Drove the range.... wow
Discussion
I was very lucky to be invited to a McLaren Media event on Tue/Wed this week in the midlands. Got to drive the 570GT, followed by the 570S for about 2hrs each, then nice dinner and night in a fancy spa hotel, followed by breakfast and then a couple of hours in a 650S.
I've driven a lot of supercars in my time, and have driven a 650S before briefly, but it was the 570's that really stood out for me.
Going from the GT to the S was a good choice, the GT is very relaxing to drive, the steering fluid, the glass roof makes the interior so airy, then into the S and it feels like an Elise with an extra 400hp, so alive, fidgety, exciting. I was most impressed by the way that the two cars, despite having 99% the same body and mechanical packages are so completely different in execution. Of course, they were both mind-bendingly quick. Certainly feels like 570hp is a conservative estimate, in my experience at least.
If I had to have the car as a daily driver, it would undoubtedly be the GT, but with the S exhaust, it was too muted without. If it was more a weekend toy then the extra excitement of the S would be essential and more rewarding.
The 650S is well documented already in here - it defies the laws of physics how that thing eats a ribbon of tarmac so easily. The ride in Normal is better than in an Audi A8, it's staggering, then you have the sheer speed of the thing (maybe even too quick) and of course the looks.
Spending time with McLaren's PR team made me even more positive about the company now too. Good chat about how they're trying to distance themselves from the Ron Dennis association with his OCD nature and lack of fun. They're pushing the life, soul and passion within the company and it really showed through.
Some gratuitous pics:
I've driven a lot of supercars in my time, and have driven a 650S before briefly, but it was the 570's that really stood out for me.
Going from the GT to the S was a good choice, the GT is very relaxing to drive, the steering fluid, the glass roof makes the interior so airy, then into the S and it feels like an Elise with an extra 400hp, so alive, fidgety, exciting. I was most impressed by the way that the two cars, despite having 99% the same body and mechanical packages are so completely different in execution. Of course, they were both mind-bendingly quick. Certainly feels like 570hp is a conservative estimate, in my experience at least.
If I had to have the car as a daily driver, it would undoubtedly be the GT, but with the S exhaust, it was too muted without. If it was more a weekend toy then the extra excitement of the S would be essential and more rewarding.
The 650S is well documented already in here - it defies the laws of physics how that thing eats a ribbon of tarmac so easily. The ride in Normal is better than in an Audi A8, it's staggering, then you have the sheer speed of the thing (maybe even too quick) and of course the looks.
Spending time with McLaren's PR team made me even more positive about the company now too. Good chat about how they're trying to distance themselves from the Ron Dennis association with his OCD nature and lack of fun. They're pushing the life, soul and passion within the company and it really showed through.
Some gratuitous pics:
Edited by Beefmeister on Thursday 13th October 10:59
Edited by Beefmeister on Thursday 13th October 10:59
Great being able to do that. I would buy a McL in a heartbeat if I never had to look at them from the outside. 570 is slowly growing on me though. Can't put my finger on it but these do nothing for me visually. The drive on the 570 is meant to be pinpoint though, and I was told that by a Lambo main dealer.
Now that sounds like a good day out 
Sticking the super series in Normal/Normal and auto is a bizarre experience insofar that you would have no idea you're in a supercar if you were blindfolded.
The 570S certainly escapes its traction a lot more easily than the 650S. I got the tail out in a car park at low speed!
When I had the 570S, other motorists feedback was pretty special. All positive.
As you say, there is a real mix of characters now in the line up. Something for most people.
Sticking the super series in Normal/Normal and auto is a bizarre experience insofar that you would have no idea you're in a supercar if you were blindfolded.
The 570S certainly escapes its traction a lot more easily than the 650S. I got the tail out in a car park at low speed!
When I had the 570S, other motorists feedback was pretty special. All positive.
As you say, there is a real mix of characters now in the line up. Something for most people.
BelfastBoy said:
What colour is GT57 MCL? Looks like a lovely deep purple in the photos.
I think that one is Cobalt Violet.NOTE: It had a beige interior that included the rear luggage area - if anyone is speccing a GT, DON'T have a light colour in that luggage area as it reflects in the hatch and kills your rear visibility.
for me 570 rear end looks so good in the flesh, saw a P1 whilst there and you can see the DNA in the 570 rear end styling has come from the P1.Alex said:
I much, much prefer the rear end of the 650 to the 570.
I agree its a bit over fussy on the 570S, the whole car has a lot going on - some of it aero some just aesthetic.650S looks purer design but no doubt someone will come along and say the 12C is the purest despite its bland front
The rear end of the 12C/650S with those flat lines looks like it was taken straight from some concept car designed in the 60s. The Alfa Romeo Carabo springs to mind. Sorry but definitely the worst view of the car and doesn't belong to a modern "sports" car of this level. Amazing how better the 675LT's rear end looks even with minor-ish tweaks. To be honest it's the 570S that got me looking into McLarens again, as much of the dull pretentiousness of the 12C/650S has thankfully been taken away, as what I would now call the "trademark" lines as originally defined by the 12C were vastly improved through subtle changes of proportions. Stunning work and improvement.
Sorry anyway, just my odd taste perhaps...
Sorry anyway, just my odd taste perhaps...
Edited by Thom on Thursday 13th October 21:21
PGN6 said:
I have to agree- 12c too bland at front, 650 bland at the rear and for me lacks a bit of road presence - personal opinion of course- but it was the 570 that got me interested in McLaren..
As an owner of a 12C, and in possibly the most reserved colour of the lot, I can't agree with lack of road presence - not if judged by the number of drivers who photograph/video you from behind whilst they're driving.12C undoubtedly gets more attention than my F355, but less than my Diablo
If the 12C was a brighter colour and had an aftermarket exhaust like the Diablo, then it might be a closer run thing than you'd imagine.
Have just driven 350 miles in GT, stopping only for fuel. It's genuinely a comfortable car for long journeys. It's easy to get in and out of; is quieter and less nervous than cars like that are normally. It is a GT!
If you turn settings to track though, it changes character completely, and is fast and raucous (even though I have standard exhaust)
I read Evos range review this month and it's a bit silly - it takes a GT on track and says it's not as sharp as the S. That's the point! If it was, it would be less relaxing for cruising etc. I think they've done a good job of differentiating and making a good later alternative to a Turbo S.
If you turn settings to track though, it changes character completely, and is fast and raucous (even though I have standard exhaust)
I read Evos range review this month and it's a bit silly - it takes a GT on track and says it's not as sharp as the S. That's the point! If it was, it would be less relaxing for cruising etc. I think they've done a good job of differentiating and making a good later alternative to a Turbo S.
Beefmeister said:
NOTE: It had a beige interior that included the rear luggage area - if anyone is speccing a GT, DON'T have a light colour in that luggage area as it reflects in the hatch and kills your rear visibility.
Echo this as Ascot's GT demo has the same issue - but what a car !Gassing Station | McLaren | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff