570S Test drive and impressions
Discussion
Well, finally managed to drive a 570S for an hour. It's one of the candidates as my next car, the other being a .2 GT3, as replacement for my current 981 CGTS (sport chassis, pdk and buckets)
My impressions below.
Started in sport susp and sport powertrain, steering feeling 1st thing noticed, much more direct.
Accelerator and engine felt lazy and laggy below 3.5k rpm.
Gear changes are quick however when upshifting there is no sense of increasing speed like with pdk and when downshifting car brakes too much.
Brake pedal veeery, very stiff, need to push hard. Also positioned at the same level as accelerator, strange to me where on Porsche brake pedal is much forward compared to accelerator. Just needed to get used.
First 15 mins were really boring as I was not pushing the engine above 4k.
Car had MSO Exhaust and unbelievable it sounded quiet, very quiet in sport mode.
Decided then to keep susp in sport, stiff enough, really liked, and move the game on with powertrain on Track mode.
Instrument cluster as P1 is so lovely. Driveability didn't change a lot and managed to drive flat out few times and finally got some kicks on my back, impressive, only one crack from the exhaust, but car got louder and louder as I was driving it. Rear end was spinning just a bit.
Really astonished as I was expecting someting more intimidating as track mode, but from what I've seen I could drive it every day on it.
Really disappointed with MSO exhaust as from youtube videos it sounds amazing but on the road, window down, no pops and bangs. Cannot believe it, please tell me it was due to the fact it was cold...
I've already mentioned in the past that in terms of stance, design, desiderability and uniqueness it beats 911 by a lot.
In terms of driving experience, it's much more refined than I thought, need to digest sound and low engagement at low revs / speed, whereas CGTS feels much more engaging also with gear changes at low speed.
Then the game changes when above 4k where Cayman GTS lacks of power and 570S just explodes, litterally, explosion of torque and power that kicks you on the back of the seat at warp speed, with the lovely rev counter track mode becoming a xmas tree with green red blue lights and rr wheels feeling light and slippy.
All in all, superb car....not sure about sound, cannot believe MSO exhaust it's so quiet. Asked twice and checked with few people and all confirmed it was an MSO.
Need to digest, absorb.....
My impressions below.
Started in sport susp and sport powertrain, steering feeling 1st thing noticed, much more direct.
Accelerator and engine felt lazy and laggy below 3.5k rpm.
Gear changes are quick however when upshifting there is no sense of increasing speed like with pdk and when downshifting car brakes too much.
Brake pedal veeery, very stiff, need to push hard. Also positioned at the same level as accelerator, strange to me where on Porsche brake pedal is much forward compared to accelerator. Just needed to get used.
First 15 mins were really boring as I was not pushing the engine above 4k.
Car had MSO Exhaust and unbelievable it sounded quiet, very quiet in sport mode.
Decided then to keep susp in sport, stiff enough, really liked, and move the game on with powertrain on Track mode.
Instrument cluster as P1 is so lovely. Driveability didn't change a lot and managed to drive flat out few times and finally got some kicks on my back, impressive, only one crack from the exhaust, but car got louder and louder as I was driving it. Rear end was spinning just a bit.
Really astonished as I was expecting someting more intimidating as track mode, but from what I've seen I could drive it every day on it.
Really disappointed with MSO exhaust as from youtube videos it sounds amazing but on the road, window down, no pops and bangs. Cannot believe it, please tell me it was due to the fact it was cold...
I've already mentioned in the past that in terms of stance, design, desiderability and uniqueness it beats 911 by a lot.
In terms of driving experience, it's much more refined than I thought, need to digest sound and low engagement at low revs / speed, whereas CGTS feels much more engaging also with gear changes at low speed.
Then the game changes when above 4k where Cayman GTS lacks of power and 570S just explodes, litterally, explosion of torque and power that kicks you on the back of the seat at warp speed, with the lovely rev counter track mode becoming a xmas tree with green red blue lights and rr wheels feeling light and slippy.
All in all, superb car....not sure about sound, cannot believe MSO exhaust it's so quiet. Asked twice and checked with few people and all confirmed it was an MSO.
Need to digest, absorb.....
Edited by RBT0 on Saturday 3rd November 16:40
Good read, thanks for posting.
The brake pedal is set like that to promote left foot braking, or so I was told. I tend to drive both ways, either one footed or two depending on the journey. It's very easy as the brake pedal needs a good shove, whereas most other cars the pedal is too sensitive by comparison (for me at least!). Was the car fitted with ceramics?
