The GT, some questions if I may
Discussion
Hello,after 17 years of truly wonderful Noble M400 ownership,I am fast approaching a milestone birthday (60th),I’m at the now or never stage of McLaren ownership.Ive never thought of the GT as a looker,bit it has really grown on me,and along with the added practicality over some of the other models (and relative rarity/slow sales/ etc) it might just be my favourite now.
I have a couple of dilemmas though…
1: It won’t fit in my bloody garage. Well it would just about,but with the drivers door right up I have less than 10 inches space and that’s without some padding/protection on the garage walls.Do any of you keep yours open to the elements?
2:With the above in mind,keeping it outside would mean not having access to electricity,and thus now being able to keep it on trickle charge. How bad is battery drain? I’d hope to use it a couple of times a fortnight ( as it’s a bit more “everyday” than the other models and the Noble,bit I’m not sure that’s sufficient.
3: I appreciate that carbon is considered important for resale on most models,is it as important on the GT,as most don’t have much if any? Generally I love the stuff,but hate the prices! I’d be quite happy to go without (especially exterior) as long as it didn’t mean I had a car no one wanted come resale.
Thanks in advance,I’m starting to get a bit excited but the above is bothering me a bit.
I have a couple of dilemmas though…
1: It won’t fit in my bloody garage. Well it would just about,but with the drivers door right up I have less than 10 inches space and that’s without some padding/protection on the garage walls.Do any of you keep yours open to the elements?
2:With the above in mind,keeping it outside would mean not having access to electricity,and thus now being able to keep it on trickle charge. How bad is battery drain? I’d hope to use it a couple of times a fortnight ( as it’s a bit more “everyday” than the other models and the Noble,bit I’m not sure that’s sufficient.
3: I appreciate that carbon is considered important for resale on most models,is it as important on the GT,as most don’t have much if any? Generally I love the stuff,but hate the prices! I’d be quite happy to go without (especially exterior) as long as it didn’t mean I had a car no one wanted come resale.
Thanks in advance,I’m starting to get a bit excited but the above is bothering me a bit.
Edited by sjc on Saturday 12th October 23:34
sjc said:
Hello,after 17 years of truly wonderful Noble M400 ownership,I am fast approaching a milestone birthday (60th),I’m at the now or never stage of Maclaren ownership.Ive never thought of the GT as a looker,bit it has really grown on me,and along with the added practicality over some of the other models (and relative rarity/slow sales/ etc) it might just be my favourite now.
I have a couple of dilemmas though…
1: It won’t fit in my bloody garage. Well it would just about,but with the drivers door right up I have less than 10 inches space and that’s without some padding/protection on the garage walls.Do any of you keep yours open to the elements?
2:With the above in mind,keeping it outside would mean not having access to electricity,and thus now being able to keep it on trickle charge. How bad is battery drain? I’d hope to use it a couple of times a fortnight ( as it’s a bit more “everyday” than the other models and the Noble,bit I’m not sure that’s sufficient.
3: I appreciate that carbon is considered important for resale on most models,is it as important on the GT,as most don’t have much if any? Generally I love the stuff,but hate the prices! I’d be quite happy to go without (especially exterior) as long as it didn’t mean I had a car no one wanted come resale.
Thanks in advance,I’m starting to get a bit excited but the above is bothering me a bit.
I have a Noble M12 (21 years next month) as well. There’s absolutely no issue keeping McLarens outside. If you drive it at least once a fortnight you’ll probably get away without charging. Once a week and you’ll have no issues. I have a couple of dilemmas though…
1: It won’t fit in my bloody garage. Well it would just about,but with the drivers door right up I have less than 10 inches space and that’s without some padding/protection on the garage walls.Do any of you keep yours open to the elements?
2:With the above in mind,keeping it outside would mean not having access to electricity,and thus now being able to keep it on trickle charge. How bad is battery drain? I’d hope to use it a couple of times a fortnight ( as it’s a bit more “everyday” than the other models and the Noble,bit I’m not sure that’s sufficient.
3: I appreciate that carbon is considered important for resale on most models,is it as important on the GT,as most don’t have much if any? Generally I love the stuff,but hate the prices! I’d be quite happy to go without (especially exterior) as long as it didn’t mean I had a car no one wanted come resale.
Thanks in advance,I’m starting to get a bit excited but the above is bothering me a bit.
