhaust with stealth finish, £4,910 for Carbon fibre racing seats, £2,470 for McLaren Sport designer interior, £5,130 for Carbon fibre interior pack, £3,340 for McLaren track telemetry, £1,990 for nose lift and £960 for front and rear parking sensors)

MCLAREN 570GT
Engine
: 3,799cc, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: 7-speed SSG, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 570@7,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 443@5,000-6,500rpm
0-62mph: 3.4sec
Top speed: 204mph
Weight: 1,495kg (DIN plus driver)
MPG: 26.6 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 249g/km
Price: £154,000 (As tested £165,250 comprising £3,490 for Ice Silver elite paint, £900 for red brake calipers with black logo, £1,840 for Bowers & Wilkins audio system and £5,020 for GT Upgrade Pack)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author
Discussion

Fetchez la vache

Original Poster:

5,568 posts

213 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
What's a plenum, and why would one want to cover it?

daveco

4,122 posts

206 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
Overall a lovely shape but that front end doesn't look right.

E65Ross

34,944 posts

211 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
well over £20k in carbon fibre accessories....that can be saved immediately!

tyrrell

1,670 posts

207 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
Well I've fallen in Love with the 570S and mine arrives in a couple of weeks time cant wait. I am an ex Porsche fan could not be bothered to go through all the hoops in order to get a GT car, so have gone British instead, Factory tour last week was amazing so much attention to detail each car hand built biggrin

suffolk009

5,344 posts

164 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
I won't be getting one of these for 8-10 years from now. So I don't get to spec what will be my car.

But if I was spending the money on a new one, I'd want a GT with the S rear window. So why no GT-S. Doesn't make sense?

As to the assertion that they'll never make a four door or an SUV, of course they will. One day. They'll just look at the numbers that their competitors are selling and it's, as they say, a no brainer.

JohnGoodridge

529 posts

194 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
E65Ross said:
well over £20k in carbon fibre accessories....that can be saved immediately!
I too did the maths.

Ditch the ornamental carbon and post-option prices are within 1k of each other.

IainF

149 posts

254 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
Yes, but...there are some questions around the real ownership experience with McLaren that might not concern PistonHeads journalists, but give those fortunate enough to be faced with the same new car choices something to think about. Like, if you want to take your McLaren on track you have to get it inspected beforehand, and then again afterwards, to preserve the warranty. At an authorised McLaren dealer. Where it has to be booked in, and transported there and back, twice. Not many of those in the north east of England. Or the availability of spare parts, where someone's car was off the road for the lack of a simple seal and McLaren could only offer to provide a new gearbox, which the supplying independent garage wouldn't cover. And the lack of any independent repair specialists (presumably for the same reason). And the lack of extended warranty options. Maybe this is part urban myth, or part of stories that have moved on. But when you can go and buy a Porsche or a Ferrari or a Huracan, they make you stop and think. The car might be fantastic (and I happen to think the 570GT looks stunning) but ownership is not just about the car, it's about the whole package.

big_rob_sydney

3,394 posts

193 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
Much prefer the lightness that this embodies over the competition.

Those extras, though. Ouch.

Since we're essentially talking fast cars and what they can do, I'd like to see these go head to head against a GTR on track.

Dan Trent

1,866 posts

167 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
IainF said:
Yes, but...there are some questions around the real ownership experience with McLaren that might not concern PistonHeads journalists, but give those fortunate enough to be faced with the same new car choices something to think about. ... The car might be fantastic (and I happen to think the 570GT looks stunning) but ownership is not just about the car, it's about the whole package.
A fair point and, aside from the fun bit of choosing spec and all the rest, something we hope to explore with the long-term loan. I'm based in Yorkshire too so out of the general hunting ground + with clearance to rack up a few miles so hopefully will be able to offer some meaningful insight into actual life with the car. And whether these scenarios you portray are the kind of thing that might make McLaren ownership beyond the M25 something more involved than with an equivalent Porsche or Audi.

Watch this space!

Thanks,

Dan

em177

3,127 posts

163 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
E65Ross said:
well over £20k in carbon fibre accessories....that can be saved immediately!
If it's anything like Ferrari it's not simply as easy as buying a car with no options...

PhantomPH

4,043 posts

224 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
IainF said:
Yes, but...there are some questions around the real ownership experience with McLaren that might not concern PistonHeads journalists, but give those fortunate enough to be faced with the same new car choices something to think about. Like, if you want to take your McLaren on track you have to get it inspected beforehand, and then again afterwards, to preserve the warranty. At an authorised McLaren dealer. Where it has to be booked in, and transported there and back, twice. Not many of those in the north east of England. Or the availability of spare parts, where someone's car was off the road for the lack of a simple seal and McLaren could only offer to provide a new gearbox, which the supplying independent garage wouldn't cover. And the lack of any independent repair specialists (presumably for the same reason). And the lack of extended warranty options. Maybe this is part urban myth, or part of stories that have moved on. But when you can go and buy a Porsche or a Ferrari or a Huracan, they make you stop and think. The car might be fantastic (and I happen to think the 570GT looks stunning) but ownership is not just about the car, it's about the whole package.
You mention the NE - don't you think that this area is woefully under-populated by some of the supercar manufacturers? Yes, we have JCT600 for Porsche and Bentley - there's Aston etc., but I'd be pushed to think of anywhere in the true NE that I could buy a new Ferrari or Lambo or McLaren....so the argument applies to those guys as well. I think Edinburgh for Lambo and Manchester for Ferrari, perhaps?

