Does McLaren’s new entry-level supercar, the 570GT, also cut it as a genuine grand tourer? Jon Wall heads to a volcano in the Atlantic to find out.
The McLaren team may be celebrating 50 years in Formula 1, but its road-car offshoot has a much briefer history. Founded in 2010, McLaren Automotive launched its first vehicle just 12 months later. Yet for an enterprise that’s only six-years-old, it boasts an impressive list of achievements.
The British car manufacturer’s debut effort — the sleek MP4-12C coupe, whose nomenclature was the only unwieldy thing about it — instantly established itself as a credible alternative to the Ferrari 458, then widely regarded as the gold standard of supercars. As an opening gambit, it was outstanding, but McLaren had also set itself the ambitious target of introducing a new car every year, an objective it has now comfortably exceeded, while as an even more convincing measure of success, the company has been profitable since 2013.
The McLaren line-up currently comprises nine models and variants, which are grouped into three tiers of attainability, starting with the Sports Series and ending with the Ultimate Series of hybrid hypercars. While all models share similar fundamentals and architecture — a lightweight carbon fibre-composite monocell chassis, a turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 motor, a mid-engine layout and dihedral “scissor” doors — they range upwards from the 540C coupe, positioned as a direct competitor to the Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8, to the fabulous, limited-edition and already-soldout P1, whose US$1.35 million price tag is only marginally lower than that demanded for Maranello’s equally stratospheric LaFerrari.
Introduced earlier this year, McLaren’s new 570GT coupe brings the entry-level Sports Series to three models. As its name suggests, it uses an identical power unit to the 570S coupe, with 562bhp and 600Nm, but the GT has been subtly redesigned, reengineered and otherwise reworked to engender the more luxurious and relaxed demeanour of a genuine grand tourer.
Denne historien er fra August 2016-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2016-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Double Take
Although somewhat dismissed by the contemporary art world as gimmicky, works that incorporate optical illusions remain immensely popular with the general public. Perhaps it speaks to our inherent need for something slightly magical in our everyday lives.
Plugged Into Wealth
Fintech advocate Carney Mak is bullish on disruptive technologies, but preaches deep understanding of business models before diving in.
Going for Green
SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.
TABLES TURNED
They could have their pick of the best schools, but more young super achievers from Asia are going to a hotel academy a choice they believe opens up more doors.
PRECIOUS HISTORY
Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.
Colours of the Season
Thanks to K-pop stars, analysing colours to personalise make-up has surged, with theslategs service available from the boutique of Korean. brity make-up artist JUNG SAEM MOOL.
MAKING OF AN OPUS
In Hermes’ Barénia, in-house perfumer CHRISTINE NAGEL has realised a decade-long dream that harks back to her childhood stories.
Everywhere Care
Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.
Pucker Up
Lip moisturisers are essential in Singapore’s air-conditioned environment. We share our personal favourites and introduce lip care that go the distance.