I struggle to believe you found it lazy below 3.5k compared to the CGTS. The 570 is significantly quicker in all parts of the rev range IME. I actually found the 981 engine pretty gutless low down, not so with the 570. Unless you are talking about actual throttle response? Turbo will never feel as lively as NA.
No comment on the exhaust although that does seem odd. I have the standard fitted and I would say it's quiet, although it's not loud. I'd have expected the MSO to sound a lot louder.
PDK is pretty much best in the business, but the McL isn't far behind I don't think.
ETA - I think the McLaren's need some devent seat time to appreciate their abilities. I've had mine for about 6 months now and it's a superb all rounder. I only had a 20 minute test drive when I bought mine but being honest, I was sold on it before I drove it
The brake pedal is set like that to promote left foot braking, or so I was told. I tend to drive both ways, either one footed or two depending on the journey. It's very easy as the brake pedal needs a good shove, whereas most other cars the pedal is too sensitive by comparison (for me at least!). Was the car fitted with ceramics?
I struggle to believe you found it lazy below 3.5k compared to the CGTS. The 570 is significantly quicker in all parts of the rev range IME. I actually found the 981 engine pretty gutless low down, not so with the 570. Unless you are talking about actual throttle response? Turbo will never feel as lively as NA.
No comment on the exhaust although that does seem odd. I have the standard fitted and I would say it's quiet, although it's not loud. I'd have expected the MSO to sound a lot louder.
PDK is pretty much best in the business, but the McL isn't far behind I don't think.
ETA - I think the McLaren's need some devent seat time to appreciate their abilities. I've had mine for about 6 months now and it's a superb all rounder. I only had a 20 minute test drive when I bought mine but being honest, I was sold on it before I drove it
RBT0 said:
Well, finally managed to drive a 570S for an hour. It's one of the candidates as my next car, the other being a .2 GT3, as replacement for my current 981 CGTS (sport chassis, pdk and buckets)
My impressions below.
Started in sport susp and sport powertrain, steering feeling 1st thing noticed, much more direct.
Accelerator and engine felt lazy and laggy below 3.5k rpm.
Gear changes are quick however when upshifting there is no sense of increasing speed like with pdk and when downshifting car brakes too much.
Brake pedal veeery, very stiff, need to push hard. Also positioned at the same level as accelerator, strange to me where on Porsche brake pedal is much forward compared to accelerator. Just needed to get used.
First 15 mins were really boring as I was not pushing the engine above 4k.
Car had MSO Exhaust and unbelievable it sounded quiet, very quiet in sport mode.
Decided then to keep susp in sport, stiff enough, really liked, and move the game on with powertrain on Track mode.
Instrument cluster as P1 is so lovely. Driveability didn't change a lot and managed to drive flat out few times and finally got some kicks on my back, impressive, only one crack from the exhaust, but car got louder and louder as I was driving it. Rear end was spinning just a bit.
Really astonished as I was expecting someting more intimidating as track mode, but from what I've seen I could drive it every day on it.
Really disappointed with MSO exhaust as from youtube videos it sounds amazing but on the road, window down, no pops and bangs. Cannot believe it, please tell me it was due to the fact it was cold...
I've already mentioned in the past that in terms of stance, design, desiderability and uniqueness it beats 911 by a lot.
In terms of driving experience, it's much more refined than I thought, need to digest sound and low engagement at low revs / speed, whereas CGTS feels much more engaging also with gear changes at low speed.
Then the game changes when above 4k where Cayman GTS lacks of power and 570S just explodes, litterally, explosion of torque and power that kicks you on the back of the seat at warp speed, with the lovely rev counter track mode becoming a xmas tree with green red blue lights and rr wheels feeling light and slippy.
All in all, superb car....not sure about sound, cannot believe MSO exhaust it's so quiet. Asked twice and checked with few people and all confirmed it was an MSO.
Need to digest, absorb.....
Are you sure it had the MSO exhaust. I have it on mine and its anything but quiet, if anything it is a bit too loud at times!My impressions below.
Started in sport susp and sport powertrain, steering feeling 1st thing noticed, much more direct.
Accelerator and engine felt lazy and laggy below 3.5k rpm.
Gear changes are quick however when upshifting there is no sense of increasing speed like with pdk and when downshifting car brakes too much.
