McLaren GT - Test Drive
Discussion
RBT0 said:
Guys what are we talking about?
A Vantage? Really? Against a 570S?
570S will tear apart the Vantage in any field.
Just look at power to weight ratio and weight distribution.
Plus steering?
This sounds like a joke. Sorry.
Perhaps if you read my initial message it might help. I used to own a 570S and I now own a new model Vantage. I’d asked for feedback from those who’d test driven a new model McLaren GT. Another contributor had asked for feedback about the new Vantage. A Vantage? Really? Against a 570S?
570S will tear apart the Vantage in any field.
Just look at power to weight ratio and weight distribution.
Plus steering?
This sounds like a joke. Sorry.
Perhaps look before you leap?
ituned said:
12pack said:
ituned said:
570S ....... very unstable under hard braking on any road that was not smooth, but otherwise really enjoyed my time with it.
How is it compared to your new Vantage? My V12V is particularly poor in this regard - and makes for a big nod towards the Super Series Macs with their hydraulic set-up.My Vantage is being filmed on my favourite roads this Saturday, for a YouTube feature on Jayemm on Cars channel. I hope he likes it. :-)
RBT0 said:
ituned said:
12pack said:
ituned said:
570S ....... very unstable under hard braking on any road that was not smooth, but otherwise really enjoyed my time with it.
How is it compared to your new Vantage? My V12V is particularly poor in this regard - and makes for a big nod towards the Super Series Macs with their hydraulic set-up.My Vantage is being filmed on my favourite roads this Saturday, for a YouTube feature on Jayemm on Cars channel. I hope he likes it. :-)
Probably worth reading my post properly? Laugh all you want, but you sound like a complete know it all, who sadly know’s very little.
ituned said:
You’ve owned both? Driven both hard? Probably not driven a 570S hard enough on bumpy back roads.
Probably worth reading my post properly? Laugh all you want, but you sound like a complete know it all, who sadly know’s very little.
I've driven the 570S very hard, for many miles. Both on track, and on the road, the 570S is SOOOO planted, whether you're on a bumpy road, or track. Although i haven't driven the NEW Vantage, i have driven many of the other models, and i find it difficult to believe that the Vantage is as compliant/handles better than a 570. You are comparing a Supercar to a Touring GT...? Probably worth reading my post properly? Laugh all you want, but you sound like a complete know it all, who sadly know’s very little.
To be fair to OP, the clue is probably in the comment "on very bumpy roads".
A stiffly sprung car will be poor on such a road compared to a heavy and soft Aston GT car.
But that's a pretty unique case, as you just wouldn't put yourself in a position where you might need to apply maximum braking on such a poor surface.
Back op topic though, the McLaren GT rides better than a 720S in terms of comfort, and is also very good dynamically. Although it wouldn't see which way a 720S went of course.
A stiffly sprung car will be poor on such a road compared to a heavy and soft Aston GT car.
But that's a pretty unique case, as you just wouldn't put yourself in a position where you might need to apply maximum braking on such a poor surface.
Back op topic though, the McLaren GT rides better than a 720S in terms of comfort, and is also very good dynamically. Although it wouldn't see which way a 720S went of course.
Nice write up justin220... thank you .
I understand what ituned is saying , and his comments should not be dismissed lightly .
I enjoy B roads most , and for the wider cars sweeping A roads .
Many of these can be bumpy , cambered , and with tram line tracks .
An overly- stiff sprung car will be all over the place , and less planted and less controllable in such a setting .
Sure , the driver identifies the road surface , and adjusts his driving accordingly , but ultimately there is less fun in driving an unduly stiff car on such roads simply because it is not as controllable , not as safe , and not as comfortable , to press on at speed .
I understand what ituned is saying , and his comments should not be dismissed lightly .
I enjoy B roads most , and for the wider cars sweeping A roads .
Many of these can be bumpy , cambered , and with tram line tracks .
An overly- stiff sprung car will be all over the place , and less planted and less controllable in such a setting .
Sure , the driver identifies the road surface , and adjusts his driving accordingly , but ultimately there is less fun in driving an unduly stiff car on such roads simply because it is not as controllable , not as safe , and not as comfortable , to press on at speed .
McLarenGuru said:
ituned said:
You’ve owned both? Driven both hard? Probably not driven a 570S hard enough on bumpy back roads.
Probably worth reading my post properly? Laugh all you want, but you sound like a complete know it all, who sadly know’s very little.
I've driven the 570S very hard, for many miles. Both on track, and on the road, the 570S is SOOOO planted, whether you're on a bumpy road, or track. Although i haven't driven the NEW Vantage, i have driven many of the other models, and i find it difficult to believe that the Vantage is as compliant/handles better than a 570. You are comparing a Supercar to a Touring GT...? Probably worth reading my post properly? Laugh all you want, but you sound like a complete know it all, who sadly know’s very little.
Lol
I would concur my 570 Spider is very lively under hard braking from high speed on country roads, helps to remind you just how fast you are travelling though!
720 was different gravy on a brief test drive, much much more planted with its trick suspension & raising wing.
