The McLaren 570S Spider is a sweet-spot in the British car makers’s range. It flatters drivers with predictable yet brilliant handling and ballistic performance. Removal of the roof takes nothing from the chassis stiffness and only adds a small amount of weight. All-together it adds up to a wonderful driving experience that you could enjoy every day. As such it feels a lot more special than an Audi R8 V10 Plus Spider or Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. Cars from the next level up are more flashy and more expensive.
The 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 is the same engine seen in most McLaren road cars and is as excellent as you might expect. It makes a nice if not earth-shattering noise. Power figures are more than sufficient when you consider that the stiff carbon-fibre chassis results in a very lightweight car. Low weight not only means the 570 Spider is quick off the line, it is one of the most precise and agile road cars you will find. Despite this the McLaren 570S Spider is easy to drive. Friendly even.
The interior is clean and well-finished rather than comforting and luxurious. It is well laid out and efficient but still feels special. The driving position is low but visibility is great except for the blind-spots created by the buttresses.
The hardtop roof folds in a Z-shape and disappears under the rear engine cover between the twin buttresses in just 15 seconds. If that doesn’t quite fit into the time before the traffic lights change then it will continue operating while you drive at speeds below 25mph.
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