Swapping 458 for 675LT or Speciale?

I currently own a 675LT (coupe) and Speciale. Very different driving experiences as one would expect but I wouldn't say one feels more special than the other. You already own a 458 and your expectations from the Speciale are probably close to reality.

As for the 675, I've never met a fellow owner or read a review that didn't give it high praise. McLaren threw everything they had at the LT to remake its image when the 12C/650S were seen as being overly clinical and lacking emotion. Unlike the Speciale which had relatively moderate changes vs the 458, the LT had significant upgrades vs the 650S from engine internals, suspension components and bodywork. Everything rearward of the B-pillar is new (wider) and made from CF. The paint is applied so thinly that you can actually see the weave. Pretty cool in my opinion. Driving position is also very aggressive due to the increased rake and cab forward design. It feels like a go-kart. Steering ratio is very quick. Lots of turbo lag but it's a thrill when it kicks and it delivers serious top end punch.

Reliaiblity-wise, I've had no problems with either.

 

Owned both of them. You can't go wrong either way. 675LT feels very compact and snug around the driver, while the Speciale feels like a larger car, heavier car. The LT is incredibly fast and super nimble. The Speciale is, however, such a extraordinary and unique NA experience that it's hard to fault anything about it. I personally think the Speciale is more attractive aesthetically. The LT is so rewarding to drive, especially at that track, that I just couldn't get enough of it.

Talk about a tough decision!

 

I'm of similar build and fit fine. Just be sure the car has touring (large) seats.

 

I wouldn’t trade “up” from 458 to Speciale unless you are in love with the looks.
675 is very quick and good prices now. I was not a fan of how clinical the 6 and 7 series feel vs Ferrari and Lambo.
If you want a real occasion and drivers/track car try a Huracan Performante Coupe with race seats (given your size I would not get the spyder).
If you dont really care about noise, then a 720s or Pista, both exceptional event cars.

 

With my last super car purchase I was torn between the 458 Italia and the 675LT. The 488 GTB was on the list but dropped it quickly after I drove I for a day of spirited driving (not going to get into 458 vs 488 as there are a plethora of other discussions on here about that). I ultimately ended up choosing the 458 but it was a VERY tough choice. I am getting to the point where I can probably afford to own two super cars and the next will very likely be the 675LT. The 675LT just felt purely raw which I loved but did not love the looks as much as 458 inside and out. I think Ferrari/Pininfarina just got it right w the 458. As others have said these are two different beasts. If you are going to track the car the 675LT will be quicker but if just going to drive in the road you won’t notice much difference. Either way you can’t go wrong! Enjoy!


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Sound is better in 458 vs Speciale as has been noted. Not an immense amount, but noticeable for sure. Beyond that, looks/price value is just subjective. Can’t go wrong with either car. I found the speciale to be too loose on the street for really spirited driving. Tire tech has progressed a lot, so that could really help. I think they look great.

 

458 just feel a lot better built and solid but like said before the 675LT feels more raw which is not a bad thing.


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As a eastern PA owner of a 675LT spider I can say that it is an absolutely sensational car. I’m not a fan of modern sports cars but the purity of design of this car is amazing. I would also say that because of the unique proactive suspension it rides as well as my M6 gran coupe. It’s also very visceral but not in a over the top Scuderia way. I also think it’s the most beautiful modern sports car.

 

Jon, go drive the LT and see if it checks the boxes. For the price difference that's the choice for me hands down. Maybe pick up a manual GT3 down the road with the savings.

 

Have you sat in the 675LT yet?

I had the same decision to make recently - was considering all three of those cars (I did an intro post which went into detail). I'm 6'3', long-limbed, 170lbs with quite pronounced curvature of the spine (anterior pelvic tilt), and the racing bucket didn't feel right for me. Legroom was fine, though the cabin definitely felt tight. It was thrilling just to start the thing up. Far more raw than a 458 / 488, so it all depends on what you're looking for in the car.

I needed something a bit more versatile and less track-focused, so I ended up with a 488 GTB and am loving it.

 

guys i know who literally have all the hypercars say the 675lt is extraordinary - if they say that, who am i to disagree!

 

Interested in why your swapping the Ghost for a Dawn? I’m thinking of either or a Wraith or Mulsanne... decisions decisions


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If you're considering the 675, why not a Pista?

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I am interested in why you haven't mentioned the 675LT spider? If its only occasional driving then why not make it even more of an event and the 675LT spider loses none of the driving dynamics due to carbon tub.

 

2x the cost

 

Never had interest in McLaren until I drove a 675LT. Amazing car, and makes the Pista at list price look poor value for money.

 

2 quotes from different members on McLaren Life answering a similar question:
The 675 LT is AWESOME! Love mine, one of my favorite cars. This coming from someone who has owned:
2020 pista
2020 c8
2019 720s
2019 gt2 rs
2019 gt3 rs
2019 zr1
2018 aventador s
2018 performante
2017 viper acr-e
Yeah its that good!

So, I asked myself the following question: “Of all the cool cars you’ve owned, which would you choose, in order of preference, if you were allowed only one for the rest of your life?” Here it is, and by the way, I gave this a ton of deliberation.

1. Mclaren 675LT
2. Mclaren 650S (Mojave Magnum 201.5 mph, Class winner)
3. Ford GT (Mojave Magnum 210.1 mph)
4. Acura NSX Zanardi
5. Porsche Carrera GT
6. Ferrari 458 Speciale
7. Mclaren MP4-12C
8. Porsche GT3RS (997)
9. AMG SLS Black Series
10. Kirkham 427 Cobra