McLaren Artura hybrid supercar on-road review. This or the Ferrari 296 GTB?

The 671bhp McLaren Artura hybrid supercar closest rival has to be the 830bhp Ferrari 296 GTB but the Ferrari is 30% more expensive and heavier too; so which is best? Watch the video to find out..
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[@bob6383]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Harry so happy when reviewing a new car!!!

[@bob6383]

@Damon UK 👍

[@EleanorPeterson]

@@bob6383 Hi, Bob! 🙂Yep. I think it's the driving ergonomics that made him smile. A proper steering wheel - for STEERING - plus real buttons, switches and actual knobs. Touchscreens and menus and multi-function vibrating swipe-pads may seem cool in the design studio, but out on the road they're just a pain.

[@EvoraGT430]

You can see a lot of ex-Lotus engineers work at McLaren!

[@KCJbomberFTW]

It’s british

[@heinedenmark]

Because he knows Maclaren is close to bankruptcy 😉

[@ruk2023--]

That Ferrari colour scheme must have been the result of a lost bet. Baby blue over red is a crime against design

[@boogboog8097]

Based on a historic race car

[@ruk2023--]

@@boogboog8097 That doesn't excuse it.

[@marknorton5951]

Ferrari do themselves no favours by submitting these over-specified cars for review.

[@michaeldinwiddy4864]

Im so pleased you found the McLaren Artura punching at the same level as the Ferrari, others are less positive but fail to point out its almost half the price and available to everyone... totally top review Harry.

[@tompercival4894]

Available to everyone 🤣😂

[@Tential1]

@@tompercival4894 it is "available". A ferrari is not, even if you have the money lol.

[@nolandderlugner1351]

Simply not true​@@Tential1

[@candlercando]

I find it refreshing that super well-to-do enthusiasts like Harry and Jay Leno agree on the relative ease of dealing with McLaren vs the hoops one must go through with Ferrari. Just because one may have the cash to buy a $200k car, does not mean one has money to burn on buying dealer relationships along with it.

[@tonyedgecombe6631]

It's a reflection on demand for their cars. Decades of shoddy workmanship from TVR, Jaguar, Aston Martin etc has left people with little appetite for British sports cars. As good as this car seems McLaren is fighting an uphill battle against the Germans and Italians.

[@stuffhappens5681]

I have to believe Ferrari’s arrogance will bite them eventually.

[@SpaghettiKillah]

The value retention on the McLarens is laughable to say the least. Also, sone of the models in person (seen it myself) have poor painting both in quality but mostly overall "quality" impression, the paint looks like a 30k € car. Their interiors are also rubbish on some models. Also, 90% of the McLarens use the same V8 in various bhp values. Ferrari has V6, V8 and V12 NA, 4x4 cruiser cars to go skying, berlinettas, hypercars, supercars, CUV now with the Purosangue...they're not even on the same league no matter how much the brits would like to. The reason why Ferrari is clamping down on who they sell the cars to is the same as Rolex...they don't want people to buy them just to speculate and charge over MSRP a few months later!! So 1st you have to buy a regular Ferrari, keep it a few years, prove you're a customer/collector not a *FLIPPER* Then they'll give you the rarest models too.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

Mclaren are trying hard. I strongly suspect their sub board personnel were unethical. Post 2008, bonuses were based on 3 years not 1 year performance. They focused only on increasing sales and not full picture. Knowing it wasnt building the business just their bonus. Appears to be changing now

[@teabagtowers3823]

@@tonyedgecombe6631 Are you honestly trying to say Italian cars are more reliable than British cars. Hahahahahahahaha. Honestly how delusional.

[@Kelveron]

Although the Artura has similar styling to earlier models (whose looks I'm not that big a fan of), it manages to look much neater and sleeker. Also, very impressive that they managed to keep the weight down despite incorporating all the electric gear.

[@chrisslater3174]

I'd describe the design as 'clean', though it is a shame there's no engine visible for extra glamour.

[@jogrobler]

I agree.. I've always disliked McLaren design but I'd actually have this over the 296. Interesting though when Harry mentioned they're only 10years in the game, I suppose I should be less critical of McLaren's all looking the same.

[@stuffhappens5681]

In profile it looks a lot like a Lotus Emira.