Brake pedal veeery, very stiff, need to push hard. Also positioned at the same level as accelerator, strange to me where on Porsche brake pedal is much forward compared to accelerator. Just needed to get used.
First 15 mins were really boring as I was not pushing the engine above 4k.
Car had MSO Exhaust and unbelievable it sounded quiet, very quiet in sport mode.
Decided then to keep susp in sport, stiff enough, really liked, and move the game on with powertrain on Track mode.
Instrument cluster as P1 is so lovely. Driveability didn't change a lot and managed to drive flat out few times and finally got some kicks on my back, impressive, only one crack from the exhaust, but car got louder and louder as I was driving it. Rear end was spinning just a bit.
Really astonished as I was expecting someting more intimidating as track mode, but from what I've seen I could drive it every day on it.
Really disappointed with MSO exhaust as from youtube videos it sounds amazing but on the road, window down, no pops and bangs. Cannot believe it, please tell me it was due to the fact it was cold...
I've already mentioned in the past that in terms of stance, design, desiderability and uniqueness it beats 911 by a lot.
In terms of driving experience, it's much more refined than I thought, need to digest sound and low engagement at low revs / speed, whereas CGTS feels much more engaging also with gear changes at low speed.
Then the game changes when above 4k where Cayman GTS lacks of power and 570S just explodes, litterally, explosion of torque and power that kicks you on the back of the seat at warp speed, with the lovely rev counter track mode becoming a xmas tree with green red blue lights and rr wheels feeling light and slippy.
All in all, superb car....not sure about sound, cannot believe MSO exhaust it's so quiet. Asked twice and checked with few people and all confirmed it was an MSO.
Need to digest, absorb.....
Edited by RBT0 on Saturday 3rd November 16:40
Interesting first impressions - was the exhaust MSO or Sports? I ask because my 570 has sports exhaust and I’d agree that the noise is a disappointment - not heard the MSO option but as it’s about 5k to add, I’d expect it to be better than Sports.
Below 3.5k and in higher gears I’d agree that the car is not massively responsive and really needs to drop a couple of gears to progress - above 4K though it’s mental.
Even in track mode the electronics are clearly intervening a lot - I noticed this when on track, even in track mode the car won’t unleash power on corner exits - turn it all off however and the car is amazing.
It is a car that I think you’ll like more with more time behind the wheel - I find the whole feel and composure of the car (steering, brakes, handling) to be sublime.
Below 3.5k and in higher gears I’d agree that the car is not massively responsive and really needs to drop a couple of gears to progress - above 4K though it’s mental.
Even in track mode the electronics are clearly intervening a lot - I noticed this when on track, even in track mode the car won’t unleash power on corner exits - turn it all off however and the car is amazing.
It is a car that I think you’ll like more with more time behind the wheel - I find the whole feel and composure of the car (steering, brakes, handling) to be sublime.
Even dealer was surprised therefore when back we start asking almost all staff there and not. Confirmed it was an MSO.
And yes ceramics.
And yes think more throttle response less that Cayman, which Engine feel like linked with accelerator 1:1. Has it got 6 or 7 speed? It could be driven by tall gears...
Good thing is, I would drive it alway in powertrain track mode, not intimidating at all.
And yes, started appreciating it after first 20 min of getting confidence, I am sure the more I drive it the more I would like it.
MSO exhaust question mark to me, had huge expectations and couldn't believe even when they all confirmed after the test.
And yes ceramics.
And yes think more throttle response less that Cayman, which Engine feel like linked with accelerator 1:1. Has it got 6 or 7 speed? It could be driven by tall gears...
Good thing is, I would drive it alway in powertrain track mode, not intimidating at all.
And yes, started appreciating it after first 20 min of getting confidence, I am sure the more I drive it the more I would like it.
MSO exhaust question mark to me, had huge expectations and couldn't believe even when they all confirmed after the test.
Edited by RBT0 on Saturday 3rd November 20:31
Glad you enjoyed the test drive 
Regards civility in track mode, are relatively smooth and traction control does good job of keeping order. Switching TC to dynamic mode in sport or track powertrain setting transforms car again loosening TC (but still remaining safe) and makes more free revving and generally feels more savage.
MSO zorst has good voice on it, could you see the blue titanium pipes when looking from rear to confirm was MSO? How many miles did car have on clock? Have found zorst needs to be nice and hot from spirited driving to crack and bang. Info on MSO zorst here: http://cars.mclaren.com/ownership/supersports-exha...