I don’t think carbon is essential on the GT. I had no problems selling a 570GT without any exterior carbon. It just had the extended carbon paddles. A lot of GTs that I’ve seen had no carbon at all.
sjc said:
Hello,after 17 years of truly wonderful Noble M400 ownership,I am fast approaching a milestone birthday (60th),I’m at the now or never stage of Maclaren ownership.Ive never thought of the GT as a looker,bit it has really grown on me,and along with the added practicality over some of the other models (and relative rarity/slow sales/ etc) it might just be my favourite now.
I have a couple of dilemmas though…
1: It won’t fit in my bloody garage. Well it would just about,but with the drivers door right up I have less than 10 inches space and that’s without some padding/protection on the garage walls.Do any of you keep yours open to the elements?
2:With the above in mind,keeping it outside would mean not having access to electricity,and thus now being able to keep it on trickle charge. How bad is battery drain? I’d hope to use it a couple of times a fortnight ( as it’s a bit more “everyday” than the other models and the Noble,bit I’m not sure that’s sufficient.
3: I appreciate that carbon is considered important for resale on most models,is it as important on the GT,as most don’t have much if any? Generally I love the stuff,but hate the prices! I’d be quite happy to go without (especially exterior) as long as it didn’t mean I had a car no one wanted come resale.
Thanks in advance,I’m starting to get a bit excited but the above is bothering me a bit.
I have a Noble M12 (21 years next month) as well. There’s absolutely no issue keeping McLarens outside. If you drive it at least once a fortnight you’ll probably get away without charging. Once a week and you’ll have no issues. I have a couple of dilemmas though…
1: It won’t fit in my bloody garage. Well it would just about,but with the drivers door right up I have less than 10 inches space and that’s without some padding/protection on the garage walls.Do any of you keep yours open to the elements?
2:With the above in mind,keeping it outside would mean not having access to electricity,and thus now being able to keep it on trickle charge. How bad is battery drain? I’d hope to use it a couple of times a fortnight ( as it’s a bit more “everyday” than the other models and the Noble,bit I’m not sure that’s sufficient.
3: I appreciate that carbon is considered important for resale on most models,is it as important on the GT,as most don’t have much if any? Generally I love the stuff,but hate the prices! I’d be quite happy to go without (especially exterior) as long as it didn’t mean I had a car no one wanted come resale.
Thanks in advance,I’m starting to get a bit excited but the above is bothering me a bit.
I don’t think carbon is essential on the GT. I had no problems selling a 570GT without any exterior carbon. It just had the extended carbon paddles. A lot of GTs that I’ve seen had no carbon at all.
Keeping them outside isn't an issue and as has been said the battery is good for 3 or 4 weeks so a trickle charge isn't necessary, unless you're going on a 6 week cruise.
As much as I hate to introduce mission creep the 570S is a much better car IMHO if you can stretch to it. That's not to say the GT won't make your day every time you get in it but the 570 is probably the best handling McLaren I've owned, it's an absolute blast on those Sunday morning Essex lanes. I've owned much quicker McLaren's but none have been as much fun on a twisty back road.
And I wouldn't worry about carbon or any of that nonsense, these cars are just so exciting it should really be about what you want, not what the market likes, resale is a long way off. Don't buy to sell, you certainly didn't do that with the Noble!
As much as I hate to introduce mission creep the 570S is a much better car IMHO if you can stretch to it. That's not to say the GT won't make your day every time you get in it but the 570 is probably the best handling McLaren I've owned, it's an absolute blast on those Sunday morning Essex lanes. I've owned much quicker McLaren's but none have been as much fun on a twisty back road.
And I wouldn't worry about carbon or any of that nonsense, these cars are just so exciting it should really be about what you want, not what the market likes, resale is a long way off. Don't buy to sell, you certainly didn't do that with the Noble!
Edited by br d on Saturday 12th October 19:10
simon_j said:
sjc said:
Hello,after 17 years of truly wonderful Noble M400 ownership,I am fast approaching a milestone birthday (60th),I’m at the now or never stage of Maclaren ownership.Ive never thought of the GT as a looker,bit it has really grown on me,and along with the added practicality over some of the other models (and relative rarity/slow sales/ etc) it might just be my favourite now.
I have a couple of dilemmas though…
1: It won’t fit in my bloody garage. Well it would just about,but with the drivers door right up I have less than 10 inches space and that’s without some padding/protection on the garage walls.Do any of you keep yours open to the elements?