[@amraverageproduction5379]

I can’t understand why a lot of people don’t like the looks of the McLarens, to me they were and are at the forefront of styling, it looks fantastic and I think a lot of other manufacturers have taken 1 or 2 leaves out of their book.

[@radovancengel5819]

Artura looks cheap

[@mamovaka]

They look a little too weird, frankly since the mc12 model which I had in 2011-12 which was an awful car reliability wise they were kinda odd looking and some models are just too weird looking. It’s hard to explain but some cars look like cars. Some look like something else, when you veer too far away from looking like a car people are turned off. We’ve had this problem lately with cars looking too weird and this is partially why cars like the original nsx and 930 Porsche 911 are worth more now than a new nsx or new Porsche

[@hughstultz7849]

I think the Artura is McLaren’s best design since the 570GT

[@zirconblue2]

1500kg for a hybrid really isn't bad. Lighter cars always drive better. Nice to see the mass kept low, especially as the likes of BMW's performance cars with no hybridisation are knocking on the door of 2 tonnes

[@augustortiz]

Lol I agree. The new C63 which is 2.1 tonnes with a 4cyl. Cars have become way to obese.

[@zirconblue2]

@@augustortiz Agreed and I'd wager you'd have to be doing some pretty extreme speeds before that C63 starts to feel exciting too! I wonder what the Artura would weigh without the batteries and electric motors?

[@helipeek2736]

“Simplify and add lightness” ACBC!

[@TheDjcarlos67]

I agree with all of these comments. Nice to see a modern sports car that isn't pushing two tonnes

[@nighthawk0077]

Yes, although to be fair this is a small 2 seater with limited luggage space and full carbon tub. if BMW was charging $200K pounds I'm fairly certain they could significantly reduce the weight and match this figure..

[@maxmartin-merrells3723]

I think the styling is bang on. Gorgeous machine.

[@seanrobsob8883]

Yep. Looks nicer than the F

[@madrew2003]

I'm glad to hear some discussion on your part about the engine startup process while underway. I was always shaking my head when you tested the the hybrid Audi where once the "cold" engine fired it instantly went full load. Seems like a big engineering fail to me to do that. Seems McLaren agrees with me!

[@jamesscozzari5008]

Maybe not though. Apparently you want oil flowing through the motor as soon as possible. Waiting for a motor to warm up and letting it sit at idle only washes the cylinders of oil since oil pressure is low.

[@StromSports]

@@jamesscozzari5008 I have heard this a few times - still feels wrong though!

[@davewilshere]

If you listen to Harry he said warm up process…that might mean it raises the rpm too. Still better to have warmth because there is no way the fits are based on a cold engine!

[@mrajal8490]

The most stress an engine endures is in the initial second after start where oil is not everywhere it should be. Everything else is quite controversial, never heard it is a good idea to let an engine sit running idle cold. Just drive it carefully until oil is warmed up. So hybrid or not, should be the same. Doesn’t need that McL approach…

[@madrew2003]

@@mrajal8490 I guess you didn't watch the way the Audi just slams the engine on and puts it under load. I believe McLaren knows what it is doing. They engineered it and did the durability testing. The oil temperature is the key thing but clearances that change with temperature are a factor as well. It is well known that some makes give a lower rev limit based on engine oil or water temp. BMW comes to mind. Ideally, it would make sense to use the battery coolant and / or battery current to heat up the engine oil and engine coolant and remove that risk so when the engine starts up those issues aren't a concern.

[@michaelbeavis6634]

Made here in england,thats what should be important to us all. I did work as a contract company for recaros,A get up and go,rock and roll company. Keep them coming

[@EvoraGT430]

Also true for Lotus.

[@chrisd924]

Finally, a 'Matured McLaren'... like a fine wine, they are getting better with age....well done Harry and all the team at McLaren... this Artura looks like it runs rings around Ferrari on our B roads. Not so keen on the stone catching open front radiators or the Webber BBQ engine cover...

[@peterto-xz1gu]

lol slow mclaren

[@teabagtowers3823]

@@peterto-xz1gu It does 205mph that ain't slow.