Is 7 speed gearbox made by Graziano. Could download the owners handbook and have a read about drive train and various modes, TC settings, etc:
http://cars.mclaren.com/files/live/sites/mclaren/f...
These cars do get under your skin, maybe have another Mc test drive after the GT3 to compare again?
Regards civility in track mode, are relatively smooth and traction control does good job of keeping order. Switching TC to dynamic mode in sport or track powertrain setting transforms car again loosening TC (but still remaining safe) and makes more free revving and generally feels more savage.
MSO zorst has good voice on it, could you see the blue titanium pipes when looking from rear to confirm was MSO? How many miles did car have on clock? Have found zorst needs to be nice and hot from spirited driving to crack and bang. Info on MSO zorst here: http://cars.mclaren.com/ownership/supersports-exha...
Is 7 speed gearbox made by Graziano. Could download the owners handbook and have a read about drive train and various modes, TC settings, etc:
http://cars.mclaren.com/files/live/sites/mclaren/f...
These cars do get under your skin, maybe have another Mc test drive after the GT3 to compare again?
br d said:
Also surprised. I have an MSO exhaust and even though I've not gone over 6k revs (still running in) it sounds very nice indeed. My third McLaren and the first I've really enjoyed the noise it makes.
Hi mate,Just out of curiosity, may I ask why the change from the 650S (and also the 720S, I see).
Also - I will ping you an email in the next week or so, something to ask you if you don't mind too much! Hope you're keeping well? Cannot believe how long ago it was you took me out in that rather wonderful bright orange machine!
Just like the OP, I also had my first test drive in a 570s last weekend, and I too and between this and a .2 GT3. Maybe even an AMG GTR depending on whether its narrow enough to get through some of the roads around where I live (but thats a different story). As context, and I am coming from a Lotus evora 400, and previously also owned a 981GTS and Spyder, so very similar cars to the OP.
Firstly, the ride of the 570s in normal and even in Sport is lovely and fluid. Yes, stiff, but not at all harsh, much like the Lotus to be honest. Nothing like the porkers which were much harsher and firmer. Steering is lighter than the lotus and the porkers, but full of feel, much more lotus like than porsche like again. I agree with the OP that below 3.5K the engine is lazy, but then goes ballistic above that. Upshifts when you are pushing on do give you feeling of getting faster. I was also surprised at how eager to rev the engine was, and how the power built the further up the revs you went. As for being lazy low down, I actually quite liked that as when driven sedately, its a very calm place to be. This gives the car a very Jekyll and Hyde kind of personality. The GT3 always feels "on it", which some people may or may not prefer. I personally really like the fact that when cruising around town or slogging down the motorway, the 570s feels relaxed. Flip the switches though, and its a beast. Ok, sound is nothing to compete with a GT3, but it still sounds good (the 570s I drove has the sports exhaust).
Regarding the brake pedal, yes it is firm, but once you get used to it (in 5 minutes) its actually very easy to modulate smoothly, and its lovely having a brake pedal that isn't over servoed. As to the OP's observation of the pedal heights compared to porsches, I think thats because Mclaren want you to left foot brake, hence the height is the same as the accelerator pedal.
What else.... the cabin is a lovely place to be, but maybe not quite put together as well as a porsche's. Visibility is excellent all round (although this maybe because I am just used to having no rear visibility from the evora!). Front lift worked well and fast. Oh, and ignore all the stupid reviewers saying that the front lift is difficult and fiddly to access - it is not. There is a shortcut you can use on the stalk so you don't have to cycle through menus... 2 long pushes up. Done.
I didnt play with the infotainment screen, so cannot comment. One thing I haven't understood is why none of the supercar manufacturers (ferrari, porsche, lambo, mclaren etc) use Head up Displays. But thats a discussion for a different time...
Anyway, those are my thoughts on the 570s...
Firstly, the ride of the 570s in normal and even in Sport is lovely and fluid. Yes, stiff, but not at all harsh, much like the Lotus to be honest. Nothing like the porkers which were much harsher and firmer. Steering is lighter than the lotus and the porkers, but full of feel, much more lotus like than porsche like again. I agree with the OP that below 3.5K the engine is lazy, but then goes ballistic above that. Upshifts when you are pushing on do give you feeling of getting faster. I was also surprised at how eager to rev the engine was, and how the power built the further up the revs you went. As for being lazy low down, I actually quite liked that as when driven sedately, its a very calm place to be. This gives the car a very Jekyll and Hyde kind of personality. The GT3 always feels "on it", which some people may or may not prefer. I personally really like the fact that when cruising around town or slogging down the motorway, the 570s feels relaxed. Flip the switches though, and its a beast. Ok, sound is nothing to compete with a GT3, but it still sounds good (the 570s I drove has the sports exhaust).
