2 year update on my McLaren ownership experience
Discussion
My 720S has gone in for servicing and the 2 standard recalls (NVH pad under fuel tank and hose clips). Over 2 years from new now, and it's been bulletproof throughout. Not a warning light, fault, noise, glitch. Simply nothing has gone wrong.
McHatfield couldn't provide a courtesy car during this week, but offered one later in July. However I needed to get the service done now for other reasons.
As I've never driven a 720S Spider yet, I asked if I could test drive one whilst I was there. McHatfield with their usual exemplary customer service said I could simply have the demonstrator to take home with me, and keep it whilst mine was in for servicing this week. Awesome! I just LOVE McLaren customer service, and particularly at Hatfield.
Neither Woking, nor Hatfield have ever failed to impress me with their customer service. Nothing is ever too much trouble. Is it any wonder I love McLaren and their cars! (Ferrari HQ on the other hand have been "obstinate" to deal with, on my Lusso, but the dealer has been fine.)
A loan of the 720S Spider over a few days, and the chance to drive it on familiar roads was an excellent opportunity to really get to know the car.
Initial impressions of the Spider were that (top up) it is noticeably less refined and noisier than the coupe. There could also have been a fault, as there was a faint ringing sound coming from the engine, especially when feathering the throttle. Mine never does that.
The Spider also had some vibrations that are not present on my coupe. I could see the rear view mirror had a continuous very slight vibration. I don't know whether that was a fault, or due to it being a Spider. On road at least, I could not tell that the car was any less stiff than the coupe though in terms of its handling.
I also noticed that the "interesting" turbo sounds the coupe makes inside the cabin are significantly muted in the Spider.
It also confirmed my view that I prefer the coupe's door design and rear sloping glass aesthetic. The Spider also has a visibly higher rear bulkhead, but it does not really impact rearward visibility to any noticeable extent.
I drove the Spider hard - very hard. A problem however was that the demonstrator has PZero tyres, which I found to be very significantly lacking in grip compared to my Corsas. I hate these PZeroes. The car has so little adhesion in acceleration that it frequently span its rears, especially when using launch control. Braking was also poor compared to my car, on Corsas, which feels like dropping an anchor. Lower adhesion meant I was also more wary in the bends.
Those are the negatives (ignoring the tyres), and in context of competitors these are very insignificant disadvantages compared to the coupe. This is all thanks to the carbon fibre tub of course. A Ferrari Spider is MUCH worse than a coupe for example.
Now the positives. The key one is that McLaren make the very best convertibles, with such insignificant compromises. On road at least, the spider and coupe feel equally well composed. I've not driven the Spider on track but would not be surprised if it was very close to the coupe there too. The 720S Spider's roof mechanism is very quick and silent too.
The BIG advantages I found with the Spider however were that the engine was hugely more audible in the cabin of course, and just dropping the rear glass in tunnels made the drive through a lot more fun than when opening windows in the coupe. Yes I know it's childish, but it's fun.
One very noticeable feature was that McLaren have remapped the engine. The Spider makes gunshot noises pretty much on demand, when driving hard, on lift off + change down in Sport drivetrain mode. It also does the same reasonably frequently on the upshift under full throttle. It sounds great, and reminded me of my drive in the 675LTS. The 600LTS is much louder and even more exciting from a soundtrack perspective than even 675LTS though, which is doubtless partly due to the exhaust exit position. I've been told that the difference in sound is greater in 720S coupe to 765LT, than in 570S to 600LT. That is astonishing, and I can't wait to drive the 765LT.
The associated benefit of the soundtrack was that the Spider felt much more fun at much lower speeds. The wind rushing past my head also added to that. I felt more engaged with the car, road and environment. Simply put, it was significantly more thrilling. I wanted a Spider. I preferred it to the coupe.
Whilst at Hatfield, I got the chance to reacquaint myself with the 765LT. I had originally seen it the day after launch at Woking. Whilst I would never choose Nardo, the car itself looked even better to me now, although I preferred the grey one at MTC.