[@andrewnorris5415]

McLaren are making very user friendly easy to live with cars. I personally like the look of the rear window and vents over the engine. Handles better and better feedback than the more expensive Ferrari hybrid, "driving pleasure". 150K cheaper with sim spec. A tiny bit slower but still CRAZY quick. No crazy wait list. Good warranty. Yes, I would also choose the quieter exhaust - and it would be a good all round car. Not bad on fuel too.

[@observantmonkey4055]

theyve been doing this since the 650 imo. id be in heaven on the 2nd hand market if i had the money. they are like the toyota of the supercar scene if that makes sense(reliability aside). no trend following just really in their own world while ferrari and lambo keep tryna box each other and porsche seems to be stuck in a single time period. just my opinion. agree or dont im not trying to debate that.

[@daveyboy6985]

I'm glad you mentioned about the warm up stage of the motor when it starts up while driving, that's awesome. That's the big put off I've had with hybrids that don't do that. Great job McLaren 👍

[@andrewnorris5415]

6 cylinders and taller gears also means the engine is less costly to service and should be under less stress for road driving while still packing a right punch.

[@johnsampey344]

Let's face it Harry, it's the first car you've reviewed that's had you wearing your heart on your sleeve.

[@jamesdonoghue5907]

I’m glad you loved it’s driving dynamics, as for me I wouldn’t want the sports exhaust, and to my eye it’s better looking than the Ferrari. Great vid as always, thanks.

[@Random415510]

Ditto on the looks

[@conner.9262]

Been so looking forward to this review of this particular McLaren ….. Yes I can see a big resemblance in the 570 GT but it looks so smooth, love the rear end and it appears to have a big punch, not as powerful as Lennox Lewis or the Ferrari but over £100K cheaper and availability for those lucky to purchase one, for sure I would definitely buy the McLaren !! I’ve seen one overview from the US and the exterior spec had a Mercury Green and Black hood, it looked sensational….. great content as always ….

[@jonathancollard3710]

High praise indeed. 😀 Don’t concur with comments about rear…. Indeed I like that more that my current 570 spider, of which I have owned for 4 trouble free years and 11,000 miles. Reason I bought it?… easy; went to Porsche and asked about GT3 and was told I was 100th on wait list and they were only allocated 7 cars 😵‍💫. Literally went down the road to Macca and they had great spec car as ex-demo with 700 miles on forecourt .Job done.

[@jamesrobert4106]

With an average of just under 53 miles per week, or 7.5 miles per day it should be trouble free. I have seen push bikes with considerably higher mileage and perfect reliability 😆

[@MagicSkeleton]

Never seen you enjoy a car so much! That was a joy to watch, esp after such a damp reception that Artura has had.

[@Scuderia2000HD]

Great idea RE the engine warming up instead of just going straight to driving from cold - I have a feeling a lot of PHEV’s live a very hard life with cold engines immediately being asked to work hard!

[@gavinsullivan9015]

Is that not the same as any petrol car though? Every ICE car gets started cold and immediately driven away?? Perhaps the fact that a PHEV might only run its petrol engine 50% (random number) of the time offsets wear?

[@Scuderia2000HD]

@@gavinsullivan9015 of course it’s possible for the same to happen to ICE but most people tend to let the engine idle for 10/15 seconds at least which is enough time to build some oil pressure. With a PHEV the engine could immediately kick in at 50/60+ mph with no oil pressure or temperature at all. I suppose with a larger electric range this wouldn’t happen as often but older cars with 15/20 miles EV capability it starts to become more of an issue.

[@teabagtowers3823]

@@gavinsullivan9015 Yeah difference is with most ICE cars driven by people who have a clue people tend to drive gently whilst their car is getting up to temperature. So my car revs out to 7000rpm I don't take it above when it's cold 3000rpm until it's warmed up. Then I step on it when Harry reviewed the SF90 it seemed to me as soon as he floored it the engine was told to wake up immediately and go straight to full attack mode. As a friend of mine (he's a mechanic) told me you don't get out of bed and run a marathon instantly. I think that puts it best..... So that is why McLaren having this on the Artura is both smart and common sense. Getting an engine to wake up from it's slumber whilst presumably cold and immediately go to full attack mode seems a bit of a poor design choice by Ferrari. Unless they want a steady stream of customers at the local Ferrari garage....