2:With the above in mind,keeping it outside would mean not having access to electricity,and thus now being able to keep it on trickle charge. How bad is battery drain? I’d hope to use it a couple of times a fortnight ( as it’s a bit more “everyday” than the other models and the Noble,bit I’m not sure that’s sufficient.
3: I appreciate that carbon is considered important for resale on most models,is it as important on the GT,as most don’t have much if any? Generally I love the stuff,but hate the prices! I’d be quite happy to go without (especially exterior) as long as it didn’t mean I had a car no one wanted come resale.
Thanks in advance,I’m starting to get a bit excited but the above is bothering me a bit.
I have a Noble M12 (21 years next month) as well. There’s absolutely no issue keeping McLarens outside. If you drive it at least once a fortnight you’ll probably get away without charging. Once a week and you’ll have no issues. I have a couple of dilemmas though…
1: It won’t fit in my bloody garage. Well it would just about,but with the drivers door right up I have less than 10 inches space and that’s without some padding/protection on the garage walls.Do any of you keep yours open to the elements?
2:With the above in mind,keeping it outside would mean not having access to electricity,and thus now being able to keep it on trickle charge. How bad is battery drain? I’d hope to use it a couple of times a fortnight ( as it’s a bit more “everyday” than the other models and the Noble,bit I’m not sure that’s sufficient.
3: I appreciate that carbon is considered important for resale on most models,is it as important on the GT,as most don’t have much if any? Generally I love the stuff,but hate the prices! I’d be quite happy to go without (especially exterior) as long as it didn’t mean I had a car no one wanted come resale.
Thanks in advance,I’m starting to get a bit excited but the above is bothering me a bit.
I don’t think carbon is essential on the GT. I had no problems selling a 570GT without any exterior carbon. It just had the extended carbon paddles. A lot of GTs that I’ve seen had no carbon at all.
Certainly seems to be the case that carbon isn’t a big thing on the GT.
br d said:
Keeping them outside isn't an issue and as has been said the battery is good for 3 or 4 weeks so a trickle charge isn't necessary, unless you're going on a 6 week cruise.
As much as I hate to introduce mission creep the 570S is a much better car IMHO if you can stretch to it. That's not to say the GT won't make your day every time you get in it but the 570 is probably the best handling McLaren I've owned, it's an absolute blast on those Sunday morning Essex lanes. I've owned much quicker McLaren's but none have been as much fun on a twisty back road.
And I wouldn't worry about carbon or any of that nonsense, these cars are just so exciting it should really be about what you want, not what the market likes, resale is a long way off. Don't buy to sell, you certainly didn't do that with the Noble!
Hi Brad,long time !As much as I hate to introduce mission creep the 570S is a much better car IMHO if you can stretch to it. That's not to say the GT won't make your day every time you get in it but the 570 is probably the best handling McLaren I've owned, it's an absolute blast on those Sunday morning Essex lanes. I've owned much quicker McLaren's but none have been as much fun on a twisty back road.
And I wouldn't worry about carbon or any of that nonsense, these cars are just so exciting it should really be about what you want, not what the market likes, resale is a long way off. Don't buy to sell, you certainly didn't do that with the Noble!
Edited by br d on Saturday 12th October 19:10
I don’t really fancy a 570S,tbh I’d just keep the Noble as I’ve just find 1000 mile road trip via the IOM and the car was simply perfect for those roads. I’m thinking of changing for something that (having enjoyed the road trip so much), is just a bit more practical than the Noble,but I’m not a fan of big coupes so that counts out some of the more obvious choices. It was going to be 650S,but one particular GT caught my eye and it seems a good compromise.
I've never been convinced by GTs. Owners do seem to love them, but with switchable suspension etc, all McLarens are pretty good at any role. Obviously the GT has a bit more space for luggage but it's not exactly a Volvo estate.
Having said that, if you fancy one - buy one!
Both of my 650s lived outside with no issue. I simply cut and extended the cable for the charger so I can charge them from a charger that is plugged into the garage. But I use mine enough that I very rarely charge it - only if I know I won't use it for at least a week and that's very rare.
Having said that, if you fancy one - buy one!
Both of my 650s lived outside with no issue. I simply cut and extended the cable for the charger so I can charge them from a charger that is plugged into the garage. But I use mine enough that I very rarely charge it - only if I know I won't use it for at least a week and that's very rare.
964Cup said:
I'd be bolder about the garage.
My old car:
There's still enough space to open the driver's door fully and, with the door closed, to walk around to plug the charger into the frunk.
