570GT - real life experiences anyone?
Discussion
I find myself warming to the 570GT. In my younger days I was a full-on hardcore driver, but as I age something with a little give feels good. I also like the look of the GT vs the 570S; it seems to flow well over the back half of the car.
McLaren as a brand seems to be establishing itself and there's a track record of reasonable reliability to add some comfort that they don't self-destruct. I'm realistic about ownership of these, but my Porsches have been bullet proof and my Fezz ownership has been pretty good all things considered. This and my love of the 570GT look means I'm nearing the point of going for it!
My question is around the ownership proposition to the extent anyone has got much real world experience of a 570GT yet. The car mags seem to say it's great, but not quite as great as the 570S. It seems almost identical to me, a tiny tiny bit more practical and (imho) prettier. Again, anyone who's got experience of both would be interesting.
In financial terms, it looks like mclaren values dip a reasonable amount after first purchase. Normal stuff for any car and I don't want to start an internet war, but with that pattern a 6-12 month old one next year might be the way to go. That being said, I'm after a "quieter" colour which are perhaps few and far between so maybe I need to go new.
A stream of consciousness really, but I'm very interested to hear from any GT owners with reflections thus far.
Thanks, James
McLaren as a brand seems to be establishing itself and there's a track record of reasonable reliability to add some comfort that they don't self-destruct. I'm realistic about ownership of these, but my Porsches have been bullet proof and my Fezz ownership has been pretty good all things considered. This and my love of the 570GT look means I'm nearing the point of going for it!
My question is around the ownership proposition to the extent anyone has got much real world experience of a 570GT yet. The car mags seem to say it's great, but not quite as great as the 570S. It seems almost identical to me, a tiny tiny bit more practical and (imho) prettier. Again, anyone who's got experience of both would be interesting.
In financial terms, it looks like mclaren values dip a reasonable amount after first purchase. Normal stuff for any car and I don't want to start an internet war, but with that pattern a 6-12 month old one next year might be the way to go. That being said, I'm after a "quieter" colour which are perhaps few and far between so maybe I need to go new.
A stream of consciousness really, but I'm very interested to hear from any GT owners with reflections thus far.
Thanks, James
Hi James
My GT is due to be built next week, with delivery in early January. I agree with your comment re the aesthetics of the GT over the S. The GT just flows much better IMO, and i wanted the opening hatch versatility. Having driven the GT on three separate occasions, i was blown away with how easy it is to drive. I plan to use it as a weekend fun car with some long trips around the UK and France planned for next year. My only gripe pre delivery is the poorly designed location for the electric seat controls .You can't see them and it's all trial and error to get the right seat position. Mind you, once you've set it, you shouldn't need to touch the controls again, as there's a memory function. Be careful about the width if planning to get it in a standard garage. Mines 2.2m wide at the opening, so there is only 100mm gap, 50 on each side, admittedly with the mirrors extended. I'll need to concentrate each time!
However, once i get the car, i will provide some further feedback.
My GT is due to be built next week, with delivery in early January. I agree with your comment re the aesthetics of the GT over the S. The GT just flows much better IMO, and i wanted the opening hatch versatility. Having driven the GT on three separate occasions, i was blown away with how easy it is to drive. I plan to use it as a weekend fun car with some long trips around the UK and France planned for next year. My only gripe pre delivery is the poorly designed location for the electric seat controls .You can't see them and it's all trial and error to get the right seat position. Mind you, once you've set it, you shouldn't need to touch the controls again, as there's a memory function. Be careful about the width if planning to get it in a standard garage. Mines 2.2m wide at the opening, so there is only 100mm gap, 50 on each side, admittedly with the mirrors extended. I'll need to concentrate each time!
However, once i get the car, i will provide some further feedback.
funboxster said:
My only gripe pre delivery is the poorly designed location for the electric seat controls .You can't see them and it's all trial and error to get the right seat position.
Agreed. I think the GT is the pick of the bunch right now - car looks brilliant and really well packaged. I drove the one at Ascot a little while back and loved it. McLaren correctly chose to ignore the 0-60 Top Trump brigade in favour of everyday usability while not actually giving much away. I also cursed the seat controls though, but I'd happily learn to love them given the opportunity. Hopefully there will be a few tasty used ones on the market in a year or so.thecook101 said:
funboxster said:
My only gripe pre delivery is the poorly designed location for the electric seat controls .You can't see them and it's all trial and error to get the right seat position.