[@sharonbraselton4302]

let hybred warm up still gid ybrree

[@pt99810]

Exceptional review. Covers all the key points. So intelligent that McLaren design the control system to avoid starting a cold engine and then subjecting it immediately it to high load.

[@Will_M600]

@harry the bonnet on the 12c was metal actually, it's known to rust due to the way water collects near it

[@yt_Ajay_]

I really like McLaren's eyesocket headlights thing. I hope they make that a defining style of their cars

[@richardhale2117]

It's great to see Harry having so much fun!

[@charlescheese3828]

Crackin' photo for the cover shot! The last one for the GT4 was nice too Not posted before but been enjoying the channel for several years now - it's always a joy when I see another video has been posted

[@kirkwoodall4018]

Harry your reviews are almost flawless in their passion, delivery and attention to detail but I just realised you never tell us what the sound system is like in any of these cars. I know it’s not a deal breaker in sports and supercars but I wonder which manufacturers consistently have the edge in this department?

[@eagerbob]

You can't play music in KZbin video's without permission of the copyright holder. Otherwise you risk your video taken down or de-monetized (all the proceed of the video go ton the artist, even if it just a 5 second soundclip). So testing the sound sytem by turning on the radio or playing a song from your playlist is not an option. Even having music playing in the background while driving around can get you into serious legal trouble.

[@pipolebnene]

​@@eagerbobhe doesnt need to play it in the video but use the sound system and give us his opinion. He usually has the cars for a couple of days or more and not only 15min

[@stueyguerreiro]

Hello! If it’s any help I have a McLaren 12 C High Sport with a Bowers + Wilkins music system (standard spec) which is nothing short of fabulous! I put it on for long distance motorway driving and bearing in mind the car is now over 10 years old, it feels like listening to surround sound in your living room. I test drove a Ferrari 458 from the same year with its own custom music system. While it was fine for what you need, it wasn’t a patch on the McLaren.

[@sendhelp444]

The dealer network let's the side down. Resale is also a nightmare.

[@colinbremner9030]

at least McLaren will sell l you a car Ferrari decide if they'll sell you 1.

[@supmikpaddleboarding5871]

@@colinbremner9030 it's a matter of offer and demand! And the Ferrari is the superior value overall even being so much more expensive! The McLaren's depreciation is unbelievable,I've seen a 720 looses something like 50% in the first 3 year's whilest a Ferrari f8 looses 17/18% in the same time span!add in the unreliability issues McLaren's are known for and the fact that Ferrari gives you 7 years of service included I would take a Ferrari over a McLaren every day...( If I could afford them of course)! Personally I also prefer the style of modern Ferraris,but that's a personal preference and tastes differ fortunately!

[@sresto7943]

@@supmikpaddleboarding5871 I dont get the resale thing with buying cars, if you can afford the car in the first place you can afford to drive it and stick some miles on it, it banes me to see so many Ferrari's with so few miles so obviously they deep down cant afford the cars in the first place, many cant drive them either but thats another story.

[@Wouter-van-der-Molen]

@@sresto7943 WIth McLaren the case is a little different, they lose their value soooo hard you have to take that into consideration, you'd be a fool not to.

[@zarbon700]

The majority of exotic car buyers aren't as wealthy as you think. That's why depreciation rate is so important.

[@MikePhilbin1966]

00:16:07 you look SO HAPPY there's such a glossy look in your eye... great job.

[@deanjohnson160]

These reviews coming thick and fast!….can’t wait for the next!fantastic harry.

[@jellebos6589]

I love this review. The enthusiasm is catching. Definitely the car to buy and get…..if you have the money!! 😂👍

[@mrgrumpy771]

XJS rear window probably works very well so you can actually see out. Rear is ok - bet you can use colour of parts to make it look more interesting

[@colinhare4722]

Massarati Merak SS had similar rear window treatment

[@EvoraGT430]

Worked on the Carrera GT as well.

[@freespeech4694]

The rear window is a good design. I had an XJS and rear visibility was excellent. Much better than sloping window cars I’ve subsequently owned.

[@monzarace]

Very nice review Harry. I especially like the view from behind, as the rear wheels really stand out, a la Lotus Esprit of newer date. Thanks for sharing. Kind regards.

