The 570GT is part of the “Sports Series” family and so retains much of the 570S’ proportions. Softer lines flow to create this silhouette of which gives it more elegance than its racier sibling. One of the biggest differences you will notice is the cars unique rear profile of which incorporates a new glass hatch. The way in which the roofline gracefully fades into the shoulders makes it, in my opinion, the best looking Sport Series car in the range. Of course there is still some aerodynamic wizardry at play with ducts and channels conducting the airflow. Finished in Ice Silver, our test car sported a slight tint of blue under certain light. Looking sophisticated, McLaren’s latest effort wouldn’t look out of place in Casino Square Monte Carlo.

The interior is broadly the same as what you would find on the 570S, no bad thing. This cabin is extremely ergonomic with a clean sculptural design. Tanned leather coats every surface whilst a portrait tablet offers up your infotainment pallet. By integrating many of the cars buttons into this system it clears much of the clutter created by air conditioning controls and the like. Supportive sports seats provide comfort as well as the appropriate bolstering for more spirited driving. This car also features the optional carbon pack of which adds some exquisite carbon fibre elements to the interior. More than just a GT in name, the McLaren 570GT caters for luggage via the usual 130 litre compartment in the nose, but now also a further 220 litres behind occupants. A glass hatch opens like a piano lid to reveal the leather lined space. This added utility is a big draw to those who desire to use such a machine everyday.

This added usability is further conveyed in the way the car goes about its business. With a suspension that is 15% and 10% softer in the front and rear respectively, the ride is more compliant. Still athletic in nature, but tuned to cushion road imperfections rather than be the optimum for performance. This model also lacks a sports exhaust and has increased sound deadening in order to promote a tranquil drive. At low speed with everything in its most docile setting the 570GT is magnificently composed. Whilst you never forget that you are driving something special, the car seems to just flow effortlessly. The 7 speed transmission seamless in its function is another marvel. At higher cruising speeds it just eats the miles like no other supercar. McLaren took this Grand Touring mantra very seriously as I believe this is a machine that you could happily cross mainland Europe in. Wind and road noise isn’t too intrusive and the torque from this cars turbos enables strong progress when required. However, when the time comes to flick those techno-marine dials over to a spicier setting, it doesn’t disappoint. The 3.8 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine behind you makes itself known by firing you towards the horizon. Despite the more vocal exhaust being optional, the standard pipes still sound great, although they are best appreciated from outside or with the window open. 562 BHP and 600Nm of torque empowers a 0-62 MPH time of 3.3 seconds. A top speed of 204 MPH puts the McLaren 570GT right up there with key supercar players. Tackling some challenging roads you will notice that the steering isn’t quite as razor sharp as that found in the 570S, but it is still responsive and offers plenty of feedback to the driver. The chassis feels dynamic and is capable of rapidly changing direction. Despite the softer suspension this McLaren maintains its composure at all times. Like the 570S, it is an engaging machine to drive hard.

The 2017 McLaren 570GT is a car with an incredible breadth of abilities. It is a bonafide supercar, a truly exciting and highly capable performance machine. Yet, you can settle down and take refuge within its cockpit that provides class leading visibility. These two polar opposites of everyday usability and exhilarating performance blend together like the colours in a watercolour painting. That is what this car is… A 204 MPH work of art.

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The sculptural silhouette possesses more curves and flowing lines than its siblings creating this pebble like shape. Approach the low-slung shape and the intricate details begin to reveal themselves. Channels and ducts control the airflow around the car which enables unique elements such as the contrasting contours along the doors. You eye naturally follows the length of the car up to its shoulders before being interrupted by carbon intakes. Buttresses slope down from the roof to meet what is a flat rear deck, Peer through the mesh grill and you might catch a glimpse of what lives beneath. The rear end is dominated by attention grabbing lighting signatures and a large diffuser. Our test car, finished in blade silver with stealth forged alloy wheels, struck a fine balance between being civilised and slightly devilish.

Open one of the elegant dihedral doors and you will find a fine example of minimalistic design. That’s not to say the interior isn’t interesting, oh no. There are plenty of cascading surfaces and convex shapes, but it isn’t cluttered. You feel that the architecture support everything that it needs and nothing unnecessary. This example was bathed in tanned leather and stitched together intricately. A pair of sports seats offer plenty of bolstering and a pleasing position at the helm. The sills of the carbon fibre monocell have been made narrower to enable more elegant ingress and egress for 570S occupants. The console consists of a pair of rounded vents that sit above a tablet inspired touchscreen display. A control panel equipped with switches and dials sits between the seats enabling the driver to tailor the chassis and engine responsiveness. The 2016 McLaren 570S also has a generous 144 litre boot, larger than some key rivals, and so the door is open for everyday use.

Pressing the starter button of the 2016 McLaren 570S fires this supercar into life. An eruption of revs settles into a deep idle. A digital display is awoken and the pistons are pumping behind you in the cars 3.8 litre twin-turbocharge heart. Under your right foot is 562 BHP and 600Nm of torque. Said figures enable 0-60 MPH to be completed in 3.1 seconds and it won’t stop until the 204 MPH barrier is broken. Despite being something of an entry-level machine for McLaren, the 570S certainly packs a punch. Set off at a sedate speed with the car in its tamest mode and you may miss the seamless 7 speed gearbox getting on with its job. When left to its own devises the McLaren is perfectly pleasant, with excellent all-around visibility. The ride is firm, it is a supercar after all, but it isn’t pelvis punishing. Begin to introduce a faster pace to the car and it starts to come alive. The steering is bristling with feedback and has just the right level of resistance to be a satisfying tool to use. There is just a whiff of turbo lag, but once spooled up this British beauty sucks you back into your seat as it fires you down the road like a torpedo. The all encompassing surge of acceleration is mind-blowing but also manageable thanks to set of carbon brakes. Lean on them, absorbing the communication they provide as you tip this 2016 McLaren 570S into a technical sequence of bends, delivers a huge sense of confidence. This chassis is precise, but it does demand that the driver is involved in executing its impressive acts. On slightly greasy British roads the car needs to be tempered to maximise the grip levels available. That is not necessarily a bad thing as it balances that man and machine equation. By not being a “fire and forget” weapon it is more inthralling to drive. However, the real fun to be had is when you turn the car up to maximum attack and put the gearbox in manual mode. As the tarmac dried the cars Pirelli tyres took a firmer hold of the road and allowed for greater exploitation of the McLaren 570S’ performance. Immediate shifts, met with synapse singeing responses to inputs. Impressive would be an understatement.

This may well be dubbed the “baby McLaren” but the truth is that the 2016 McLaren 570S is anything but child’s play. It is highly involving and comes with a stimulating V8 roar as you push on. With this supercar I think McLaren have cracked it… £148,150 buys you one of the greatest machines to possess four wheels.

By Tyler Heatley

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