Differentiating models by Series - am I the only one that hates this?

Hey, guys, I just heard about the greatest McLaren ever! It's called the 570 and it really puts the old MP4-...

...uh... you know, I've just lost my train of thought.



On the thread topic, it looks like McLaren categorized the cars into series to try to explain and differentiate the models at the point of sale for guiding buyers who perhaps normally follow release dates rather than technical figures when selecting a car. The latest release date is not necessarily the highest performance model. I don't think people will categorize the cars in the "series" way going forward, and will just use the model designations, but someone seems to think it'll be helpful in structuring McLaren's sales pitch.

I can't say it bothers me or is useful to me. I'm going to generalize here and bring you with me: we're car guys, so we have generally found out a little about most marques in interesting segments (e.g. exotics), so we aren't confused because we understand the main technical differences in the McLaren product line. So the "series" categories can probably be dismissed as superfluous.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

Kizdan - Valentino got a thread ban for his remark, taking a snot at the guy, after he is banned, is considered boorish.

And noo one likes a boor.

Please, cool it, or you'll be joining him.

D

 

McLaren has still a small problem with sustainability. IMO their cars are great, unique in its kind. But (and I had the possibility to drive a few of them) once you have driven one, you know how the others will drive. There are differences, but in the end you always drive a technically very mature and capable but also subcooled mid-engine lightweighted sports car with V8 turbo power. I own one, now the desire to change to another is low, the differences regarding the driving experiences are in the end too small. Between the model series, but also between the different generations, all models are very similar. This is what I mean with "McLaren, the mid-(rear)engine sport cars factory". They are caught in their market segment, which they occupy over a wide price range. Now McLaren has been looking for a way to label their product in such a way that the "small" differences become clear.

In this regard Ferrari has a much broader product portfolio. A Portofino is definitely not the same as a 488. Not by name, nor in regards from the car concept.

Therefore on this point I agree with you. I guess this equality reflects the McLaren naming convention.

 

That's an insightful post. Thanks!

All the best,
Andrew.

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebadging

 

Good post. What do you mean by sub-cooled?

 

Primarily focused on technical features, performance, results, efficiency, measurable results (the German approach), less on pure emotion (the Italian approach).

 

How do you call having very similar or actual same engine, layout, dimensions, driven wheels, materials, number of passengers, number of doors, styling, gearbox, etc., yet having three different “Series” at very different price points?

 

Easier to say what’s different: the suspensions between 570 and 720

 

I quite like how they've tried to clarify the different roles of the cars with the sport/super/ultimate, particularly with the Senna that breaks the naming convention.

I think they're real problem is that the cars are all way to similar. They all look very similar, all have a carbon tub, all have a twin-turbo V8. They also have way to many different models, seems like every month there is a new one that isn't all that different.

 

I see this comment all the time but can't figure out why.

Sports Series are all variations of the same car. The main version, a hatchback, a convertible, and track only: 570S, 570GT, 570S Spider, 570 GT4

Super Series is one car at the moment, the 720S. The spider will be out in a couple of years, then the LT version after that.

Ultimate Series is currently just the Senna, with the BP23 coming out sometime in the next couple of years.

Only three cars you can buy right now, one of which has a few standard variations like any other manufacturer. Not sure why everyone seems to think that's too many...

 

Having the coupe, and the hatch as separate models seems silly to me. There is also the 540C, which further confuses matters, despite not being available in the US. The bigger issue though is that the 6XX was only out for like two years and its still heavily feature on their website and at least at the dealer near me. Most folks don't realize its not a current model which basically doubles the number of models they have.

 

Well they're not really separate models, just variations. No different than a 355 Berlinetta, GTS, Spider, and Challenge. It's probably just an issue of familiarity... things we don't pay much attention to tend to look/sound the same.

You're right about the 540C though, forgot about that since it's only in specific markets. They've done a few special editions or limited market variations (625C, 650 Can Am, MSO HS, etc) but again that's no different from any other manufacturer. If you wanna talk about a company making too many variations, how about the 30+ different 911 models you can spec

 

Ain't that the truth. Friggan ridiculous.

 

(flame suit on)
I actually like the German's designation schemes. I know, I know - throw the tomatoes at me! I think it's a cross-section of what the bean counters have deduced (having different price points helps the bottom line)

Is it lost to all that this response ironically projected the accusation?

 

I'm ok with Porsches basic scheme. Ok you've got the base 911 with the various different roof types, then the S makes em a bit better, and the 4 adds AWD, got it. Ok then then Turbo adds... wait, they're all turbo now. Ok fine that gets a pass cause history. Where is the Turbo 4? Ohh all the Turbos are AWD? wtf. Now wtf is the GTS? Where does that come into play. Ohh and then there is also just a random T model?

And then the GT3 which is somehow half the price of the GT2? Whaa?

 

Haha yeah the change to all turbo throws it all out of whack!!

 

Keep in mind that Ferrari is a much more mature company, this takes time. McLaren whether I by another or not has really done a nice job in taking market share from its competitors with its limited line and time building road cars. To date they have done this with performance and looks that are consistent from model to model until the 720. Personally I had never considered buying a McLaren, it was always Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini but they are figuring it out. Now the look between models is more pronounced as is the spec/performance. In the future if successful they will likely build on this and introduce complimentary models. The naming convention may evolve with the company although I dont see an issue with how they do it today. It is actually fairly straightforward.

 

Actually that is far from true, there is virtually nothing similar to the 570 and 720 other than the McLaren name. Yes they have 2 doors, 4 wheels and engines...