[@colinpaton3770]

It's quite neat sized (with those wheels may be mistaken for a Lotus on first glance), I like the overall look, the interior's really good, clearly fantastic to drive (though long geared), quiet electric only option , easier to buy than the Ferrari. If your in this market, excellent choice.

[@djwarren5081]

I don't think that colour does it any favours. Apart from that I think it's beautiful inside and out. When I first saw the rear window it reminded me of my old XJS.

[@amugen]

Harry hits the nail on the head again, great video mate, keep up the good work.

[@hadytarabay]

I cannot consider that Sunday is over without watching a Harry’s Garage Video!😍

[@leeharding8306]

They are learning quickly for a company so young. Can you imagine how good they will be in another 5 year’s 🤔 that rear diffuser looks really aggressive. I can see why it doesn’t need a rear wing.

[@johnsim3722]

First of Harry's videos where I felt I was behind the wheel whilst he was driving - the precision of the car was what made me feel that way. As for the styling, I've got to say I do like it, and especially at the rear. It's far less of a mess the Ferrari is, which looks like several cars quickly bonded together (sorry Ferrari!). Interior is definitely all business. And if you're still not convinced, I think I got a hint from that review that Harry quite likes it...

[@TheHomeExpert5]

I think Harry already bought one and is waiting for the delivery.

[@onixbonilla4420]

I really liked your sincere review!

[@yebo56]

Saw one driving through the City back in September. In light camo, it looked great. Compact.

[@sresto7943]

What a stunning car, just all-round great car, the big thing for me is the controls and pure driving experience of Mclarens, they do tick boxes for the driver not the badge on the bonnet.

[@treyquattro]

well, I'm sold. I think the Ferrari is the best looking car from that marque for a decade easily, but as a driver I think I'd prefer the McLaren, especially the fact that it still uses (assisted) hydraulic steering. The fact that the Artura is available without having to have been a customer for 3 generations previously is a big selling point too.

[@lawrencemolek]

The aftermarket performance parts for this car will be pretty cool

[@anthonypreston4098]

Brilliant video Harry 👍

[@millarlambie2970]

I love every part of this car. Particularly the engine cover, it just looks correct. Thanks Harry for another entertaining post.

[@TheRealFLX81]

Coincidentally, I saw my first 296 GTB today, in a lovely shade of gold. I instantly forgot the Artura existed and I used to be in Team McLaren. Well theoretically, since I will never be able to afford either one of them, LOL.

[@Trottelheimer]

Hi Felix! I agree, the 296 is such a looker! :)

[@Gorbyrev]

Does rather look like the Artura 700LT or whatever it will be called will be a tempting prospect against the cooking 296GTB. As with every McLaren the looks are growing on me. Makes you wonder what the successor to the 720S is going to be like!

[@mikey9999]

Another great review...cheers Harry

[@tuningemporium815]

Cracking video Harry , good honest video journalism as always 👌👌👍👍

[@orwellknew9112]

I’m a fan of the styling. I think it looks much better than the F car, but taste is a personal thing.

[@erbterb]

That engine preparation is something I have wondered about in all PHEV cars. How much does it wear the engine with constant cold starts? What are the optimal conditions for both battery and ICE engine and what is the temp/rpm/charge cycle that gives the best life cycle?

[@RAZGR1Z]

Stop/Start is a garbage "feature" that only exists because of moronic regulations forced on manufacturers.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

there grwat 10 yease 80342 miines hybes dokd hit battery 66 oerct cyckes use 33 oect cyxjes keft

[@sharonbraselton4302]

bmw 328i hybdee

[@jaimeballester840]

Brilliant video! Really enjoyed it. Cheers from south Florida, U.S.

[@markjohnson8352]

Thoroughly enjoyable, thank you, Harry.

[@future62]

Excellent review as always Harry. 2 questions... do you miss the extra 2 cylinders at all? I've always prefered 6 cylinders over 8. 2, would you trade some power for shorter gears? I think the sheer thrust this thing provides is part of why the gears are so long. McLaren also seems to have done some smart cost cutting... IIRC earlier entry level cars had CF panels and more interior tech. I like this... would love to see it in an actual color

[@snoopythedog3266]

Agreed, it looks awful on video in black ... or I should say it looks ordinary, doesn't sparkle

[@pereldh5741]

Nice Harry! Headlights are the same as 720 & Speedtail actually. It might not be as good as the 296 but I think it looks much better (but I’m biased)

[@fairmonthotel]

THANKS Harry Great Video Regards

[@ianjohnson2866]

I love your enthusiasm and sheer delight driving this car, it’s so infectious I find myself grinning like a Cheshire Cat all the way through!!