570 moves around a hell of a lot under heavy braking & definitely needs to be in Sport or track so as to not tie itself in knots if you're cracking on. Its very easy to get the suspension rise & fall out of phase when going quickly on bumpy roads..
720 was different gravy on a brief test drive, much much more planted with its trick suspension & raising wing.
570 moves around a hell of a lot under heavy braking & definitely needs to be in Sport or track so as to not tie itself in knots if you're cracking on. Its very easy to get the suspension rise & fall out of phase when going quickly on bumpy roads..
Yes it’s lively, I’ve noticed as well during a spirited drive. I was in track mode. It’s all sorted with the LT of course. But nothing dangerous on the 570S.
And still I can’t compute how a heavier, less balanced gt can be better.
Oh yes, either because it’s slower, something wrong with geo on that specific 570S or road so bumpy that it’s not a reference for this type of car (still the Vantage can be more stable only if slower or due to more compliant damping).
And still I can’t compute how a heavier, less balanced gt can be better.
Oh yes, either because it’s slower, something wrong with geo on that specific 570S or road so bumpy that it’s not a reference for this type of car (still the Vantage can be more stable only if slower or due to more compliant damping).
RBTO : '' road so bumpy that it’s not a reference for this type of car ''
RBTO -- You've been LOL'ing and laughing so much that you haven't taken the time to note that ituned was very careful to nuance
1) his first comment ( '' on any road that was not smooth '' ) , and then to
2) re-emphasize it for your personal benefit a second time ( ''You’ve owned both? Driven both hard? Probably not driven a 570S hard enough on bumpy back roads.Probably worth reading my post properly? Laugh all you want, but you sound like a complete know it all, who sadly know’s very little. '')
Some of us like driving on B roads and sweeping A roads , and these are bumpy and not race circuit smooth .
Hence my simple and clear explanation above supporting ituned's initial and follow-on comments .
Ironic that you should castigate ituned for being ignorant in physics ( '' The chap should learn some physics. '' ) , when you then fall back to the exact same premise that ituned started from , by saying '' road so bumpy that it’s not a reference for this type of car ''
That's a hilarious pullback on your part , bearing in mind that we are talking about ROAD CARS here -- who are you to say that these cars are not to be used on typical UK B roads ?
Lesson : Read what the person has written carefully . He might not have a PhD in physics , but he has written in simple , clear English .
You seem to think that throw-away half line quips are a substitute for detailed and thought out answers and arguments , but they are usually not .
They come across as unthought through and half baked .
You probably need a PhD in Physics and Humour to pull that off , and it appears that you might be sorely lacking here !!
As Dr Johnson said to the King in Blackadder , '' its the post-Norman tongue '' , but it does presuppose that you take the time and trouble to read and understand English before commenting , LOL'ing , or laughing .
Even Baldrick would understand that
RBTO -- You've been LOL'ing and laughing so much that you haven't taken the time to note that ituned was very careful to nuance
1) his first comment ( '' on any road that was not smooth '' ) , and then to
2) re-emphasize it for your personal benefit a second time ( ''You’ve owned both? Driven both hard? Probably not driven a 570S hard enough on bumpy back roads.Probably worth reading my post properly? Laugh all you want, but you sound like a complete know it all, who sadly know’s very little. '')
Some of us like driving on B roads and sweeping A roads , and these are bumpy and not race circuit smooth .
Hence my simple and clear explanation above supporting ituned's initial and follow-on comments .
Ironic that you should castigate ituned for being ignorant in physics ( '' The chap should learn some physics. '' ) , when you then fall back to the exact same premise that ituned started from , by saying '' road so bumpy that it’s not a reference for this type of car ''
That's a hilarious pullback on your part , bearing in mind that we are talking about ROAD CARS here -- who are you to say that these cars are not to be used on typical UK B roads ?
Lesson : Read what the person has written carefully . He might not have a PhD in physics , but he has written in simple , clear English .
You seem to think that throw-away half line quips are a substitute for detailed and thought out answers and arguments , but they are usually not .
They come across as unthought through and half baked .
You probably need a PhD in Physics and Humour to pull that off , and it appears that you might be sorely lacking here !!
As Dr Johnson said to the King in Blackadder , '' its the post-Norman tongue '' , but it does presuppose that you take the time and trouble to read and understand English before commenting , LOL'ing , or laughing .
Even Baldrick would understand that
Edited by carspath on Friday 28th August 00:24
Edited by carspath on Friday 28th August 00:30
Interesting comments on the 570S vs V8V.
I must admit, I had a lot of confidence in throwing the GT through bends and along a back road. It is very smooth, and rides very well IMO. Where I thought it struggled ever so slightly against the 540, would be in a tight, quick corner. The suspension is clearly a bit softer, which actually gave the feeling of more weight transfer from side to side, as the car rolled slightly more. I dare say there would be next to nothing in it between the two on a country lane, but the slightly better body control or flatter cornering in the 540C gave me a bit more confidence.
On the straights and bumps, I actually think the GT was slightly better. The higher nose actually gives a lot of confidence when approaching a dip that you are not going to bottom out.
