V12V to Macca before V12VS manual

[12pack]

Posted in the Aston Martin thread, but now here too to get a balanced view.
Been a good year at work, and despite having thought since getting a monster EV daily driver that I would never again get another petrol car, I found myself at the local Mclaren dealer considering to trade in the old V12V. Had to check the Maccas out before I went for a V12VSM. Had a go in a 570s spider. Amazing car - a great ride as well as performance from a conventional suspension. But ultimately didn’t feel special enough. The top end scoot didn’t make up for the, well 1980s, turbo lag and the somewhat bland interior and the rococo rear end styling.



But then I also had a go in a 650s. Wow, that was something else. Yes a bit of lag, but nothing like the 570s. The performance level is now really making me consider switching before heading perhaps ultimately back to a V12VSM.

Thoughts, please?

Edited by 12pack on Tuesday 9th June 17:53

[12pack]

Didn’t mean to offend with turbo lag comment. My point of reference is an FD RX7. It’s been a while - was one of the first with twin turbos, with the smaller one spooling up first. Perhaps it’s the just the absolute amount of torque, but the 570s wasn’t as satisfying lower down as the 650s, especially being used to the instant throttle response on the old Aston. To be clear the 570s is ballistic, but I just preferred the power delivery of the 650s. Pretty close to going for a low mileage spider now.

[12pack]

Here’s a nice article about the differences between the 650s and the 570. I must say that description of the power delivery is exactly what I felt in my back- to back drive per my original post. Also a video of the differences in sound. Coming from a AM V12 I can see why I might prefer the 650’s rounder, mellower tone - think Stan Getz. I can see why many might prefer the 570 which has that flat plane crank tone - more Coltrane.
https://www.carthrottle.com/post/6-ways-the-mclare...

[12pack]

BoxerF50 said:

Ive been using a 650S Spider as my daily driver for the last 3 1/2 years and it has never given me an ounce of trouble.

Good to hear. I will have the remaining tiny bit of the 3 year OEM warranty + 12 months additional - but what's the view here about further extending the warranty at £5K/year?

[12pack]

Well, first few days with the 650s have been really great. Getting up the learning curve, shifting manually using Track for Power and Sport for Handling, can’t believe anyone would call this thing digital. Great feel through the steering, lots of latitude on greasy steets before ESC comes in and the torque comes on progressively. Makes exiting roundabouts spectacular even at reasonable speeds. Rear backlight cracked open for epic sound.

I do miss rev matching downshifts myself, but I wouldn’t be quick enough for this car. Driving my V12 Vantage was an event. So’s this - just a much bigger one.

[12pack]

justin220 said:

Stunning in black!

Thanks, and also for your comments in the AM forum which helped me get here..

[12pack]

RSbandit said:

That looks lovely black is the colour for these, I may well follow you in on one of these in the future fairly similar situation to yourself in that currently have a V12VS however wouldn't be able to run both unfortunately! Health to drive

Thanks.

Like they said about the V12 Vantages, don’t drive one of the newer Mclarens unless you’re ready to buy (or if you do, keep the revs under 4K )

[12pack]

RSbandit said:

Ha I happened to have a quick spin in a 570GT a few months back only on the motorway but that felt very rapid when prodded and certainly had the drama of a full on supercar...not much in it price wise between newer 570 and older 650 although the added benefit of no roof with no compromises and the super series cachet would prob seal it for me

Well the 650s will feel even more brutal. For me the active suspension isn’t about the supple ride, but about keeping the car planted on bumpy roads. And an air brake - come on! And no it doesn’t do all the work for you. Just like your V12 it’s easy to get the tail out if you’re not careful....

Edited by 12pack on Saturday 29th December 20:34

[12pack]

Indeed I did have specific target in mind, and ultimately got quite close to that, which meant a few K of a discount and help with future service costs. I notice “January sale” prices are being advertised. The 650s prices do seem quite mileage sensitive, so if it’s going to be a keeper a higher mileage one in good condition might be best (there’s one at McManchester).

[12pack]

Thanks for your reply. I did go for it. The V12V remains, but given the lack of attention its getting - it may go on sale in the summer.