Seeing it alongside other models, and with mine parked outside for comparison (see pics), made the differences even more stark, and made the 765LT look very aggressive indeed. I really want one very badly right now, even though I know I will take a huge kick to the wallet.
After all, you can't take it with you.
Nice!
Nice analysis on Coupe vs Spider. I’d never have Spider, just don’t like the shape and all additional issues/parts/waste imho.
Re sound/gunshots, are you sure it’s remap? If so and not exhaust, it sounds like ignition cut on LTs when in sport mode....did you have a kick in between shifts when in sport?
765 is stunning.
Really surprised by them saying step change in exhaust is bigger than sport series, which is already mad imho. Is it because 720s is even quieter than 570s?
Nice analysis on Coupe vs Spider. I’d never have Spider, just don’t like the shape and all additional issues/parts/waste imho.
Re sound/gunshots, are you sure it’s remap? If so and not exhaust, it sounds like ignition cut on LTs when in sport mode....did you have a kick in between shifts when in sport?
765 is stunning.
Really surprised by them saying step change in exhaust is bigger than sport series, which is already mad imho. Is it because 720s is even quieter than 570s?
RBT0 said:
Re sound/gunshots, are you sure it’s remap? If so and not exhaust, it sounds like ignition cut on LTs when in sport mode....did you have a kick in between shifts when in sport?
765 is stunning.
Really surprised by them saying step change in exhaust is bigger than sport series, which is already mad imho. Is it because 720s is even quieter than 570s?
100% sure its mapping. I mean that McLaren themselves have mapped the spider ECU differently to the coupe.765 is stunning.
Really surprised by them saying step change in exhaust is bigger than sport series, which is already mad imho. Is it because 720s is even quieter than 570s?
Yes it kicks on upshift. But the gunshots are even easier to provoke on downshifts, with no kick.
I've not driven a 765LT yet so can only guess, but perhaps the titanium exhaust is one of the reasons it is even more dramatic.
LotusJas said:
RBT0 said:
Re sound/gunshots, are you sure it’s remap? If so and not exhaust, it sounds like ignition cut on LTs when in sport mode....did you have a kick in between shifts when in sport?
765 is stunning.
Really surprised by them saying step change in exhaust is bigger than sport series, which is already mad imho. Is it because 720s is even quieter than 570s?
100% sure its mapping. I mean that McLaren themselves have mapped the spider ECU differently to the coupe.765 is stunning.
Really surprised by them saying step change in exhaust is bigger than sport series, which is already mad imho. Is it because 720s is even quieter than 570s?
Yes it kicks on upshift. But the gunshots are even easier to provoke on downshifts, with no kick.
I've not driven a 765LT yet so can only guess, but perhaps the titanium exhaust is one of the reasons it is even more dramatic.
Surprised if spider has different mapping to coupe when spiders are usually the softer option and some manufacturers wind the sound back due to the roof being off.
The ignition cut and pops and bangs on both upshifts and downshift on the 675LT are mental and for that reason I think it sounds better than 600LT myself which when I test drove one only seemed to do it on downshifts
Personally I love the monochromatic roof and mechanism on the spider which is an essential option IMHO. Will that be available on 765 LT spider ?
The ignition cut and pops and bangs on both upshifts and downshift on the 675LT are mental and for that reason I think it sounds better than 600LT myself which when I test drove one only seemed to do it on downshifts
Personally I love the monochromatic roof and mechanism on the spider which is an essential option IMHO. Will that be available on 765 LT spider ?
Edited by WilliamWaiver on Wednesday 8th July 23:35
MAC 720S said:
I don’t think it is just the Spider. As you know, I’ve had a 2017 and 2019 coupe. The 2019 coupe is definitely different with the gear changes. More aggressive changes in sport and track, with noticeably more gunshots on downshift, to the point it can be orchestrated changing down through 4th, 3rd and 2nd. I didn’t have that on the 2017 model.
Could well be that. I will investigate with Woking.Does yours have black or gunmetal B&W speaker grilles?
WilliamWaiver said:
Personally I love the monochromatic roof and mechanism on the spider which is an essential option IMHO. Will that be available on 765 LT spider ?