Agreed. I think the GT is the pick of the bunch right now - car looks brilliant and really well packaged. I drove the one at Ascot a little while back and loved it. McLaren correctly chose to ignore the 0-60 Top Trump brigade in favour of everyday usability while not actually giving much away. I also cursed the seat controls though, but I'd happily learn to love them given the opportunity. Hopefully there will be a few tasty used ones on the market in a year or so.The Surveyor said:
Are the seat controls the same on the GT as they are on the 'S' or is this dependant on the seat spec across the range. I didn't find them too difficult when I drove an S.
I haven't driven an S so can't confirm, but would think they are, as essentially it's the same carThanks all for the comments so far. It sounds like it might too soon to get a feel for what the GT is like to own and run. I'm sure that will become clearer in the coming months. I've been scouring reviews and other posts but mostly it's early reviews and conjecture with cars only starting to arrive now and into 2017.
The seat controls seem to garner some excitement, but I could live with those as it will almost entirely be me driving. Width is the bane of the modern sportscar; I wish they were all narrower but I'm familiar with that and no garaging issues as I had my doors built purposely wide!
Ascot is my closest dealer so sounds like I should get down there, have a poke around and get a test drive. I can only ask, but do McL do weekend long test drives to get enable you to get a feel for running it? The 20 minute round the block job only gets you so far and I'd like my other half to get a feel for it too. If I'm going GT then the idea is to use it for more of the day to day stuff, hence the original question.
The seat controls seem to garner some excitement, but I could live with those as it will almost entirely be me driving. Width is the bane of the modern sportscar; I wish they were all narrower but I'm familiar with that and no garaging issues as I had my doors built purposely wide!
Ascot is my closest dealer so sounds like I should get down there, have a poke around and get a test drive. I can only ask, but do McL do weekend long test drives to get enable you to get a feel for running it? The 20 minute round the block job only gets you so far and I'd like my other half to get a feel for it too. If I'm going GT then the idea is to use it for more of the day to day stuff, hence the original question.
TISPKJ said:
It maybe worth you looking at picking up a 12c over the winter period and then switching into a used 570 in a years time, 12c is very usable as daily and probably similar in terms of ride comfort in std mode to a 911
This is excellent man logic by the way. I like your thinking. A similar though had occurred to me. For 6 months I'll probably wait it out rather than take an extra buy/sell spread. I have a few cars to drive and I'm also quietly hopeful (probably misplaced) of being on the list for a 991.2 GT3 so it's getting complicated. First world issue I know. Anyway, that's what pistonheads is about, enjoying what we've got and still always thinking about what next. I doubt I'll ever be cured...jimmyslr said:
TISPKJ said:
It maybe worth you looking at picking up a 12c over the winter period and then switching into a used 570 in a years time, 12c is very usable as daily and probably similar in terms of ride comfort in std mode to a 911
This is excellent man logic by the way. I like your thinking. A similar though had occurred to me. For 6 months I'll probably wait it out rather than take an extra buy/sell spread. I have a few cars to drive and I'm also quietly hopeful (probably misplaced) of being on the list for a 991.2 GT3 so it's getting complicated. First world issue I know. Anyway, that's what pistonheads is about, enjoying what we've got and still always thinking about what next. I doubt I'll ever be cured...12c has remained at this level for nearly 2 years, and would be a good intro.
Of course without opening a whole other can of worms you should be buying a 650 coupe anyway at current similar or better money than a GT
TISPKJ said:
I was more thinking along the basis that you appeared to be looking for a used GT than a new one which makes more financial sense to me, the cars (GT) are only just being delivered now and seem to be in fairly low volume, in theory end of 17/18 should see them having lost a fair chunk of value or they will have remained stable, either way will be more cars on the market.
12c has remained at this level for nearly 2 years, and would be a good intro.
Of course without opening a whole other can of worms you should be buying a 650 coupe anyway at current similar or better money than a GT
Ah,I see. Yes, I know what you mean. There are 3 GTs in the classifieds but I agree more will appear which can only be helpful. There's no rush though. 12c has remained at this level for nearly 2 years, and would be a good intro.
Of course without opening a whole other can of worms you should be buying a 650 coupe anyway at current similar or better money than a GT
I do prefer the look of the GT vs both the 12C and the 650. The price of 650s hasn't passed me by, but as well as the look I have a chum who's just bought one and I'd hate him to think I copied him!
Hi Jimmy never had you as a hard core driver😄
Just go and get yourself in the seat of a couple,the gt is gorgeous even a few miles sround the block will sell it to,you.
