So a week into ownership, I thought I'd write up a little summary of how I'm getting on with the car & how it compares to the previous C63 (6.2). I've done just under 400 miles and sadly majority has been motorway due to work but that will change soon.
Performance:
When everything is set to R mode and you are running through the gears, the GTR feels like a ballistic missile with a race car sound track. Unbelievable. The package of the engine & drive train is just perfect. The AWD systems knows exactly how much power to put(or pull) where and it feels as if you can guide the GTR through bends with just mind control, it flows so well.
If you haven't driven a GTR then you really need to. I had been test driving lots of exotic cars prior to this and none of them really felt this in tune with the road under power.
Set the transmission to R and knock it into manual and off you go. Never touched the TCS, probably won't! The transmission & drivetrain can be heard clunking & swapping cogs, you never feel it but can be heard. You very much are aware that you are in a machine and I like that.
The car when in it's performance modes really does goad you on to do more and it just takes it. There isn't a wasted bit of BHP, the ruthless efficiency of it is mind blowing.
Drivability & Refinement
All the toys you need, none you don't. I've never been a huge fan of "new driver tech" such as adaptive cruise, integrated apple play/android, wireless charging, WiFi hots spots etc as they simply are not relevant to my interests. Comfy heated power leather seats, nav, bluetooth, cruise control, parking sensors/rear camera & auto wiper/lights is more than enough for me. However for the price I'm sure other buyers would be disappointed that there isn't more interior goodies.
Few meh areas are lack of folding rear seats, a locking system that sounds like it's from the 90's (probably is) & no "coming home light function". Not deal breakers but you will notice these if you have had them before.
Unsurprising news here, that despite all the new changes to the GTR, it is is still miles behind on refinement. This isn't the point of the car of course and is more than acceptable considering what performance is on offer. Having 6 gears means it sits higher in the rev range around 70-75MPH whilst cruising. Exhaust is very quiet even with the valves open and at normal driving speeds the car doesn't sound like anything special at all. It's only once in the latter half of the rev range do things begin to sound fruity.
The adaptive dampers are amazing. I never bother with normal mode, either R or comfort and the difference really is night & day. Comfort on the motorway is slightly smoother than the C63 whereas R gives you plenty of feedback.
A big annoyance is the level of tram-lining the car delivers with the stock Dunlop GT600 tyres. This was noticeable on the test drive GTR (different car) too. You really do have to be awake on the motorway to avoid shimmying into other lanes. What I will say is that they do offer outstanding agility & grip when pressing on. Being run flat is a blessing and a curse. No spare tyres means they may get you out of a pickle but also make the ride slightly harder than alternatives (so I'm told).
Summary so far:
- Average refinement
- Amazing under power
- Raw & engaging transmission + handling
- Always wanting for more at lower speeds (need some solid self control)
I'm taking the car to Donington on the 27th Feb so will get a chance to really stretch it's legs.