Regarding the brake pedal, yes it is firm, but once you get used to it (in 5 minutes) its actually very easy to modulate smoothly, and its lovely having a brake pedal that isn't over servoed. As to the OP's observation of the pedal heights compared to porsches, I think thats because Mclaren want you to left foot brake, hence the height is the same as the accelerator pedal.
What else.... the cabin is a lovely place to be, but maybe not quite put together as well as a porsche's. Visibility is excellent all round (although this maybe because I am just used to having no rear visibility from the evora!). Front lift worked well and fast. Oh, and ignore all the stupid reviewers saying that the front lift is difficult and fiddly to access - it is not. There is a shortcut you can use on the stalk so you don't have to cycle through menus... 2 long pushes up. Done.
I didnt play with the infotainment screen, so cannot comment. One thing I haven't understood is why none of the supercar manufacturers (ferrari, porsche, lambo, mclaren etc) use Head up Displays. But thats a discussion for a different time...
Anyway, those are my thoughts on the 570s...
Hi Cypriot,
Thanks for posting, fully aligned with your impressions, which means I was not far off with my assessment. Something I like you mentioned, yes kind of Jekyll and Hyde, the calm before the storm. Used with my Cayman GTS, once again as you say, always on it, ready to scream...
Thanks for posting, fully aligned with your impressions, which means I was not far off with my assessment. Something I like you mentioned, yes kind of Jekyll and Hyde, the calm before the storm. Used with my Cayman GTS, once again as you say, always on it, ready to scream...
E65Ross said:
Hi mate,
Just out of curiosity, may I ask why the change from the 650S (and also the 720S, I see).
That would have to be a pretty involved post and I don't think this is the thread for it!Just out of curiosity, may I ask why the change from the 650S (and also the 720S, I see).
E65Ross said:
Also - I will ping you an email in the next week or so, something to ask you if you don't mind too much! Hope you're keeping well? Cannot believe how long ago it was you took me out in that rather wonderful bright orange machine!
Please do mate, would be great to catch up!
br d said:
E65Ross said:
Hi mate,
Just out of curiosity, may I ask why the change from the 650S (and also the 720S, I see).
That would have to be a pretty involved post and I don't think this is the thread for it!Just out of curiosity, may I ask why the change from the 650S (and also the 720S, I see).
E65Ross said:
Also - I will ping you an email in the next week or so, something to ask you if you don't mind too much! Hope you're keeping well? Cannot believe how long ago it was you took me out in that rather wonderful bright orange machine!
Please do mate, would be great to catch up!
br d said:
Also surprised. I have an MSO exhaust and even though I've not gone over 6k revs (still running in) it sounds very nice indeed. My third McLaren and the first I've really enjoyed the noise it makes.
Can you maybe PM me what they gave you in px for your 720s against your 570 pls? IMI A said:
br d said:
Also surprised. I have an MSO exhaust and even though I've not gone over 6k revs (still running in) it sounds very nice indeed. My third McLaren and the first I've really enjoyed the noise it makes.
Can you maybe PM me what they gave you in px for your 720s against your 570 pls? 570 Spider was ordered seperately.
cypriot said:
@br d
I would love to hear your thought process... I absolutely loved your thread on the 720s trip you did... I still chuckle to myself when I see the drone footage of you running!:P
I would love to hear your thought process... I absolutely loved your thread on the 720s trip you did... I still chuckle to myself when I see the drone footage of you running!:P
I've got much better with the drone since then, got some great footage!
I think I will write up my thoughts here on the 720/570. The thread above this one with somebody trying to get some info while most owners are in private only groups annoys me.
E65Ross said:
sent mate, hope it's alright!
Got your mail thanks mate. I always forget to check the mail I use for PH and when I logged on to read yours I have seen some from other PH'ers that I completely missed. I am rapidly becoming senile.
Profuse apologies for that guys and I'll find some time to catch up soon.
Edited by br d on Thursday 15th November 21:03
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