Which is the most "fun" McLaren to drive?
Discussion
CTE said:
Thankyou all for your replies, all quite useful for building a picture.
I`m going to look at a 675LT Spider tomorrow which is at the top end of my budget...but also need to have a go in an 600LT given they are probably just as exciting and I prefer the styling.
I`ve just sold my 430Cup (475hp due to Komotec upgrade) so am used to and like focused cars...I think the 600LT will actually have better road manners because the 430 Cup has quite stiff springs more suited to track work. I used my old 350S Exige for 3 years as a daily without issues except for poor headlights in winter! Think an LT car will address these issues.
I had a 430 Cup, a 360 Cup before that and a V6 before. All used for a wide range of activities, track days, morning drives and longer multi day fast road trips. Did 16k miles between the Cups. Have had a number of other cars that I ran alongside the Lotus's for most of the road work. None were focused enough for track use hence the Cups. The Cups arent great on the road, to say the least. Bought a 600LT and soon after sold the 430. The 600 is like a 430 on steroids but is much better suited to road work whilst losing none of the edge on track. Its only problem on circuit is that its too fast and not a manual. The 430 power is more fun as its quick but not too fast. More power doesnt necessarly = more fun for me.I`m going to look at a 675LT Spider tomorrow which is at the top end of my budget...but also need to have a go in an 600LT given they are probably just as exciting and I prefer the styling.
I`ve just sold my 430Cup (475hp due to Komotec upgrade) so am used to and like focused cars...I think the 600LT will actually have better road manners because the 430 Cup has quite stiff springs more suited to track work. I used my old 350S Exige for 3 years as a daily without issues except for poor headlights in winter! Think an LT car will address these issues.
A 675 was considered but the 600 is the more playful and easier car to exploit by all accounts hence me going that route. Plus I could buy a new one. Also considered a 720 but again playfullness and usability on track were my focus and the 600 fits that bill better. Though at one point I tried very hard to justify a 720 alongside the 600 as Id love a 720. Just couldnt square the circle, no matter how much I tried! I went spider and the roof is down at every opportunity as it adds a whole new level of drama to the driving experience.
Ive done 6k miles in it now with zero issues of note, just a couple of tiny electrical gremlins that went as fast as they came. The only gripe Ive got about the car is that the nose touches down too easily. Ive protected it somewhat with plastic sliders and am now numb to the sound of grinding plastic but be warned they kiss the tarmac a LOT on bumpy moor roads. Its in for its first service in a couple of weeks, will be interesting to see what the dealer say needs replacing under the front.
Only car Id currently change for is a 765 but not at £200k more. If I didnt use the car on track then Id go 720 over 600 or 675.
CTE said:
Thankyou all for your replies, all quite useful for building a picture.
I`m going to look at a 675LT Spider tomorrow which is at the top end of my budget...but also need to have a go in an 600LT given they are probably just as exciting and I prefer the styling.
I`ve just sold my 430Cup (475hp due to Komotec upgrade) so am used to and like focused cars...I think the 600LT will actually have better road manners because the 430 Cup has quite stiff springs more suited to track work. I used my old 350S Exige for 3 years as a daily without issues except for poor headlights in winter! Think an LT car will address these issues.
Going from an Exige to a Mac is a great step forward in terms of road use but the Cup430 in KT 475 spec is a mighty track beastI`m going to look at a 675LT Spider tomorrow which is at the top end of my budget...but also need to have a go in an 600LT given they are probably just as exciting and I prefer the styling.
I`ve just sold my 430Cup (475hp due to Komotec upgrade) so am used to and like focused cars...I think the 600LT will actually have better road manners because the 430 Cup has quite stiff springs more suited to track work. I used my old 350S Exige for 3 years as a daily without issues except for poor headlights in winter! Think an LT car will address these issues.
My Cup 430 was quicker in standard spec round Silverstone than my 570s TP and only marginally slower than my 600LT was. Taking both cars up the track together allowed me good back to back comparisons.
I have also upgraded the Exige performance with a KT kit but opted for the 2bular exhaust system and have 477bhp. Now I have a 720, which while being quicker than the 600 does not provide quite the same rawness.
I tried a 675 and while it is a great car for both road and track it probably would have been a bit too precious to track hard. Also imo it is a bit compromised and probably looking dated against the 600 which really is the ideal choice if you have only 1 sports car and also track it
Not quite an exact answer to the "fun" question, but an interesting (and well informed) watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v3prGxB-10
Not always the conclusion I was expecting either, but I respect his opinion & the fact that's its substantive and practically formed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v3prGxB-10
Not always the conclusion I was expecting either, but I respect his opinion & the fact that's its substantive and practically formed.
Edited by speedick on Wednesday 8th December 16:40
Streetbeat said:
Same tyres on all?
Cup 2’s on Exige and Corsas on the 570 with Trofeo on my 600 LTMain differences as you would imagine are 570 fast on the straights but not composed in corners/bends, lack of Aero not helping or weight. My 600LT was far better but with the brakes being the real limiting factor with it.