I'd love to see a well established Ferrari/Lambo/McLaren dealer open up in the Tyne/Northumberland area. I think they would make a fortune. Theres much more wealth up here than people think.

em177

3,127 posts

163 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
PhantomPH said:
You mention the NE - don't you think that this area is woefully under-populated by some of the supercar manufacturers? Yes, we have JCT600 for Porsche and Bentley - there's Aston etc., but I'd be pushed to think of anywhere in the true NE that I could buy a new Ferrari or Lambo or McLaren....so the argument applies to those guys as well. I think Edinburgh for Lambo and Manchester for Ferrari, perhaps?

I'd love to see a well established Ferrari/Lambo/McLaren dealer open up in the Tyne/Northumberland area. I think they would make a fortune. Theres much more wealth up here than people think.
Edinburgh have Porsche, Ferrari, Bentley, Aston, Rolls, Lotus & Lamborghini.

Agree about the north east, big risk to set that infrastructure up there though.

PhantomPH

4,043 posts

224 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
em177 said:
PhantomPH said:
You mention the NE - don't you think that this area is woefully under-populated by some of the supercar manufacturers? Yes, we have JCT600 for Porsche and Bentley - there's Aston etc., but I'd be pushed to think of anywhere in the true NE that I could buy a new Ferrari or Lambo or McLaren....so the argument applies to those guys as well. I think Edinburgh for Lambo and Manchester for Ferrari, perhaps?

I'd love to see a well established Ferrari/Lambo/McLaren dealer open up in the Tyne/Northumberland area. I think they would make a fortune. Theres much more wealth up here than people think.
Edinburgh have Porsche, Ferrari, Bentley, Aston, Rolls, Lotus & Lamborghini.

Agree about the north east, big risk to set that infrastructure up there though.
Ah right - I knew Edin for Lambo, but not the others. Still, going up there for any warranty/servicing is still likely to be a bit of a ballache. I know what you meant about risk - although my gut tells me it may not be that much of a risk. I'm thinking something similar to the GreyPaul set up in Nottingham. Would probably locate at the Silverlink as that seems to be the hub for the more premium car brands these days (Porsche/Bentley/Audi/Aston Martin etc.). It's something I would love to try, but have no idea how you even start out with something like that without a bunch of contacts and a solid plan/agreements from supplying manufacturers.

Anyway...thread hijack!! smile

RamboLambo

4,843 posts

169 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
McLarens are just awesome cars.
My current favourite is the 650S spider though and considering a nearly new one can be had for circa £180k that's a supercar bargain IMHO

Roma101

835 posts

146 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
They seem lovely cars and if I was in the market for this category of car, I would look at one. However...that front end is a complete mess on the silver car! Not quite as bad on the orange one. I obviously don't get the McLaren corporate face, as I think the original MP4-12C front end was far more attractive than the current 650S.

PaulJC84

922 posts

216 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
I love the look of the 570 in GT form with the nicer flowing rear hatch.

Roma101

835 posts

146 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
Dan Trent said:
IainF said:
Yes, but...there are some questions around the real ownership experience with McLaren that might not concern PistonHeads journalists, but give those fortunate enough to be faced with the same new car choices something to think about. ... The car might be fantastic (and I happen to think the 570GT looks stunning) but ownership is not just about the car, it's about the whole package.
A fair point and, aside from the fun bit of choosing spec and all the rest, something we hope to explore with the long-term loan. I'm based in Yorkshire too so out of the general hunting ground + with clearance to rack up a few miles so hopefully will be able to offer some meaningful insight into actual life with the car. And whether these scenarios you portray are the kind of thing that might make McLaren ownership beyond the M25 something more involved than with an equivalent Porsche or Audi.

Watch this space!

Thanks,

Dan
I am sure your period with the car will be useful and shed light on what it is like to live with daily. However, surely McLaren will bend over backwards for journalists to ensure the experience is very very good. As such, perhaps you will receive a better service if anything goes wrong than Joe Public would? Obviously, McLaren should bend over backwards for customers as well as journalists, but not all manufacturers do.

Have fun with the car!

Volvov70

41 posts

197 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
Was lucky enough to drive a 570GT at a business show (!!) in purple (!!) for no more than a flash of my licence and I can say it coped very well with Bristol rush hour traffic, very smooth gearbox and measured throttle response... brake pedal felt weird at first with carbon ceramics needing a good shove when cold but when I got to a stretch of dual carriageway and engaged hyperdrive it was fantastic if a bit muted... Interior felt very nicely built with good looking tech to control modes. Definately preferred it to the Bentley Speed drophead in white with a red bodykit and black wheels (!!!)

suffolk009

5,344 posts

164 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
Dan Trent said:
A fair point and, aside from the fun bit of choosing spec and all the rest, something we hope to explore with the long-term loan. I'm based in Yorkshire too so out of the general hunting ground + with clearance to rack up a few miles so hopefully will be able to offer some meaningful insight into actual life with the car. And whether these scenarios you portray are the kind of thing that might make McLaren ownership beyond the M25 something more involved than with an equivalent Porsche or Audi.

Watch this space!

Thanks,

Dan
You're speccing it in McLaren orange, surely?

simonrockman

6,843 posts

254 months

Tuesday 18th October 2016
quotequote all
You've got to wonder when the 911 will move to a carbon chassis.