458 Spider - 650S Spider ?
Discussion
shabster said:
Hi folks
So I managed to get down to McLaren London today. I took a 650S spider for a 45 min test drive (albeit in London traffic) and got to spend some quality time with the car.
Observations vs my 458 Spider.
Pros:
- better cabin, feels more planted - nice being surrounded by the carbon tub
- better stereo. It had the Meridian upgrade and it sounds better than the equivalent "Hi Power Hifi" in the 458.
- similar ride in "comfort" mode
- like how you can close the roof whilst moving
- like IRIS2 setup vs the infotainment in the 458 - Bluetooth streaming worked well
- love love love the doors
- liked the positive attention it gained around streets of London - all positive.
- there ARE deals to be had on stock cars (new). It is a big sway factor vs the zero discount on a new 488 spider despite having an established Ferrari relationship.
- could be down to individual persona - but I felt there was a more honest sales discussion to be had vs my Ferrari dealer where I often have to push for responses to my emails and enquiries.
- Love the lift system - there is real clearance both front and back
Cons:
- the sound. It sounds better than I thought but not as good as 458 in my ear. Different and do need to hear it at full pelt to make a judgement.
- didn't get the sense of rawness/urgency of the 458 yet but admittedly didn't get it above 30mph. I need to get the car to a point there the turbos are fully engaged.
Next step: McLaren London are kindly bringing a car to my stomping grounds in surrey tomorrow night. I'll get to drive it around my favourite roads that I take the 458 on regularly and get a real feel for the car. I'll prob take the 458 Spider out straight after back to back and have a good comparison.
I am 90% sold given the deal on the table. I like the looks of the car and I'm warming to being into something different and more exclusive. I got a good offer of part ex on my 458 Spider to boot so the numbers work well, and will be considerably better off vs completing on my 488 Spider order - I could buy something else in addition with the change.
More tomorrow after the "proper" drive.
Cheers
Matt
Opening up the 650s on familiar roads will help you decide for sure. I had several decent drives in the 650s after never really getting the 12C first time round. So I managed to get down to McLaren London today. I took a 650S spider for a 45 min test drive (albeit in London traffic) and got to spend some quality time with the car.
Observations vs my 458 Spider.
Pros:
- better cabin, feels more planted - nice being surrounded by the carbon tub
- better stereo. It had the Meridian upgrade and it sounds better than the equivalent "Hi Power Hifi" in the 458.
- similar ride in "comfort" mode
- like how you can close the roof whilst moving
- like IRIS2 setup vs the infotainment in the 458 - Bluetooth streaming worked well
- love love love the doors
- liked the positive attention it gained around streets of London - all positive.
- there ARE deals to be had on stock cars (new). It is a big sway factor vs the zero discount on a new 488 spider despite having an established Ferrari relationship.
- could be down to individual persona - but I felt there was a more honest sales discussion to be had vs my Ferrari dealer where I often have to push for responses to my emails and enquiries.
- Love the lift system - there is real clearance both front and back
Cons:
- the sound. It sounds better than I thought but not as good as 458 in my ear. Different and do need to hear it at full pelt to make a judgement.
- didn't get the sense of rawness/urgency of the 458 yet but admittedly didn't get it above 30mph. I need to get the car to a point there the turbos are fully engaged.
Next step: McLaren London are kindly bringing a car to my stomping grounds in surrey tomorrow night. I'll get to drive it around my favourite roads that I take the 458 on regularly and get a real feel for the car. I'll prob take the 458 Spider out straight after back to back and have a good comparison.
I am 90% sold given the deal on the table. I like the looks of the car and I'm warming to being into something different and more exclusive. I got a good offer of part ex on my 458 Spider to boot so the numbers work well, and will be considerably better off vs completing on my 488 Spider order - I could buy something else in addition with the change.
More tomorrow after the "proper" drive.
Cheers
Matt
To fully understand the advantage of the carbon tub its essential you also get the roof down at some stage. For me this one of the biggest selling points as I hate scuttle shake and rattles
Its definitely a car that the more you drive it the more you appreciate it breath of capabilities
Hi guys
So tonight I managed to get the 650S spider out on my favourite local roads and a real test vs the 458 Spider.