Photochromic roof?Very probably yes, but no one knows for sure yet as the spider has not been announced.
It is cool. I don't want it on an LT though, as it adds weight at the top of the car.
LotusJas said:
Could well be that. I will investigate with Woking.
Does yours have black or gunmetal B&W speaker grilles?
It is with the detailer being PPF’d so can’t check but looks like black in these pics on page 9 > https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...Does yours have black or gunmetal B&W speaker grilles?
Nice to hear you've had impeccable service and reliability after all the internet scare stories (not that I would ever been in a position to afford a McLaren)
I wonder how much of the ownership experience is down to the dealership as opposed to the car. For example, a diligent dealership will check and sort out potential issues before they arise so the owners only sees a seamless unhindered experience.
I wonder how much of the ownership experience is down to the dealership as opposed to the car. For example, a diligent dealership will check and sort out potential issues before they arise so the owners only sees a seamless unhindered experience.
LotusJas said:
RBT0 said:
Re sound/gunshots, are you sure it’s remap? If so and not exhaust, it sounds like ignition cut on LTs when in sport mode....did you have a kick in between shifts when in sport?
765 is stunning.
Really surprised by them saying step change in exhaust is bigger than sport series, which is already mad imho. Is it because 720s is even quieter than 570s?
100% sure its mapping. I mean that McLaren themselves have mapped the spider ECU differently to the coupe.765 is stunning.
Really surprised by them saying step change in exhaust is bigger than sport series, which is already mad imho. Is it because 720s is even quieter than 570s?
Yes it kicks on upshift. But the gunshots are even easier to provoke on downshifts, with no kick.
I've not driven a 765LT yet so can only guess, but perhaps the titanium exhaust is one of the reasons it is even more dramatic.
If they said increase vs base, than it could be 570s is louder than 720s base vs base.
600 is pretty loud with top exit, can’t see 765 being louder, unless engine driven? From video released so far (press video), it’s not louder
WilliamWaiver said:
Surprised if spider has different mapping to coupe when spiders are usually the softer option and some manufacturers wind the sound back due to the roof being off.
The ignition cut and pops and bangs on both upsides and downshift on the 675LT are mental and for that reason I think it sounds better than 600LT myself which when I test drove one only seemed to do it on downshifts
Personally I love the monochromatic roof and mechanism on the spider which is an essential option IMHO. Will that be available on 765 LT spider ?
600LT have pops on upshift as well. As usual it all depends on rpm and throttle.The ignition cut and pops and bangs on both upsides and downshift on the 675LT are mental and for that reason I think it sounds better than 600LT myself which when I test drove one only seemed to do it on downshifts
Personally I love the monochromatic roof and mechanism on the spider which is an essential option IMHO. Will that be available on 765 LT spider ?
MAC 720S said:
It is with the detailer being PPF’d so can’t check but looks like black in these pics on page 9 > https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Does look black, but can't ever be sure with pics.RBT0 said:
600LT have pops on upshift as well. As usual it all depends on rpm and throttle.
Oh OK but I didn't experience that on a test drive event with Mclaren when I drove both 600LT and 675LT back to back.With 675LT is was most noticeable like a shot gun going off on ups and downs.
On the 600LT it definitely did it on downshift but I didn't notice it on upshifts and I was changing gear at circa 6000 rpm on both
Is it down to the exhaust or the mapping as it seemed totally random
LotusJas said:
MAC720S, I'm waiting for more info from Woking regarding ECU mapping. But the dealer's view was that the Spider's shorter exhaust is definitely a factor in the sound.
Can’t see how a shorter exhaust will make a difference to the increase in pops, bangs and farts. It may change the tone a bit.WilliamWaiver said:
RBT0 said:
600LT have pops on upshift as well. As usual it all depends on rpm and throttle.
Oh OK but I didn't experience that on a test drive event with Mclaren when I drove both 600LT and 675LT back to back.With 675LT is was most noticeable like a shot gun going off on ups and downs.