Rides the road better than the porkers,and i have had porsches for over 30 years now,still got them as well,but got straight into a 675 spider.
Pm me re ascot,but deff do the demo drives,you can get them for a weekend.
Just go and get yourself in the seat of a couple,the gt is gorgeous even a few miles sround the block will sell it to,you.
Rides the road better than the porkers,and i have had porsches for over 30 years now,still got them as well,but got straight into a 675 spider.
Pm me re ascot,but deff do the demo drives,you can get them for a weekend.
I had no intention of even getting a car. I felt really content with my little stable- a Mercedes dualiner as a family bus, an MV Dragster rr for thrills on the road and a full on Gallardo GT3 for the track. Nothing else really inspired me, till I set my eyes on the GT. I arranged to view a stock car at Ascot which was over specced and over budget. As soon as I sat in it I had to have it...
I've had a good mixture of road cars and 2 that stick in my mind are a Bentley GT super sport and an LP 560. The Bentley was effortless on a journey and just ate the miles away, but it was big and wafty. The LP was a real event, raw and loud, but you had to be in the mood to put the effort in.
The GT is a pleasure to drive, it's comfortable, it's got all the gadgets, the panoramic roof lights up the cabin. When you want to, it is a raw beast and absolutely flies. It is the best of all worlds in my view. You can cram loads in too.
I love the flowing lines, the way it's all assembled with such attention to detail and quality. The interior is a fabulous place to be. Mine has the mso black Alcantarra and orange design. With regards to the seat control... the GT loses some of the lightweight raw features of the s like the ceramic brakes. In return it has a decent amount of luxury. One of them is the electric memory steering column and comfort option. Each time you leave the car the seat moves back and the wheel folds up. As you enter it all returns effortlessly back into position. So you just set it once and off you go.
I'm really smitten. I have two things I need to address next. The first is the engine note, I have the sports exhaust but crave more. So I will fit the Novitec or Aka system when it's released. The second is to see how I can live with it on track. I haven't gone back to a road car since running the GT3 as road cars seem dull in comparison. Potentially the McLaren could be quicker. That will have to wait until the spring...
You are very welcome to come and have a chat over a cuppa, if you're ever in the Milton Keynes area.
I've had a good mixture of road cars and 2 that stick in my mind are a Bentley GT super sport and an LP 560. The Bentley was effortless on a journey and just ate the miles away, but it was big and wafty. The LP was a real event, raw and loud, but you had to be in the mood to put the effort in.
The GT is a pleasure to drive, it's comfortable, it's got all the gadgets, the panoramic roof lights up the cabin. When you want to, it is a raw beast and absolutely flies. It is the best of all worlds in my view. You can cram loads in too.
I love the flowing lines, the way it's all assembled with such attention to detail and quality. The interior is a fabulous place to be. Mine has the mso black Alcantarra and orange design. With regards to the seat control... the GT loses some of the lightweight raw features of the s like the ceramic brakes. In return it has a decent amount of luxury. One of them is the electric memory steering column and comfort option. Each time you leave the car the seat moves back and the wheel folds up. As you enter it all returns effortlessly back into position. So you just set it once and off you go.
I'm really smitten. I have two things I need to address next. The first is the engine note, I have the sports exhaust but crave more. So I will fit the Novitec or Aka system when it's released. The second is to see how I can live with it on track. I haven't gone back to a road car since running the GT3 as road cars seem dull in comparison. Potentially the McLaren could be quicker. That will have to wait until the spring...
You are very welcome to come and have a chat over a cuppa, if you're ever in the Milton Keynes area.
Backdraft said:
I had no intention of even getting a car. I felt really content with my little stable- a Mercedes dualiner as a family bus, an MV Dragster rr for thrills on the road and a full on Gallardo GT3 for the track. Nothing else really inspired me, till I set my eyes on the GT. I arranged to view a stock car at Ascot which was over specced and over budget. As soon as I sat in it I had to have it...
I've had a good mixture of road cars and 2 that stick in my mind are a Bentley GT super sport and an LP 560. The Bentley was effortless on a journey and just ate the miles away, but it was big and wafty. The LP was a real event, raw and loud, but you had to be in the mood to put the effort in.
The GT is a pleasure to drive, it's comfortable, it's got all the gadgets, the panoramic roof lights up the cabin. When you want to, it is a raw beast and absolutely flies. It is the best of all worlds in my view. You can cram loads in too.