I would sum up as: much faster, very fun, but in a different way than the 458.
I definitely left with a big smile on my face and realise I can have fun with this car as much as the 458 spider, but the fun is a different kind of fun, so the cars are different. If I could I would own them both.
When on the juice hard:
1) the 650S when pushing it is notably quicker than the 458 - it takes your breath away when the boost kicks in and has torque in every gear.
2) much quicker braking - the airbrake seems to help too (and looks awesome in the rear view mirror)
3) the car is loud enough, especially with the roof down.
4) like the burbles and pops as the car decelerates and as you change down.
5) Ferrari has the better noise - screaming at speed. Vs me screaming at speed in the 650S !
6) prefer the larger (carbon) paddles in the 458
7) prefer the "normal" layout of the McLaren steering wheel and ammenity levers etc - vs on wheel indicators on 458 which still confuse me if trying to indicate whilst turning and scares my wife from driving it (not that I mind about that...)
8) prefer the brake/accelerator pedals in the 650S. 458 are so close together and narrow I have to wear my special driving shoes. Which I don't mind, but nice to have the option not to.
9) roof down - steady as a rock no scuttle shake. It never really bothered me in the 458 but would prefer not to have it, given the choice.
The ride out of London to Surrey in heavy traffic:
1) 650Snot as much of an event at low speeds. The 458 makes a lot of noise in race even at low speeds.
2) I find the ride similar in "normal" to the 458 with dampening on.
3) navigation fine but didn't find best traffic routes, stick to my TomTom
4) like roof operation whilst moving
5) like the lift - don't have to crawl over speed bumps
6) prefer Ferrari's way of putting into neutral (both paddles back) if a passer buy asks for a quick engine rev.
7) 650S got lots of nice attention around town.
8) I asked us to stop to refuel - geeky I know but loved getting the doors open at a petrol station and see people's faces.
Finally - a shout out to Simon S at McLaren London. McLaren take note - please build a sales force that is transparent, open and no "agenda" if you want sticky customers. Hire more Simons. He gave up his evening to drive me out there and won't have got home till gone 10pm. Plus we've had an open transparent dialog on the deals to be had. I don't need to have bought cars before to feel special.
So in summary I am now very tempted - I just need to get the deal where I want it to be, and decide if the "different kind of fun" is for me vs the 458 Spider I'm used to. As a petrolhead I adore them both
Cheers
Matt
So tonight I managed to get the 650S spider out on my favourite local roads and a real test vs the 458 Spider.
I would sum up as: much faster, very fun, but in a different way than the 458.
I definitely left with a big smile on my face and realise I can have fun with this car as much as the 458 spider, but the fun is a different kind of fun, so the cars are different. If I could I would own them both.
When on the juice hard:
1) the 650S when pushing it is notably quicker than the 458 - it takes your breath away when the boost kicks in and has torque in every gear.
2) much quicker braking - the airbrake seems to help too (and looks awesome in the rear view mirror)
3) the car is loud enough, especially with the roof down.
4) like the burbles and pops as the car decelerates and as you change down.
5) Ferrari has the better noise - screaming at speed. Vs me screaming at speed in the 650S !
6) prefer the larger (carbon) paddles in the 458
7) prefer the "normal" layout of the McLaren steering wheel and ammenity levers etc - vs on wheel indicators on 458 which still confuse me if trying to indicate whilst turning and scares my wife from driving it (not that I mind about that...)
8) prefer the brake/accelerator pedals in the 650S. 458 are so close together and narrow I have to wear my special driving shoes. Which I don't mind, but nice to have the option not to.
9) roof down - steady as a rock no scuttle shake. It never really bothered me in the 458 but would prefer not to have it, given the choice.
The ride out of London to Surrey in heavy traffic:
1) 650Snot as much of an event at low speeds. The 458 makes a lot of noise in race even at low speeds.
2) I find the ride similar in "normal" to the 458 with dampening on.
3) navigation fine but didn't find best traffic routes, stick to my TomTom
4) like roof operation whilst moving
5) like the lift - don't have to crawl over speed bumps
6) prefer Ferrari's way of putting into neutral (both paddles back) if a passer buy asks for a quick engine rev.
