We are now half a decade from the moment when McLaren returned to building road cars. In the five years that have passed since the launch of the MP4-12C, Woking has grown a lot and one excellent way to assess the Brits' progress is to compare the two ends of its current line-up.
No, we haven't forgotten about the MSO HS, but the 25-unit limited production means it doesn't count here. Instead, we're talking about a match involving the 675 Longtail and the 570S.
Both machines are animated by a Ricardo-supplied twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8, working with a seven-speed dual-clutch tranny, while both use McLaren's carbon fiber tub. However, the way in which the hardware is tweaked and put to use makes a whole world of a difference.
It's no secret that McLaren has studied Porsche's business model and thus the fact that the 570S delivers a monstrously quick experience despite being considered an entry-level model shouldn't come as a surprise.
As for the 675LT, most people think this is a lap time-obsessed machine that's incredibly good at beating the stopwatch, but doesn't know how to have fun. Well, with a bit of wheel alignment play, the Longtail can make a respectable drift car, as this Swedish guitarist, who owns one, has shown us. Nevertheless, take a 675 to such a level and you'll be playing an extremely risky game.
So, is the 675LT worth its $350,000 MSRP when you can step out of a McLaren dealership with the keys to a 570S, which comes with an MSRP of $185,000? Now that's a decision you'll have to handle on your own. Meanwhile, we're inviting you to check out the piece of footage below, which brings a comparison involving the pair of Maccas - do keep in mind that this is a street, not a track, comparo.
Both machines are animated by a Ricardo-supplied twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8, working with a seven-speed dual-clutch tranny, while both use McLaren's carbon fiber tub. However, the way in which the hardware is tweaked and put to use makes a whole world of a difference.
It's no secret that McLaren has studied Porsche's business model and thus the fact that the 570S delivers a monstrously quick experience despite being considered an entry-level model shouldn't come as a surprise.
As for the 675LT, most people think this is a lap time-obsessed machine that's incredibly good at beating the stopwatch, but doesn't know how to have fun. Well, with a bit of wheel alignment play, the Longtail can make a respectable drift car, as this Swedish guitarist, who owns one, has shown us. Nevertheless, take a 675 to such a level and you'll be playing an extremely risky game.
So, is the 675LT worth its $350,000 MSRP when you can step out of a McLaren dealership with the keys to a 570S, which comes with an MSRP of $185,000? Now that's a decision you'll have to handle on your own. Meanwhile, we're inviting you to check out the piece of footage below, which brings a comparison involving the pair of Maccas - do keep in mind that this is a street, not a track, comparo.