My old car:
There's still enough space to open the driver's door fully and, with the door closed, to walk around to plug the charger into the frunk.
Unfortunately,even getting it through the garage door rubber flaps only gives me 45mm grace (with the mirror out) the actual opening gives me 100mm space,and then once inside at 2900mm,with the drivers door open fully I have 250mm without any padding for the walls etc,and I couldn’t walk around the car so I’d have to get it out every time I needed something from the garage. That’s one of the beauties of the Noble…its size.
Apart from nose lift, I don't think there's any other spec omission which would make a Mac unsaleable. Exterior carbon tends to be rare so not a must-have to sell.
I'd happily leave my 570GT parked without the charger for two weeks and not worry. Having said that you can easily trickle charge it with a weatherproof mains extension cable fed into the closed frunk (and thus the charger itself and all connections locked away inside the frunk).
Perhaps worth noting that the 540C, 570S, 570GT, 600LT and GT are all the same basic car, albeit the GT gets the 4.0L version of the engine. The GT just has new bodywork which extends the luggage area further back, but it's pretty shallow there due to the engine, gearbox and exhaust underneath - useful if you want to carry long thin items like golf clubs (or a surfboard?), but tbh any fixed-head McLaren has very useable luggage space between the frunk and the 'parcel shelf' behind the seats. So I don't see the practicality as a big differentiator - but the GTs are newer cars and look good value, and if you like the looks then why not.
davek_964 said:
I've never been convinced by GTs. Owners do seem to love them, but with switchable suspension etc, all McLarens are pretty good at any role. Obviously the GT has a bit more space for luggage but it's not exactly a Volvo estate.
Having said that, if you fancy one - buy one!
Both of my 650s lived outside with no issue. I simply cut and extended the cable for the charger so I can charge them from a charger that is plugged into the garage. But I use mine enough that I very rarely charge it - only if I know I won't use it for at least a week and that's very rare.
It was discussed elsewere and agree with Dave above, i dont see the immediate advantages of the "gt" besides a bit more storage, theres plenty of room in most Mclarens for road trips as most owners regularly do.Having said that, if you fancy one - buy one!
Both of my 650s lived outside with no issue. I simply cut and extended the cable for the charger so I can charge them from a charger that is plugged into the garage. But I use mine enough that I very rarely charge it - only if I know I won't use it for at least a week and that's very rare.
But if it catches your eye, im sure you wont be dissapointed, but i wouldnt discount other models purely on there ability to eat up the miles with luggage.
For the last 6 years of McLaren ownership, they have both lived outside with zero issues.
I can count on both hands how many times I have left it on charge; I disabled the trackers on the cars and the battery seems to last as mentioned in a prior post 3 to 4 weeks easily with plenty charge left; with not being garage queen's I use the car in all weather's so unless on holiday, it will never go 4 weeks without use anyways.
Carbon is neither here nor there; both of the macs I have owned have had most carbon options fitted and that's what I was looking for, but it's not the view of everyone.
My last McLaren sold privately very quickly as someone like minded desired a carbon heavy car.
All the McLarens are ballisticly fast and handle almost like no other marque, so if the GT is the style you desire, go for it.
It's a shame as it is vastly unloved; I think they look terrific.
The only tuppence worth advice I would give to anyone considering McLaren ownership is go for a spider as you get 2 cars for the price of one with zero scuttle shake like the other marques, but in this case with your choice of model, that advice is irrelevant!
I'm sure you shall love the GT.
I can count on both hands how many times I have left it on charge; I disabled the trackers on the cars and the battery seems to last as mentioned in a prior post 3 to 4 weeks easily with plenty charge left; with not being garage queen's I use the car in all weather's so unless on holiday, it will never go 4 weeks without use anyways.
Carbon is neither here nor there; both of the macs I have owned have had most carbon options fitted and that's what I was looking for, but it's not the view of everyone.
My last McLaren sold privately very quickly as someone like minded desired a carbon heavy car.
All the McLarens are ballisticly fast and handle almost like no other marque, so if the GT is the style you desire, go for it.
It's a shame as it is vastly unloved; I think they look terrific.
The only tuppence worth advice I would give to anyone considering McLaren ownership is go for a spider as you get 2 cars for the price of one with zero scuttle shake like the other marques, but in this case with your choice of model, that advice is irrelevant!