7) 650S got lots of nice attention around town.
8) I asked us to stop to refuel - geeky I know but loved getting the doors open at a petrol station and see people's faces.
Finally - a shout out to Simon S at McLaren London. McLaren take note - please build a sales force that is transparent, open and no "agenda" if you want sticky customers. Hire more Simons. He gave up his evening to drive me out there and won't have got home till gone 10pm. Plus we've had an open transparent dialog on the deals to be had. I don't need to have bought cars before to feel special.
So in summary I am now very tempted - I just need to get the deal where I want it to be, and decide if the "different kind of fun" is for me vs the 458 Spider I'm used to. As a petrolhead I adore them both
Cheers
Matt
shabster said:
Next question - McLaren Orange or Storm Grey Ninjamobile ?Don't worry whatever colour you have it in you will get noticed - its a McLaren and gets tons of attention.
I like the oranges but its suits a more shouty Lambo for me. I went for a classy stealth Volcano Red rather than something too bright but its down to personal preference.
Everyones first comment on my car is wow the colour and then what is it ?
I like storm Grey but it will need some carbon and accent colour ( brake calipers, stitching,piping etc.. )to set it off nicely
Are you thinking of ordering to spec new, new from stock or used ?
RamboLambo said:
Either.
Don't worry whatever colour you have it in you will get noticed - its a McLaren and gets tons of attention.
I like the oranges but its suits a more shouty Lambo for me. I went for a classy stealth Volcano Red rather than something too bright but its down to personal preference.
Everyones first comment on my car is wow the colour and then what is it ?
I like storm Grey but it will need some carbon and accent colour ( brake calipers, stitching,piping etc.. )to set it off nicely
Are you thinking of ordering to spec new, new from stock or used ?
Stock as the best deals for a new car are there. There's a nice storm grey, carbon wings - stealth wheels and black calipers but has red leather seats - I think they go nicely but not sure. Red leather seats Might hurt resale ?Don't worry whatever colour you have it in you will get noticed - its a McLaren and gets tons of attention.
I like the oranges but its suits a more shouty Lambo for me. I went for a classy stealth Volcano Red rather than something too bright but its down to personal preference.
Everyones first comment on my car is wow the colour and then what is it ?
I like storm Grey but it will need some carbon and accent colour ( brake calipers, stitching,piping etc.. )to set it off nicely
Are you thinking of ordering to spec new, new from stock or used ?
The other is a nice McLaren orange - carbon mirrors and wings, black wheels orange calipers. Black seats with orange accents
Mulling them over
Objectively, these cars, the 458/12C/650S are similar - mid engined, 2 seats, flamboyant, very, very fast, noisy - extrovert even.
As a longer term ownership proposition they are amazingly different. For me, the more you drive the modern Italian cars, the more you get used to them, not bored, but familiar with them and you start wanting the next one you just read about - or at least that's what happened with me.
On the contrary having unexpectedly bought my 650S I've got to appreciate it more and more every time I've taken it out, this car reveals itself slowly but surely over time with so many layers - how it pours itself over the road rather than jitters, how its steering is weighty but direct like a Lotus Elise - not artificially light and flighty, and with a steering wheel that's too high, how you suddenly realise it's so fast you actually can't really cope with the rate at which it's accelerating, the rich engine harmonies and the heaves and sighs of its turbos, the way the people smile and wave at you as you drive along, the unmitigated admiration as opposed to the one handed waves. If Ferraris are a knock out punch, McLarens are death by a thousand cuts by comparison.
I never thought I would write these words after 30 Years of prancing with horses, I will always have at least one Ferrari in my garage - McLaren's are different things, very, different things and I think it will take a while before this subtlety sinks into the wider car appreciation society - but sure as hell, it will.
As a longer term ownership proposition they are amazingly different. For me, the more you drive the modern Italian cars, the more you get used to them, not bored, but familiar with them and you start wanting the next one you just read about - or at least that's what happened with me.