On the 600LT it definitely did it on downshift but I didn't notice it on upshifts and I was changing gear at circa 6000 rpm on both
Is it down to the exhaust or the mapping as it seemed totally random
On 600 pops are not as loud on upshift as on downshift, anyway I notice upshift pops from time to time on mine (Coupe, so roof and windows up) only when in sport (ignition cut). No upshift pops in track mode, however it’s much more enjoyable with Inertia push.
I collected my car today, and was very pleased that the technician who serviced my car took time to have a chat with me about the car and work done. I'm also happy to report that removal of the NVH pad hasn't caused any increase in NVH at all. I will need to test the car on much bumpier roads to be absolutely certain of course.
Whilst at McHatfield, I asked if I could borrow their McLaren GT demonstrator for a test drive, because I just wanted to know what it was like to drive. I said I was not going to buy one.
Usual McHatfield service, as they just passed me the keys.
I found the GT to be unfairly under-rated. It is more comfortable than super series suspension, yet handles like a light and powerful McLaren. You could easily track this car, and also use it as a daily, or cross a continent in it. Engine note also sounds good. It's a relaxed, yet ballistic car, which handles very well.
Whilst at McHatfield, I asked if I could borrow their McLaren GT demonstrator for a test drive, because I just wanted to know what it was like to drive. I said I was not going to buy one.
Usual McHatfield service, as they just passed me the keys.
I found the GT to be unfairly under-rated. It is more comfortable than super series suspension, yet handles like a light and powerful McLaren. You could easily track this car, and also use it as a daily, or cross a continent in it. Engine note also sounds good. It's a relaxed, yet ballistic car, which handles very well.
RBT0 said:
No idea, but 600 is newer car than 675. Not sure if 675 has got valves, 600 does (they should be open anyway at 6k rpm)
On 600 pops are not as loud on upshift as on downshift, anyway I notice upshift pops from time to time on mine (Coupe, so roof and windows up) only when in sport (ignition cut). No upshift pops in track mode, however it’s much more enjoyable with Inertia push.
So are you saying in track mode you don't get the pops and bangs which are caused in sport mode by ignition cut off but it is replaced with inertia push what ever that is ?On 600 pops are not as loud on upshift as on downshift, anyway I notice upshift pops from time to time on mine (Coupe, so roof and windows up) only when in sport (ignition cut). No upshift pops in track mode, however it’s much more enjoyable with Inertia push.
I've only ever driven a 675LT and a 600LT in sport mode as it was not on track
WilliamWaiver said:
RBT0 said:
No idea, but 600 is newer car than 675. Not sure if 675 has got valves, 600 does (they should be open anyway at 6k rpm)
On 600 pops are not as loud on upshift as on downshift, anyway I notice upshift pops from time to time on mine (Coupe, so roof and windows up) only when in sport (ignition cut). No upshift pops in track mode, however it’s much more enjoyable with Inertia push.
So are you saying in track mode you don't get the pops and bangs which are caused in sport mode by ignition cut off but it is replaced with inertia push what ever that is ?On 600 pops are not as loud on upshift as on downshift, anyway I notice upshift pops from time to time on mine (Coupe, so roof and windows up) only when in sport (ignition cut). No upshift pops in track mode, however it’s much more enjoyable with Inertia push.
I've only ever driven a 675LT and a 600LT in sport mode as it was not on track
Inertia push (track mode only) gives you a push forward during the upshift, I think it’s a clever use of the flywheel and gearbox. Rather than just changing gear and having a linear progression in acceleration, you get a bump forward, opposite to what happen in sport, where you feel a stop and then a kick. The bump forward is more noticeable during medium/heavy load whereas at low throttle you just get a very smooth and quick gear change.
After more than a year driving my LT, I’ve come up with the conclusion that sport mode is not good for heavy throttle because the kick you get can be disruptive, ultimately causing early intervention of traction control.
In track mode there’s less drama at low speed/throttle but car is more effective and usable at full throttle.
I like this dual face behaviour though. Porsche cars don’t change much between sport and sport plus powertrain settings and it feels a waste.
With McLaren you get different dashboard and engine/transmission responsiveness. Ultimately the power is still the same but with noticeable differences in the way is delivered.
Hope it helps.
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