I'm rather restless after driving the McLaren 570GT and I suspect it could well be because I'm a tad confused here. I mean, from the McLaren 12C - the model that was first previewed here in Singapore back in 2011 - to its limited-run plug-in hybrid P1 hypercar, the British marque has always been known to produce pure-bred, spirited supercars.

But here we have the 570GT, the car that supposedly extends the appeal of the McLaren Sport Series - joining the 570S Coupe and the 540C Coupe - by being the most refined and road-biased McLaren yet.

Still ample power befitting of a supercar

Of course, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. The only problem is I cannot help but to think if the 570GT will remain a true blue McLaren - one that is highly known for its track capabilities and intensity for driving pleasure.

You see, everything in the product kit points to the direction of how luxurious, comfortable and quiet the 570GT is. Hell, it even mentions just how engaging the sound system is. Honestly, the difference in sound quality isn't apparent to a non-audiophile like myself. Instead, I reckon the stirring soundtrack of the screaming 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 is far more entertaining.

The enjoyment is prolonged with all 562bhp and 600Nm of twisting force sent to the rear wheels via the mighty quick shifting seven-speed gearbox. Floor the right pedal and you'll feel the speed piling up steadily as the turbo boost kicks in and guns the car towards the horizon relentlessly and exhilaratingly.

GT for Grand Tourer

Hence, you can understand why I'm a tad confused. On one hand, the car you see here is marketed as a grand tourer and for very legitimate reasons. On the other, the car - as a GT - offers a driving experience that's quite extraordinary, to say the least.

That the 570GT manages to have a superb body control, beautifully-weighted and direct steering and an endless well of power remain baffling to me. This is the sort of car that wouldn't disappoint on the track.

Where this car showcases its traits of being a GT shines through its sumptuous everyday ride - the sort that manages to soak up broken tarmac without sending any of the vibrations that come with it without compromising on its sporty disposition.

Comfort matching style

Hence, while calling this McLaren comfortable is a bit of a mismatch with the brand's hallmark traits, the 570GT is exactly that, and then some.

On the inside, there's a high level of craftsmanship, thanks to leather swathed sports benches and a user-friendly centrally-mounted touchscreen that controls the interfaces for what you mostly need such as air-conditioning and audio. The only buttons you'll notice are the ones on the centre console that replace the conventional gear lever, as well as those that control the different driving characteristics of the car.

In here, the GT also boasts a total of 370 litres of luggage space - 150 litres in front and 220 litres at the back, with the latter accessible via a side opening Glass Hatch.

Looks more than it costs

Like its classy interior, the car's sheet metal looks every bit as dramatic as how a supercar should be.

The curves upfront that house the sexy headlamps, together with the sleek taillights that complement the complex-looking rear, are a theatrical display that wouldn't look out of place when compared to Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

But, my goodness, it has to be the doors themselves that steal the show, swinging upwards with flair as you open them.

A sound McLaren, nonetheless

Regardless of what you decide to call the 570GT, whether a supercar or a grand tourer (even though the latter is admittedly more accurate), doesn't matter much, methinks. And that's because there's no disputing this car is ultimately a McLaren.

It has everything you need and want as a supercar, yet it has a slightly softer setup that makes it so amiable on public roads and so much more tolerable over longer hauls.

I may still be confused as to where this car will take McLaren to and how it'll fare amongst purists, but I'm pretty clear if I had the moola, the 570GT is the one I'll get.

I'm rather restless after driving the McLaren 570GT and I suspect it could well be because I'm a tad confused here. I mean, from the McLaren 12C - the model that was first previewed here in Singapore back in 2011 - to its limited-run plug-in hybrid P1 hypercar, the British marque has always been known to produce pure-bred, spirited supercars.

But here we have the 570GT, the car that supposedly extends the appeal of the McLaren Sport Series - joining the 570S Coupe and the 540C Coupe - by being the most refined and road-biased McLaren yet.

Still ample power befitting of a supercar

Of course, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. The only problem is I cannot help but to think if the 570GT will remain a true blue McLaren - one that is highly known for its track capabilities and intensity for driving pleasure.

You see, everything in the product kit points to the direction of how luxurious, comfortable and quiet the 570GT is. Hell, it even mentions just how engaging the sound system is. Honestly, the difference in sound quality isn't apparent to a non-audiophile like myself. Instead, I reckon the stirring soundtrack of the screaming 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 is far more entertaining.

The enjoyment is prolonged with all 562bhp and 600Nm of twisting force sent to the rear wheels via the mighty quick shifting seven-speed gearbox. Floor the right pedal and you'll feel the speed piling up steadily as the turbo boost kicks in and guns the car towards the horizon relentlessly and exhilaratingly.

GT for Grand Tourer

Hence, you can understand why I'm a tad confused. On one hand, the car you see here is marketed as a grand tourer and for very legitimate reasons. On the other, the car - as a GT - offers a driving experience that's quite extraordinary, to say the least.

That the 570GT manages to have a superb body control, beautifully-weighted and direct steering and an endless well of power remain baffling to me. This is the sort of car that wouldn't disappoint on the track.

Where this car showcases its traits of being a GT shines through its sumptuous everyday ride - the sort that manages to soak up broken tarmac without sending any of the vibrations that come with it without compromising on its sporty disposition.

Comfort matching style

Hence, while calling this McLaren comfortable is a bit of a mismatch with the brand's hallmark traits, the 570GT is exactly that, and then some.

On the inside, there's a high level of craftsmanship, thanks to leather swathed sports benches and a user-friendly centrally-mounted touchscreen that controls the interfaces for what you mostly need such as air-conditioning and audio. The only buttons you'll notice are the ones on the centre console that replace the conventional gear lever, as well as those that control the different driving characteristics of the car.

In here, the GT also boasts a total of 370 litres of luggage space - 150 litres in front and 220 litres at the back, with the latter accessible via a side opening Glass Hatch.

Looks more than it costs

Like its classy interior, the car's sheet metal looks every bit as dramatic as how a supercar should be.

The curves upfront that house the sexy headlamps, together with the sleek taillights that complement the complex-looking rear, are a theatrical display that wouldn't look out of place when compared to Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

But, my goodness, it has to be the doors themselves that steal the show, swinging upwards with flair as you open them.

A sound McLaren, nonetheless

Regardless of what you decide to call the 570GT, whether a supercar or a grand tourer (even though the latter is admittedly more accurate), doesn't matter much, methinks. And that's because there's no disputing this car is ultimately a McLaren.

It has everything you need and want as a supercar, yet it has a slightly softer setup that makes it so amiable on public roads and so much more tolerable over longer hauls.

I may still be confused as to where this car will take McLaren to and how it'll fare amongst purists, but I'm pretty clear if I had the moola, the 570GT is the one I'll get.