On the contrary having unexpectedly bought my 650S I've got to appreciate it more and more every time I've taken it out, this car reveals itself slowly but surely over time with so many layers - how it pours itself over the road rather than jitters, how its steering is weighty but direct like a Lotus Elise - not artificially light and flighty, and with a steering wheel that's too high, how you suddenly realise it's so fast you actually can't really cope with the rate at which it's accelerating, the rich engine harmonies and the heaves and sighs of its turbos, the way the people smile and wave at you as you drive along, the unmitigated admiration as opposed to the one handed waves. If Ferraris are a knock out punch, McLarens are death by a thousand cuts by comparison.
I never thought I would write these words after 30 Years of prancing with horses, I will always have at least one Ferrari in my garage - McLaren's are different things, very, different things and I think it will take a while before this subtlety sinks into the wider car appreciation society - but sure as hell, it will.
shabster said:
7) prefer the "normal" layout of the McLaren steering wheel and ammenity levers etc - vs on wheel indicators on 458 which still confuse me if trying to indicate whilst turning and scares my wife from driving it (not that I mind about that...)
I really fail the issue with steering wheel indicators. I absolutely love them and it took me 1 drive to adapt. The same with anyone else I have had drive the car, it takes a few corners and then it feels natural. Obviously it is one of those polarising things, usually I can see both sides of a coin but not in this case. Not saying your aren't allowed to have your own preference and you certainly aren't alone on that one. I'm just surprised it comes up so often.Jappo said:
Objectively, these cars, the 458/12C/650S are similar - mid engined, 2 seats, flamboyant, very, very fast, noisy - extrovert even.
As a longer term ownership proposition they are amazingly different. For me, the more you drive the modern Italian cars, the more you get used to them, not bored, but familiar with them and you start wanting the next one you just read about - or at least that's what happened with me.
On the contrary having unexpectedly bought my 650S I've got to appreciate it more and more every time I've taken it out, this car reveals itself slowly but surely over time with so many layers - how it pours itself over the road rather than jitters, how its steering is weighty but direct like a Lotus Elise - not artificially light and flighty, and with a steering wheel that's too high, how you suddenly realise it's so fast you actually can't really cope with the rate at which it's accelerating, the rich engine harmonies and the heaves and sighs of its turbos, the way the people smile and wave at you as you drive along, the unmitigated admiration as opposed to the one handed waves. If Ferraris are a knock out punch, McLarens are death by a thousand cuts by comparison.
I never thought I would write these words after 30 Years of prancing with horses, I will always have at least one Ferrari in my garage - McLaren's are different things, very, different things and I think it will take a while before this subtlety sinks into the wider car appreciation society - but sure as hell, it will.
Very nicely put Jappo and completely echoes my thoughts after a month of ownership having been a former Ferrari owner. As a longer term ownership proposition they are amazingly different. For me, the more you drive the modern Italian cars, the more you get used to them, not bored, but familiar with them and you start wanting the next one you just read about - or at least that's what happened with me.
On the contrary having unexpectedly bought my 650S I've got to appreciate it more and more every time I've taken it out, this car reveals itself slowly but surely over time with so many layers - how it pours itself over the road rather than jitters, how its steering is weighty but direct like a Lotus Elise - not artificially light and flighty, and with a steering wheel that's too high, how you suddenly realise it's so fast you actually can't really cope with the rate at which it's accelerating, the rich engine harmonies and the heaves and sighs of its turbos, the way the people smile and wave at you as you drive along, the unmitigated admiration as opposed to the one handed waves. If Ferraris are a knock out punch, McLarens are death by a thousand cuts by comparison.
I never thought I would write these words after 30 Years of prancing with horses, I will always have at least one Ferrari in my garage - McLaren's are different things, very, different things and I think it will take a while before this subtlety sinks into the wider car appreciation society - but sure as hell, it will.
shabster said:
Stock as the best deals for a new car are there. There's a nice storm grey, carbon wings - stealth wheels and black calipers but has red leather seats - I think they go nicely but not sure. Red leather seats Might hurt resale ?
