A weekend is not long enough to discover everything that represents the McLaren brand, but it is certainly a good starting point for discovering a driving experience of a higher level than the cars which normally compete with the 570S spider.
The adventure in question all started off in Milan, on a long and pleasant summer Friday when the car proved to be exceptional in terms of its manoeuvrability and ease of use, for its innovative, sexy and gritty design, and the soft, elegant sportiness which catches everyone’s eye... to say nothing of the surprising performances with a 0-100 in 3.2 seconds and a maximum speed of 328km/h.
In just two days I journeyed 1,000 km in a 570S spider, leaving Milan to head first towards Lake Garda and then Lake Maggiore. Many hours were spent at the wheel over the course of the two days, but I could happily have stayed for even longer, with that top down and the sound of the sports exhaust further highlighting this addictive driving experience.
There are many amazing things about this car, here are the details that characterise it and raise it above the level of all other cars in its segment.
The dihedral doors are an iconic design feature on every McLaren. As well as making it easier to get in and out, these intricate doors guide air into the side intakes to feed the radiators.
One of the many McLaren technologies that the Sports Series models share with their Formula 1™ and supercar cousins is carbon fibre construction. The MonoCell II is a strong, rigid chassis that weighs just 75kg and provides exceptional crash protection and outstanding dynamics.
No other competitor offers lightweight and strong carbon fibre chassis construction, incredibly striking dihedral doors or as much horsepower in a sports car weighing so little. And no other sports car is as exciting to drive.
The McLaren designed 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with amazing performance, incredible response and outstanding refinement. Positioned behind the driver this powerful engine is complemented by a state-of-the-art seamless-shift gearbox for ultra-fast, ultra-smooth gearshifts.
Key to the usability is its versatility: adaptive suspension can switch from limousine-like comfort to race car composure at the press of a button.
What is very clear to me after this weekend is that McLaren manages to transfer all its experience in the world of Formula1 to the road like no other. The best way to understand this is, obviously, to drive it … but also looking at it in the garage before escaping together, in true elegant but sporty British style, isn’t bad!
Words: Andrea Mazzuca, Founder
Photos & Video: Federico Bajetti, Sajin Park
Car: courtesy of McLaren Milano