I love the flowing lines, the way it's all assembled with such attention to detail and quality. The interior is a fabulous place to be. Mine has the mso black Alcantarra and orange design. With regards to the seat control... the GT loses some of the lightweight raw features of the s like the ceramic brakes. In return it has a decent amount of luxury. One of them is the electric memory steering column and comfort option. Each time you leave the car the seat moves back and the wheel folds up. As you enter it all returns effortlessly back into position. So you just set it once and off you go.
I'm really smitten. I have two things I need to address next. The first is the engine note, I have the sports exhaust but crave more. So I will fit the Novitec or Aka system when it's released. The second is to see how I can live with it on track. I haven't gone back to a road car since running the GT3 as road cars seem dull in comparison. Potentially the McLaren could be quicker. That will have to wait until the spring...
You are very welcome to come and have a chat over a cuppa, if you're ever in the Milton Keynes area.
Thanks Backdraft. It sounds good. How long have you had it and are there any interesting foibles? I'm thinking here of practical ownership points like grounding out, warning lights, constant visits to the dealer, wide for country lanes, can't open the doors in a normal car park... all the usual supercar issues that can make a car trickier to use day to day. I'm keen to use the car semi-practically and am trying to get a feel for if that's viable. I've had a good mixture of road cars and 2 that stick in my mind are a Bentley GT super sport and an LP 560. The Bentley was effortless on a journey and just ate the miles away, but it was big and wafty. The LP was a real event, raw and loud, but you had to be in the mood to put the effort in.
The GT is a pleasure to drive, it's comfortable, it's got all the gadgets, the panoramic roof lights up the cabin. When you want to, it is a raw beast and absolutely flies. It is the best of all worlds in my view. You can cram loads in too.
I love the flowing lines, the way it's all assembled with such attention to detail and quality. The interior is a fabulous place to be. Mine has the mso black Alcantarra and orange design. With regards to the seat control... the GT loses some of the lightweight raw features of the s like the ceramic brakes. In return it has a decent amount of luxury. One of them is the electric memory steering column and comfort option. Each time you leave the car the seat moves back and the wheel folds up. As you enter it all returns effortlessly back into position. So you just set it once and off you go.
I'm really smitten. I have two things I need to address next. The first is the engine note, I have the sports exhaust but crave more. So I will fit the Novitec or Aka system when it's released. The second is to see how I can live with it on track. I haven't gone back to a road car since running the GT3 as road cars seem dull in comparison. Potentially the McLaren could be quicker. That will have to wait until the spring...
You are very welcome to come and have a chat over a cuppa, if you're ever in the Milton Keynes area.
Thanks, James
Parking is ok, however I avoid shopping centres etc more to avoid trolley dings. It doesn't feel wide to drive? Fits in my modern garage through a standard door, just have to fold the mirrors. I've had a few things sorted that should have been done pre delivery all very minor.
If you order one, make sure the headlights are adjusted properly for night driving.
I have the sports exhaust, which is a waste of money as it isn't anywhere near loud enough and needs upgrading. Battery charger is just a rebranded c Tek at 3 times the price.
Really though, the car is that good, any minor issues are just 'bonding times' with the car.
If you order one, make sure the headlights are adjusted properly for night driving.
I have the sports exhaust, which is a waste of money as it isn't anywhere near loud enough and needs upgrading. Battery charger is just a rebranded c Tek at 3 times the price.
Really though, the car is that good, any minor issues are just 'bonding times' with the car.
Backdraft said:
Parking is ok, however I avoid shopping centres etc more to avoid trolley dings. It doesn't feel wide to drive? Fits in my modern garage through a standard door, just have to fold the mirrors. I've had a few things sorted that should have been done pre delivery all very minor.
If you order one, make sure the headlights are adjusted properly for night driving.
I have the sports exhaust, which is a waste of money as it isn't anywhere near loud enough and needs upgrading. Battery charger is just a rebranded c Tek at 3 times the price.
Really though, the car is that good, any minor issues are just 'bonding times' with the car.
Thanks. That all makes sense. Some minor niggles are par for the course, but wanted to make sure the car was not effectively in beta-test with owners!If you order one, make sure the headlights are adjusted properly for night driving.
I have the sports exhaust, which is a waste of money as it isn't anywhere near loud enough and needs upgrading. Battery charger is just a rebranded c Tek at 3 times the price.
Really though, the car is that good, any minor issues are just 'bonding times' with the car.
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