McLaren GT

McLaren presents the new GT as the fourth new model of their Track25 business plan. Amazingly, it leaves at the same time the known nomenclature of PS performance and model designation as well as the typical in-house classification into ‘Sports Series’, ‘Super Series’ or ‘Ultimate Series’. In terms of size and performance, the GT should be sorted into the Super Series next to the 720S, but it uses the ‘MonoCell II’ carbon tub of the Sports Series – although in a new touring version with a newly developed upper structure. This allows the installation of glazed C-pillars and a large tailgate with standard soft-close function and optional electrical operation. Instead, McLaren considers it as a parallel offer, as a true Grand Tourer next to the three known series. In combination with the consistent lightweight construction, they achieve an interesting contrast to the GT vehicles already offered in the market by brands like Aston Martin, Bentley and Co.

Behind the passengers and under the new rear luggage compartment sits the V8 biturbo engine with four liters of displacement known from the 720S. Here it delivers 620 hp and 630 newtonmeters of torque. As in all other models of their line-up, the power is transmitted via a seven-speed dualclutch gearbox. Thanks to the launch control function, the GT sprints to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and from zero to 124 mph in nine seconds flat. As a maximum speed McLaren indicates 326 kph (202.5 mph). The DIN curb weight of 1,530 kilograms undercuts the competitors by up to 200 kilograms. In addition to the 150-liter trunk under the front hood, the new McLaren GT offers another 420 liters of luggage space behind the seats. So a total of 570 liters is available to store your belongings for big journeys.

Inside, the McLaren GT offers the best possible comfort for long trips on highways and country roads. For this purpose, the model receives its own comfort sports seats with electrical adjustment and heating. Sitting position and ergonomics also allow fast, concentrated excursions to the race track. Fine nappa leather covers seats, dashboard, steering wheel, door cards and the luggage rack at the back. Alternatively, even softer leather or Alcantara is available, supplemented by cashmere from the end of this year. For the luggage compartment, SuperFabric is available as an optional cover. The interior also features a hidden ambiente lighting and the hitherto most sophisticated infotainment of McLaren, including HERE navigation maps, real-time traffic information, Bluetooth telephony, voice control, media streaming and DAB digital radio. All this is served via a seven-inch touchscreen display in the center console. Optionally, a Bowers & Wilkins premium 12-speaker audio system is available, with the midrange speakers being made of Kevlar and the subwoofers embedded in carbon fiber. Behind the steering wheel sits a 12.3-inch display. Aluminium switches milled from solid blocks provide for haptic experiences and set accents to the glossy black decorative panels, which are also available in bare carbon. Above the passengers’ heads sits a black painted carbon roof, which can optionally be replaced by either a normal dark tinted glass roof or an electrochromed glass roof. The latter allows more or less natural light in the interior on the push of a button.

From the outside, the new GT takes on various basic design ideas of the extremely limited McLaren Speedtail, but also received some new details from Rob Melville, McLaren’s Chief Designer, and his team. While the front and rear are very elegant, the large air intakes behind the doors are particularly noticeably. Although they are necessary, they create discussion points among car enthusiasts. In the wheel arches sit 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear with either 7 or 15 spokes. On the website of McLaren, interested parties can play around with the configurator to have a first visual idea of the available colors. Orders are possible now, with first deliveries expected for late 2019. The price list starts at 187,000 € in Switzerland or £ 163,000 in the UK (including taxes).

Images: McLaren