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

It's a shame the 296 was specced so stupidly, makes it hard to compare accurately. McLaren's poor reputation for depreciation, reliability and poor customer after-sales service are NOT plus points though. Great vid as always, Harry! 👍🏻

[@kahless0173]

depreciation shouldnt be a worry when talking about cars. were talking about driving enjoyment and performance not return on investment. thats a different channel.

[@RearWheelZeal]

@@kahless0173 For those who save up for years to finally acquire something special, depreciation should always be a concern. It's absolutely worth talking about. All cars cost money. Why should we pretend otherwise?

[@aviator-kn8zq]

@@RearWheelZeal nice one. Mclaren are different now

[@kahless0173]

@@RearWheelZeal no it shouldn't. Only a moron buys a new car and worries about depreciation. If you're worried about losing money you don't buy something that loses 30% of it's value the minute you own it. There isn't an accountant in the world that will recommend you buy a car as an investment unless it's ultra rare or already expensive. No series production car meets that.

[@RearWheelZeal]

@@kahless0173 It's all relative. If you could potentially retain 80% equity over 3 years with one car vs. potentially losing 40-60% with another you'd be insane not to factor that in your decision. Plus, resale values indicate build quality and the general quality of the ownership experience. If you aren't weighing potential depreciation against the purchase price of your vehicle, you could be ignoring the bulk of your ownership costs. Support the companies that trade on quality or pay twice for your ignorance.

[@AleksandrHalas]

I am waiting and hope that next week there will be a video about Lotus Emira about how it was taken from the factory and the first miles to the house and the already beloved crossroads

[@kevindimauro9689]

I think Harry will now be a bit disappointed with the Emira after driving this. Poor Emira. Seems outdated already.

[@MrFozzie22]

Rainy sundays and Harry's garage yup that'll do for me

[@Chuck88vert]

I can tell your have a great time driving that car. Great video as always.

[@martincassels7995]

Yeah warming up! Have they solved the engine blowing up issue?

[@andrewb325]

Another great review. You can tell this car has some serious power. I'd probably choose this over the 296.

[@davidruddick3346]

So informative and so enjoyable Thanks Harry

[@colinturner4158]

Great video as always Harry love the look and the performance of this car and the price is sensible

[@richardmahoney9415]

I think the McClaren looks better then the Ferrari 296 both are beautifully designed I like the simplicity in this McClaren

[@manwell235]

To me, Arturo looks like a 570S with slightly tweaked headlights.

[@toggtlas7099]

Amazing how British motor journalists always ends up preferring cars with a UK origin. Old Top Gear was the same "Yes, this Ferrari/Lamborghini/Porsche is better in every conceivable way... But the Aston/McLaren still got the edge". Funny how that works.

[@RichardTheRoe]

At least he is honest about the UK bias as he lists "It's British made" as one of the major perks. That's not much of a perk in the rest of the world seeing the reliability of cars made there but hey.

[@sh-hg4eg]

Why's that funny? People now acting as if they don't have some bias for things that come from their own? Would you prefer your neighbours children to your own, just because they scored higher at school and got better jobs? No you wouldn't. Bias is a normal and healthy part of human society. Deal with it.

[@toggtlas7099]

@@sh-hg4eg You compare journalistic bias to "A parent liking their own child", Jesus Christ that's the most depressing and misguided thing I've heard all week. The sad part is that what you just said, as insane as it is, probably sounds reasonable in your own head.

[@dmbassett]

Untrue. When the MP4-12C came out it was technically better, in all measurable ways, against the Ferrari it was benchmarked against. Top Gear tested it and picked the Ferrari. Why - soul. The Ferrari made you feel good. Something that can’t be measured. You’re also missing an understanding of British automotive industry and the people. It has an enviable rich history with marquess like Lotus, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Bentley, TVR, Jaguar, etc… Today these manufacturers are mostly gone, owned by foreign companies, or surviving on the fringes. To see a British manufacturer take it to the big boys, plays a large part in this bias you speak of. Plucky Brits, underdogs, still punching. It’s a feeling 😉

[@jamesavickers5961]

Enjoyable interesting informative entertaining as ever harry well done you

[@Tj930]

Love to see a happy Harry 😊

[@sahs3811]

It’s a similar price to the Maserati MC20 and that looks and a hybrid version is on the way too!