Rocketreid said:
Cup 2’s on Exige and Corsas on the 570 with Trofeo on my 600 LT
Main differences as you would imagine are 570 fast on the straights but not composed in corners/bends, lack of Aero not helping or weight. My 600LT was far better but with the brakes being the real limiting factor with it.
I put a set of Cup 2's on after a track day on Corsas, made a huge huge difference, i would bet the 570s would be faster than the 430 then, maybe not as rewarding to drive but definitely faster.Main differences as you would imagine are 570 fast on the straights but not composed in corners/bends, lack of Aero not helping or weight. My 600LT was far better but with the brakes being the real limiting factor with it.
Wheelspinning said:
Hi Bispal
What kind of difference did you find going from Pirelli to the Michelin on the 675?
I generally despise Pirelli but the 675 is so planted i have had no 'moments' as of yet and I use it in all weathers.
With you on the turning circle; I thought it and a harsher ride would be a pain but neither have been an issue whatsoever.
For all year round road use you can't beat the MPS4S. In anything other than perfect conditions on the road the Trofeos's were squirming and losing traction. The MPS4S seem to give around 95% of the Trofeo's grip when conditions are perfect but when its cold or damp the MPS4S come into their own and I can continue driving enthusiastically. MPS4S are great tyres, I would never put the Trofeo's on again, they are scary in the damp and cold.What kind of difference did you find going from Pirelli to the Michelin on the 675?
I generally despise Pirelli but the 675 is so planted i have had no 'moments' as of yet and I use it in all weathers.
With you on the turning circle; I thought it and a harsher ride would be a pain but neither have been an issue whatsoever.
speedick said:
Not quite an exact answer to the "fun" question, but an interesting (and well informed) watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v3prGxB-10
Not always the conclusion I was expecting either, but I respect his opinion & the fact that's its substantive and practically formed.
Not too much of a shock he pretty much scored them according to the range, not taking away that was a good insight into his opinion, but as this thread has shown, there is so much more to a purchase than "whats the better car". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v3prGxB-10
Not always the conclusion I was expecting either, but I respect his opinion & the fact that's its substantive and practically formed.
Edited by speedick on Wednesday 8th December 16:40
My budget allowed for 12c, 650s and 570s as i guess would most peoples, so according to the video i got the worse car, but, its not the worse car for me, which makes it better in my book.
From my own personal experience I would have to say the 675LT Spider is the most fun / playful of the lot! I honestly don't think I'll ever part with it.
I originally had 650s x2, then my 675LT Spider and have a 765LT Spider on order, have also tried most of the rest of the range P1, 570s, GT and 600LT but none felt the same as the 675LT on the road.
I originally had 650s x2, then my 675LT Spider and have a 765LT Spider on order, have also tried most of the rest of the range P1, 570s, GT and 600LT but none felt the same as the 675LT on the road.
Well errrm I`ve just decided to buy a 675LT spider...stunning car...but to be fair they all are. Thanks for all your inputs. I thought I had decided to go for a 600LT spider but to me in the flesh the 675 is top drawer. I think the general opinion is that the 675 long term will have the better residuals, but in my mind you don`t buy cars for that reason, but if it works out well then great...I see interest rates rising at some point and that will set the cat amongst the pigeons, but then that`s probably why they haven`t been raised yet??
I was asked about the Komotec 475 upgrade. Yes a really noticeable improvement in performance and efficiency, although potentially not in gearbox life if abused. The main downside is when you come to trade in, Lotus dealers won`t touch it and ultimately you won`t see any return on your investment, but generally it takes the straight line performance up to junior McLaren levels in a lighter more track focused car.
I was asked about the Komotec 475 upgrade. Yes a really noticeable improvement in performance and efficiency, although potentially not in gearbox life if abused. The main downside is when you come to trade in, Lotus dealers won`t touch it and ultimately you won`t see any return on your investment, but generally it takes the straight line performance up to junior McLaren levels in a lighter more track focused car.
CTE said:
Well errrm I`ve just decided to buy a 675LT spider...stunning car...but to be fair they all are. Thanks for all your inputs. I thought I had decided to go for a 600LT spider but to me in the flesh the 675 is top drawer. I think the general opinion is that the 675 long term will have the better residuals, but in my mind you don`t buy cars for that reason, but if it works out well then great...I see interest rates rising at some point and that will set the cat amongst the pigeons, but then that`s probably why they haven`t been raised yet??
I was asked about the Komotec 475 upgrade. Yes a really noticeable improvement in performance and efficiency, although potentially not in gearbox life if abused. The main downside is when you come to trade in, Lotus dealers won`t touch it and ultimately you won`t see any return on your investment, but generally it takes the straight line performance up to junior McLaren levels in a lighter more track focused car.
Well done you!I was asked about the Komotec 475 upgrade. Yes a really noticeable improvement in performance and efficiency, although potentially not in gearbox life if abused. The main downside is when you come to trade in, Lotus dealers won`t touch it and ultimately you won`t see any return on your investment, but generally it takes the straight line performance up to junior McLaren levels in a lighter more track focused car.
As I mentioned before, the 675 shall be viewed as perhaps McLarens peak.
Sure, there shall be faster McLarens, but for me and lots of others, everything about the 675 is just bang on.