I'm sure you shall love the GT.
sjc said:
GT as a looker,bit it has really grown on me,and along with the added practicality over some of the other models (and relative rarity/slow sales/ etc) it might just be my favourite now.
I have a couple of dilemmas though…
1/ You can keep it outside just fine.I have a couple of dilemmas though…
2/ If you are driving it a couple of times a fortnight, the GT won't have any issue with not being on a trickle-charger. Unless you have an aftermarlet device added that drains it.
3/ I wouldn't worry about carbon on a GT
Thanks to all that have offered their advice so far.
Based on the replies,I’m not too concerned about it being outside and also it not draining the battery too quick. Charging outside isn’t an option as my other two parking spaces aren’t close enough to the house or the garage! I’ll make sure I have a decent ceramic coat put on it,as I’m not a fan of external car covers and can’t be bothered with the hassle of taking it on/off.
So moving on,the car hasn’t got any PPF,are there any areas that are particularly bad for rash/chipping ?
And think read somewhere,that access for truckle charging is in the front boot,not the back ?
Based on the replies,I’m not too concerned about it being outside and also it not draining the battery too quick. Charging outside isn’t an option as my other two parking spaces aren’t close enough to the house or the garage! I’ll make sure I have a decent ceramic coat put on it,as I’m not a fan of external car covers and can’t be bothered with the hassle of taking it on/off.
So moving on,the car hasn’t got any PPF,are there any areas that are particularly bad for rash/chipping ?
And think read somewhere,that access for truckle charging is in the front boot,not the back ?
Edited by sjc on Sunday 13th October 23:46
I keep my GT outside because some idiot converted the garage to an office in lockdown!
It’s seems fine - battery not an issue if I leave it a week (drops from 46 to 45 days) so I’m sure you could leave it for longer.
I don’t have carbon - I’ve got the MSO bright pack instead). I’m not sure carbon is essential on the GT - more of a nice to have I suppose.
I don't believe there are any exterior carbon options and you don't get very much on the internal stuff (steering wheel and paddles, I think).
It’s seems fine - battery not an issue if I leave it a week (drops from 46 to 45 days) so I’m sure you could leave it for longer.
I don’t have carbon - I’ve got the MSO bright pack instead). I’m not sure carbon is essential on the GT - more of a nice to have I suppose.
I don't believe there are any exterior carbon options and you don't get very much on the internal stuff (steering wheel and paddles, I think).
Edited by Paulsd on Monday 14th October 09:05
sjc said:
Thanks to all that have offered their advice so far.
Based on the replies,I’m not too concerned about it being outside and also it not draining the battery too quick. Charging outside isn’t an option as my other two parking spaces aren’t close enough to the house or the garage! I’ll make sure I have a decent ceramic coat put on it,as I’m not a fan of external car covers and can’t be bothered with the hassle of taking it on/off.
So moving on,the car hasn’t got any PPF,are there any areas that are particularly bad for rash/chipping ?
And think read somewhere,that access for truckle charging is in the front boot,not the back ?
I don't have PPF on mine - it's surving well so far. I keep thinking about getting some on it but never get round to it.Based on the replies,I’m not too concerned about it being outside and also it not draining the battery too quick. Charging outside isn’t an option as my other two parking spaces aren’t close enough to the house or the garage! I’ll make sure I have a decent ceramic coat put on it,as I’m not a fan of external car covers and can’t be bothered with the hassle of taking it on/off.
So moving on,the car hasn’t got any PPF,are there any areas that are particularly bad for rash/chipping ?
And think read somewhere,that access for truckle charging is in the front boot,not the back ?
Edited by sjc on Sunday 13th October 23:46
Charging is via front boot.
samoht said:
Perhaps worth noting that the 540C, 570S, 570GT, 600LT and GT are all the same basic car, albeit the GT gets the 4.0L version of the engine.
The GT has the monocell 2 tub as used on the 720S - but in T (for touring) spec. Same engine as 720 as well but with smaller turbos, higher compression and 100PS less.Paulsd said:
The GT has the monocell 2 tub as used on the 720S - but in T (for touring) spec. Same engine as 720 as well but with smaller turbos, higher compression and 100PS less.
Spot the odd one out of these three:570 interior:
GT interior:
720S interior:
Also note that the 720S coupe has a 'T-Bar' type roof with a narrow spine as the doors open taking part of the roof with them, where the Sports Series cars (570 and GT) have a conventional full-width roof with the door closing onto a normal cant rail.
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