The other is a nice McLaren orange - carbon mirrors and wings, black wheels orange calipers. Black seats with orange accents
Mulling them over
Well I said the grey would need something to liven it up and red seats certainly would do that. I bet it looks stunning but like you it makes you wonder about resale but if both you and I like it I'm sure others would as well.The other is a nice McLaren orange - carbon mirrors and wings, black wheels orange calipers. Black seats with orange accents
Mulling them over
McLaren Orange is fairly rare compared with tarrocco orange and is the official McLaren colour but again might be too much for some people.
Hey some people wont like Volcano Red so best go with what you like best and sod resale
Decisions decisions. Good luck, both sound lovely so its personal preference
I've closed on the Storm Grey. I saw a sample in real life of the red leather and it's darker than the photos I saw, so think it will look great and make the car pop.
I'm replacing the stealth 10 spoke wheels with 5 spoke diamond cut, and I'm having the airbrake and side intakes wrapped in a carbon finish (rather than adding MSO options that would be £7k on top), before wrapping the whole car in Suntek PPF.
Will get the car in ~2-3 weeks.
Excited !
I'm replacing the stealth 10 spoke wheels with 5 spoke diamond cut, and I'm having the airbrake and side intakes wrapped in a carbon finish (rather than adding MSO options that would be £7k on top), before wrapping the whole car in Suntek PPF.
Will get the car in ~2-3 weeks.
Excited !
You lucky bugger 
Enjoy in good health 
shabster said:
I've closed on the Storm Grey. I saw a sample in real life of the red leather and it's darker than the photos I saw, so think it will look great and make the car pop.
I'm replacing the stealth 10 spoke wheels with 5 spoke diamond cut, and I'm having the airbrake and side intakes wrapped in a carbon finish (rather than adding MSO options that would be £7k on top), before wrapping the whole car in Suntek PPF.
Will get the car in ~2-3 weeks.
Excited !
Congratulations. Sounds like a nice colour/spec combo and agree the seats look great in real life and provide a great contrast to the exterior grey colour. Good idea doing the carbon wrap to break it up and make it more interesting.I'm replacing the stealth 10 spoke wheels with 5 spoke diamond cut, and I'm having the airbrake and side intakes wrapped in a carbon finish (rather than adding MSO options that would be £7k on top), before wrapping the whole car in Suntek PPF.
Will get the car in ~2-3 weeks.
Excited !
Can you get it with red calipers to tie in with seats ? I think that would really finish it off nicely
RamboLambo said:
Congratulations. Sounds like a nice colour/spec combo and agree the seats look great in real life and provide a great contrast to the exterior grey colour. Good idea doing the carbon wrap to break it up and make it more interesting.
Can you get it with red calipers to tie in with seats ? I think that would really finish it off nicely
The calipers cant be changed on a stock model, so I stick with black. But the diamond wheels add a bit of contrast.Can you get it with red calipers to tie in with seats ? I think that would really finish it off nicely
Very happy - it's close to my ideal spec. I'll publish the full spec later, but its got just about everything barring all the carbon add-ons.
Matt
[quote=Jappo] unexpectedly bought my 650S I've got to appreciate it more and more....
Hey Jappo how do you unexpectedly buy a McLaren? I've ended up with an unexpected bottle of water in a meal deal but never a McLaren.....
Back to the topic.
Great to hear you have gone for 650 I hope its awesome.
Hey Jappo how do you unexpectedly buy a McLaren? I've ended up with an unexpected bottle of water in a meal deal but never a McLaren.....
Back to the topic.
Great to hear you have gone for 650 I hope its awesome.
Frrair]appo said:
unexpectedly bought my 650S I've got to appreciate it more and more....
Hey Jappo how do you unexpectedly buy a McLaren? I've ended up with an unexpected bottle of water in a meal deal but never a McLaren.....
Back to the topic.
Great to hear you have gone for 650 I hope its awesome.
Went to the 570S launch at McLaren London (I have an LT Spider on order) and somehow left having bought a Volcano Red 650S Spoder, it was my Wife's fault actually - only time ever she's seen a car and just said "buy that!"Hey Jappo how do you unexpectedly buy a McLaren? I've ended up with an unexpected bottle of water in a meal deal but never a McLaren.....
Back to the topic.
Great to hear you have gone for 650 I hope its awesome.
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