[@jamesrobert4106]

I wonder if anyone has ever said..."I think I will buy the Maserati because it will be far more reliable." 🤔

[@sahs3811]

@@jamesrobert4106 I have owned many Italians cars and not one has broken down on me! Maybe that’s an odd phenomena!

[@josh_bfc_2769]

Great looking cars the Mclarens. I'm glad you brought up the availability especially compared to Ferrari. And yeah you need to make friends with someone in the dealership as you said a friend of a friend. Pathetic really. Great video as ever. You never stopped smiling driving that beauty 👍

[@Wouter-van-der-Molen]

well it's because McLaren makes more cars than they have customers for really, thats the cold hard reality of their situation atm.

[@ronniewilson6597]

Great video ‘H’ 👍🏻😀

[@leslienordman8718]

Great video! What a car! Fantastic! And because you, Harry, don't pull punches about all the other "great" cars, your recommendation here carries great weight. Thanks!

[@Billywoo12]

Would be good to hear your thoughts on costs and depreciation. It looks like one might cost more than £80k more to own over 3 years. That’s a huge difference.

[@coolguy_2997]

Just use leasing 😊

[@bunnydog8436]

@@coolguy_2997 Duh!!!!!! Leasing costs include depreciation

[@peterbradshaw8018]

You do not buy a super car as an investment. This from your book keeper in training. It's a Veblen good.

[@Lemma01]

Comical value proposition. A bit ashamed, tbh, Harry puts this stuff out. Honestly, it's for so few people, I just struggle to be bothered...

[@Ovenman940]

@@peterbradshaw8018 Not just unhelpful but, with plenty of examples, untrue too. It is very important to potential owners that this car will cost them more to own than a similarly priced competitor.

[@johnreilly1425]

I know it’s a class above it but this makes the Emira look fantastic value!

[@augustortiz]

This would savagely murder an Emira in the performance aspect. The Emira looks fantastic but I don’t think they compare in any way.

[@coolguy_2997]

You need to get the Emira with 2.0 AMG engine with a dct and tune it at least to 550hp (that can be done) to see some references between these cars. Otherwise, the lotus is too underperforming.

[@tmchesney56]

Great review! Love this car

[@paulbrown6554]

Fantastic review 👌🏽👏🏽

[@BAC_Mono]

It does look like a very well engineered car, even if the looks aren't that special IMHO. But high geared so that you can't really enjoy it in the UK legally? Apart from the 296, I wonder how this compares to the gen 2 Honda NSX which is a very similar concept? I still can't help feeling that you'd have more fun in a V6 manual Emira though. Having said all of that, it does look much better value than the Ferrari and as Harry says you can actually buy one.

[@frogfoot6218]

think i would like it for going on tour....nice 🙂 thanks for a nice sunday vid mr H 🙂

[@jamesellsworth9673]

I LIKE the styling. I like the simplicity of the steering wheel and dash. I LIKE the way the car handles under your guidance.

[@tedpal5098]

Great video Harry. I'm curious to see what you think of C8. You mentioned you didn't like the way these kinds of cars have long gearing. I wonder what you would think of the C8. It has very short gear ratios. Which makes use of all its 482hp UK (495 US🤔) through the full rev range. As aways, be well and enjoy the Holidays ahead✌🏾🙏🏾

[@GH-fh7pn]

Can you explain the difference between long gearing and short gearing ? So long gearing is for top speed right ? And short gearing is more for every day driving ??

[@tedpal5098]

@@GH-fh7pn Basically the C8 only revs up to 6500 which gives it quicker acceleration. I'm not sure what the exact gear ratios are. I think the last 3 or 4 gears (8 gears) are longer.

[@TheHomeExpert5]

The c8, especially the zo6, wipes the floor with this mclaren. Easily.

