Where's the Spider?

We'll come to that, but McLaren promised a busy few years with model introductions and it has added another '570' derivative to the line-up. We were expecting a drop-top first, but McLaren has other ideas, launching this more practical version of its first Sports Series model, called the 570GT. The promise is of more luggage space, but we're not talking Astra Belmont here - though McLaren's claim of an additional 220 litres of volume does sound impressive.

A practical McLaren?

The 570GT ups overall capacity to 350 litres, which is more than a Ford Focus swallows in its boot. You might want to invest in the inevitable and no-doubt expensive fitted luggage to make the most of it, as it's an awkwardly spaced area behind the seats and under a new side-hinged rear window. You wouldn't want to sling in a tub of Ben & Jerry's ice cream when you're doing your Fortnum and Mason weekly shop, either, as with the same 570hp twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 underneath as the 570S that luggage area will get a bit toasty. It'd make a hell of a pizza delivery vehicle, then. Perhaps in Monaco, where the glass hatch to the 'touring deck' (as McLaren dubs the space under the glass) would hinge on the left-hand side, giving access from the kerb.

Not hugely practical then?

Not if you're off to Ikea, or the tip, but you'll have a Range Rover or staff for that, so it's of little significance. What it does do is transform the 570S into something a little bit different, McLaren admitting it has dialled back the spring rates for a bit more compliance (we don't recall the 570S riding badly), reducing the ratio of the steering by two per cent, binning the carbon ceramic brake discs for iron ones and adding a bit of luxury to the interior. There's a fixed panoramic glass roof and a quieter exhaust (boo) too, the 570GT's emphasis a little bit more on comfort than outright sporting performance. There's a re-tuned stereo for the new cabin acoustics, too, McLaren always having an eye on the details...

Isn't she pretty?

Oh yes, if we had one complaint about the 570S - and we're nit-picking here, as it's pretty brilliant - it's the looks, particularly around the rear. The 570GT addresses that, removing the flying buttresses and many converging lines over the engine, and replacing them with something a lot more elegant, and far less busy looking. There's a greater kick along the trailing edge at the rear to address the aerodynamic changes that's caused, but to our eyes it looks pretty damn fine.

A true GT?

We'd happily spend all day every day driving a 570S so rounded is its ability, but we can see why some customers might gravitate towards the 570GT. Not least those looks, and greater luxury - the additional carrying capacity will have little to do with it. Thing is, if you decide you want that two per cent back on the steering, or the spring rates the same as the 570S's there's always McLaren Special Operations, the skunkworks customer division that'll do anything you desire. We'll wait until we drive the GT before suggesting you do that, but having spent an hour or so pouring over the details at a preview event, and just stood alongside it enjoying its more cohesive shape, we're not sure anyone's going to want a 570S anymore.

How much?

It'll cost you £154,000 in the UK before you've ticked a single option, so don't expect too much change from say £170,000. Still, you'll look better reaching 62mph in 3.4 seconds than you would in the 570S, that alone worth the circa £10,000 premium McLaren is asking for it. And the Spider? It'll be along soon...