I must admit, I had a lot of confidence in throwing the GT through bends and along a back road. It is very smooth, and rides very well IMO. Where I thought it struggled ever so slightly against the 540, would be in a tight, quick corner. The suspension is clearly a bit softer, which actually gave the feeling of more weight transfer from side to side, as the car rolled slightly more. I dare say there would be next to nothing in it between the two on a country lane, but the slightly better body control or flatter cornering in the 540C gave me a bit more confidence.
On the straights and bumps, I actually think the GT was slightly better. The higher nose actually gives a lot of confidence when approaching a dip that you are not going to bottom out.
justin220 said:
bolidemichael said:
Nice write up OP. Where were the open road shots taken?
Thanks, they were taken beside Whitelee WindfarmIt just so happened that we are in Glasgow so after a night at the so-so Kimpton, took a detour via the 'Angelwax' outlet in Renfrew.
Good review by Justin220...
Whilst I accept comments about a stiffly sprung car on bumpy roads, I don't agree that a soft Aston GT car will be better than a Mac on those bumpy roads, one just needs to run the Mac in comfort/soft mode to soak up the bumps more adequately & it will imo still handle better than any heavy AM.
I've owned a 650S Spider for 4 years & just bought a new GT, I love my 650 but decided the GT after having a 4 day test drive suited my current needs better. I wanted a slightly softer, more comfortable car that could be a sometime daily, whilst still having the dynamics, gorgeous steering & road feel of a Mac, I also race a Radical SR8 & felt that if I really wanted to get my kicks at huge speeds, the race car provided that.
I love my new GT, it is performing & suiting my needs just as I thought, the cabin is a nicer place to live than my 650, that might be a lot to do with the new later model interior, it has more 'in cabin' space for things, with small door pockets & even a glove box, the aniline leather everywhere is really luxurious & seats super comfortable. The driving position of the GT, 720 & my 650 is still just the best of any car on the market I've ever driven. I'm about to do a 2000km country road trip & will report back if people are interested following that extended trip.
On public roads (this being the operative phrase), except perhaps on no limit German autobahns, I'd challenge anyone to be able to drive a 720 or 675 any faster point to point on public roads, it still handles just like my 650S at speed but does it more comfortably when at slower & more leisurely cruising speeds. The differences in capability at high speed is so negligible on a public road, imo one will never really notice it.
I used to drive all my fast road cars on the track, but then about 10 years ago I drove a Radical on track, I was so impressed I bought one & went racing, now driving a road car (even a Mac) on the track is akin to driving a boat compared to the Radical.
I still love to have a sports car for the driving dynamics, for those early morning spirited drives through the country side with mates, or the occasional road trip with the wife & the GT is perfect for this.
I think all the super car manufacturers & a lot of their buyers have become obsessed with the numbers & bragging rights, one can't really explore the limits of any of the modern day supercars on public roads anymore, that said feeling the power of a 600hp road car is still intoxicating, but imo so little incremental difference on the road, when up at those HP figures.
Whilst I accept comments about a stiffly sprung car on bumpy roads, I don't agree that a soft Aston GT car will be better than a Mac on those bumpy roads, one just needs to run the Mac in comfort/soft mode to soak up the bumps more adequately & it will imo still handle better than any heavy AM.
I've owned a 650S Spider for 4 years & just bought a new GT, I love my 650 but decided the GT after having a 4 day test drive suited my current needs better. I wanted a slightly softer, more comfortable car that could be a sometime daily, whilst still having the dynamics, gorgeous steering & road feel of a Mac, I also race a Radical SR8 & felt that if I really wanted to get my kicks at huge speeds, the race car provided that.
I love my new GT, it is performing & suiting my needs just as I thought, the cabin is a nicer place to live than my 650, that might be a lot to do with the new later model interior, it has more 'in cabin' space for things, with small door pockets & even a glove box, the aniline leather everywhere is really luxurious & seats super comfortable. The driving position of the GT, 720 & my 650 is still just the best of any car on the market I've ever driven. I'm about to do a 2000km country road trip & will report back if people are interested following that extended trip.
On public roads (this being the operative phrase), except perhaps on no limit German autobahns, I'd challenge anyone to be able to drive a 720 or 675 any faster point to point on public roads, it still handles just like my 650S at speed but does it more comfortably when at slower & more leisurely cruising speeds. The differences in capability at high speed is so negligible on a public road, imo one will never really notice it.
I used to drive all my fast road cars on the track, but then about 10 years ago I drove a Radical on track, I was so impressed I bought one & went racing, now driving a road car (even a Mac) on the track is akin to driving a boat compared to the Radical.
I still love to have a sports car for the driving dynamics, for those early morning spirited drives through the country side with mates, or the occasional road trip with the wife & the GT is perfect for this.
I think all the super car manufacturers & a lot of their buyers have become obsessed with the numbers & bragging rights, one can't really explore the limits of any of the modern day supercars on public roads anymore, that said feeling the power of a 600hp road car is still intoxicating, but imo so little incremental difference on the road, when up at those HP figures.
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