[@markwalton8644]

​@@GH-fh7pn Shorter Gearing in a car allows for faster acceleration but a lower Top Speed. Also fuel Economy suffers with Shorter Gearing. The point Harry was making was that with 8 speeds McLaren could have spread the power better so 2nd gear was lower than 80 so you don't have to do Licence losing speeds to reach the rev limiter.

[@RearWheelZeal]

@@GH-fh7pn With shorter gearing, the "steps" between gears are smaller, so there's less likelyhood of falling out of the engine's power peak during a shift. This can make a massive difference for a car that has a relatively narrow powerband, but hybrid sports cars have so much low-end torque that the gearing becomes a secondary concern.

[@robevans8625]

Resale value of 296 will be far better

[@tony-yp6qk]

Really nice car Another great video has always harry 👍

[@ThePorkypete51]

I love the rears' smooth, uncluttered lines

[@CivilAeronautics]

Is this a pre-production sample? Body panel fitment needs work.

[@The_Valiant_Thor]

Nice RSX.

[@richardhale2117]

lol

[@BrianCantybollox]

Harry your enthusiasm and joy experiencing the features of anything you test is a real tonic. Obviously the internal experience far outweighs the external as it looks a dogs breakfast but not quite as horrible as the fezza. Especially that emperors new clothes paint job. I’m glad I can’t afford either and bought an Emira instead 👍

[@danielmarshall4587]

"It soon get a move-on this car" .....thank you, bringing us the facts. Lovely car and splendid video.

[@MrHighlyEvolved]

I would be interested to see if your thoughts on the handling of the 296 would be different on a car not equipped with the Fiorano pack. In addition to raising the price of the car considerably, it also features fixed dampers, and maybe the standard magnetic dampers would be better for the roads you drive on.

[@AP13P]

296 is meant as 720S competitor.

[@jareknowak8712]

Good point!!

[@ENGBriseB]

Never underestimate a McLaren.

[@MercSLRFan]

As a petrolhead with a degree of mechanical sympathy, I absolutely love the engine conditioning feature.

[@okeyezeilo6187]

Great exhaust note...!

[@Tracertme]

This car for me is functional chic, so understated and yet superior to the 296 Ferrari in every way. I grant you that Ferrari press car had some very unfortunate colour scheme, but the weight benefit in this McLaren shines through. It’s the first hybrid I have liked.

[@johnmolloy1034]

How is superior in every way

[@danielmarshall4587]

Thinking that myself, it's more McLaaren's thing, less frills just function.

[@Tracertme]

@@johnmolloy1034 You work it out John you maybe a Ferrari lover but most people can’t see past the badge… I am lucky enough to have owned one in the past and learned and I never buy badges, I just don’t care what people think like or dislike. I am utterly selfish and buy cars for me.

[@larssonk22]

Well done McLaren, sounds like the wait was worth it. Really hoping we don't hear of any common reliability issues. I'd take the Artura over a 296 personally.

[@fatgirlboy9341]

Heard you are at Burford. I drove a Huracan Evo Spyder to Cowley Manor last week. Wonderful weather at Cotswold ! Surprise I didn’t see other super cars on the road.

[@seancain7305]

Great review. I like it !

[@septopus3516]

Though cheaper than the 296, upon finishing this drive, this car depreciated 11% 😳😳. This car won't even exist once Lambo Aston and lotus start shipping out their competition

[@Carsual]

Can't wait to see their future road cars. McLaren is on a great path aesthetically.

[@johnpoyntzfoxsmale]

Great to see you loving the car. Agree with the exhaust noise but that clicking gear change paddle would drive me nuts!

[@GBURGE55]

Clicking gear change, very 70's,80's & 90's Ferrari. I like it.

[@jimclarke1108]

An amazing bunch of supercars Harry, but that XJC V12 in the background stands out for me🏆

[@rooroo526]

I'm so tired of McLaren's design language. "They've only been making cars for a decade" doesn't really strike me as a valide excuse. They're just uninspired to a fault.

[@manwell235]

Yup, i have the same sentiment. Mclaren been following the P1 template for far too long

[@Kingdonnerkebab]

Haha it wouldn’t even change gear for Harry at the start lol, he even mentions it. Stuck in 2nd for ages at high revs. That reason alone if I won the lotto this would never be a consideration.

[@manwell235]

That is worrying for long term reliability. Buying a mclaren is still like playing russian roulette unfortunately.