The McLaren 570s
The Driver’s Car
What I love first about the McLaren 570s is that it is a driver’s car. The 570s is the base and entry version of the car and it is the one with the standard sports exhaust, stiffer suspension, tighter steering, and less weight.
So in the detail, what is there to love?
- The Styling
It may or may not be your cup of tea but for me this car is stunning. It borrows the rear lights and treatment from the McLaren P1 which is magnificent, unique, functional, and not overly done, though it is extremely aggressive. They’ve improved the front of the McLaren tremendously from the original MP4–12C which felt uninspired but also made the lines flow more than the 650S. The side view is about as perfect as a car can get.
2. Driving
There isn’t a better driving car on the road. It is the only car in the price range that comes with a carbon fiber tub which not only means less overall weight but a very stiff and connected drive. The steering wheel is precise and heavy and it is, dare I say, more fun to drive.
3. Power
While I’m not a fan of turbos, this car has tremendous power. It is a high-revving V8, 3.8 L and when the turbos are fully spooled up the power delivery is just incredible and hard to compare to anything else. It may be a 570 hp, but it drives like it’s well over 600hp.
4. Ergonomics
When you get inside of the McLaren it immediately feels like everything is where you want it to be and it is one of the most comfortable cars to sit in.
There is nothing on your steering wheel besides the paddles behind it which rotate with the wheel. There are no extra buttons or gimmicks or other nonsense to distract you. Most importantly the seats and the steering wheel have enough adjustment that you can find the perfect position.
The Iris system is the entertainment and it is completely functional, usable and quite intelligent.
5. The Doors
Ok at first I thought the doors were gimmicky. I mean come on. Stunning isn't it ?
In absolutely 80% of cases including tight spots, they actually open all the way while a regular car will open about 30% and you will be contorting your body to slide into the car. Plus, they are very cool =]
6. The Brakes
The ceramics on the 570s are spectacular. And it has the best brake pedal feel of any car. In true race car fashion you don’t get much pedal travel. In fact the brake pedal mostly travels during normal street driving like coming to a red light, after that it’s all about pressure. This gives you tremendous amount of feedback about how hard you are braking and you just feel everything through your leg.
Others have commented that the way the car is designed makes it ideal for left foot braking, and it is. The dead pedal surface area is huge and your resting position with the left foot is perfect for sliding it over on to the brakes.
Overall
As you can see overall the car is outstanding. The car is not cheap. But you certainly get more than you pay for. A carbon fiber tub, a drivers car that’s raw and stripped down but with great electronics, amazing looks, best in class performance, and the most direct driving experience of any car out there.