As you touched on, the values should be static for a long time to come.
All McLarens are fantastic, and everyone thinks the one they currently have is perhaps the best model.
What colour did you go for?
Cheers.
Storm grey. It has orange brake callipers and orange infills on the seat sides...quite stealthy. I think I might add some subtle orange trim around the base of the car to lift it a little, but that`s it. It`s a stunning thing in my eyes...whilst I like bright coloured cars generally, I think most Mac`s look better in darker shades (but we all have different tastes of course), and I prefer not to stand out quite so obviously...errm? A mate of mine has a bright red Aventador! Like chalk and cheese.
Storm grey. It has orange brake callipers and orange infills on the seat sides...quite stealthy. I think I might add some subtle orange trim around the base of the car to lift it a little, but that`s it. It`s a stunning thing in my eyes...whilst I like bright coloured cars generally, I think most Mac`s look better in darker shades (but we all have different tastes of course), and I prefer not to stand out quite so obviously...errm? A mate of mine has a bright red Aventador! Like chalk and cheese.
CTE said:
Cheers.
Storm grey. It has orange brake callipers and orange infills on the seat sides...quite stealthy. I think I might add some subtle orange trim around the base of the car to lift it a little, but that`s it. It`s a stunning thing in my eyes...whilst I like bright coloured cars generally, I think most Mac`s look better in darker shades (but we all have different tastes of course), and I prefer not to stand out quite so obviously...errm? A mate of mine has a bright red Aventador! Like chalk and cheese.
I assume the AB car? If so stunning.Storm grey. It has orange brake callipers and orange infills on the seat sides...quite stealthy. I think I might add some subtle orange trim around the base of the car to lift it a little, but that`s it. It`s a stunning thing in my eyes...whilst I like bright coloured cars generally, I think most Mac`s look better in darker shades (but we all have different tastes of course), and I prefer not to stand out quite so obviously...errm? A mate of mine has a bright red Aventador! Like chalk and cheese.
He is an absolute gentleman to deal with; cannot recommend him enough.
Your going to love it.
CTE said:
Cheers.
Storm grey. It has orange brake callipers and orange infills on the seat sides...quite stealthy. I think I might add some subtle orange trim around the base of the car to lift it a little, but that`s it. It`s a stunning thing in my eyes...whilst I like bright coloured cars generally, I think most Mac`s look better in darker shades (but we all have different tastes of course), and I prefer not to stand out quite so obviously...errm? A mate of mine has a bright red Aventador! Like chalk and cheese.
Liking the sound of that one. Methinks the more subtle shades accentuate the shape of the car ..... then just a touch of colour to catch the eye and hint at the performance.Storm grey. It has orange brake callipers and orange infills on the seat sides...quite stealthy. I think I might add some subtle orange trim around the base of the car to lift it a little, but that`s it. It`s a stunning thing in my eyes...whilst I like bright coloured cars generally, I think most Mac`s look better in darker shades (but we all have different tastes of course), and I prefer not to stand out quite so obviously...errm? A mate of mine has a bright red Aventador! Like chalk and cheese.
CTE said:
Cheers.
Storm grey. It has orange brake callipers and orange infills on the seat sides...quite stealthy. I think I might add some subtle orange trim around the base of the car to lift it a little, but that`s it. It`s a stunning thing in my eyes...whilst I like bright coloured cars generally, I think most Mac`s look better in darker shades (but we all have different tastes of course), and I prefer not to stand out quite so obviously...errm? A mate of mine has a bright red Aventador! Like chalk and cheese.
Well done CTE great choice - look forward to seeing pics in due course 👍Storm grey. It has orange brake callipers and orange infills on the seat sides...quite stealthy. I think I might add some subtle orange trim around the base of the car to lift it a little, but that`s it. It`s a stunning thing in my eyes...whilst I like bright coloured cars generally, I think most Mac`s look better in darker shades (but we all have different tastes of course), and I prefer not to stand out quite so obviously...errm? A mate of mine has a bright red Aventador! Like chalk and cheese.
Congratulations Mark, you have made a great decision! As mentioned earlier, if the car is fitted with Trofeo tyres, take it easy until they are properly warmed up - especially if it is cold or damp. I’m an enthusiastic driver and felt very comfortable driving my 12c at speed, it look longer for me to gel with the 675, but now I love it. Again, as mentioned earlier, it is worth protecting the underside of the front splitter if it hasn’t already been done. Enjoy your car!
Sincere Congrats CTE ... having read through everything including your original lean towards the 600LT I personally think you have made the best choice in the 675LT.
Out of interest, you choose the Storm Grey but there was also a Silver one available with an amazing spec and at a better price, agreed, with a few more miles on it but that's not a put off, or is it ? From what I've read about McLarens it's the ones that are used that are sorted and best. For clarity, I have no skin in the game, just curious.
Out of interest, you choose the Storm Grey but there was also a Silver one available with an amazing spec and at a better price, agreed, with a few more miles on it but that's not a put off, or is it ? From what I've read about McLarens it's the ones that are used that are sorted and best. For clarity, I have no skin in the game, just curious.
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