All-new McLaren GT Marks a Different Chapter for the Brand
Previewed by last week’s teaser, the all-new McLaren GT was finally revealed today as the first true Grand Tourer in the McLaren family, alongside the existing Sports, Super and Ultimate Series.
It is aimed at a new type of McLaren buyers looking for more comfort, space and usability in their long-distance trips.
- Also: 2019 McLaren 720S Spider: Of Course
- Also: All-New McLaren 600LT Takes Sports Series to Whole Other Level
Speedtail DNA
The McLaren GT sports a sleek, lightweight body and luxurious, high-quality materials throughout. The long, elegant exterior lines follow the aerodynamic principles that define every McLaren, while the muscular rear fenders incorporate the air intakes for the high-temperature radiators that cool the engine.
The car’s width and stance are emphasized at the front by the signature ‘hammerhead line’ that runs horizontally across the nose and draws the eye out to the sides. An integrated fixed rear wing, large diffuser and substantial exhaust tailpipes dominate the rear section.
At over 15 feet (4.57 metres), the new GT is longer than any of the cars in the McLaren Sports or Super Series. Yet, the ground clearance of 4.3 inches (5.1 in ‘lift’ mode) ensures the car is usable in all urban situations.
GT Cockpit
When you open the dihedral doors that swing upwards, you’ll find the new infotainment system, which is McLaren’s most sophisticated and fastest-operating to date, although the seven-inch touchscreen is relatively small by modern standards. It features industry-standard HERE navigation mapping and real-time traffic information.
Ahead of the driver and providing key vehicle data is a 12.3-inch TFT screen, with graphics similar to those seen on aircraft.
The streamlined, power adjustable and heated seats are unique to the McLaren GT, with optimized padding and support for long-distance comfort. The standard Nappa leather can be upgraded to softgrain luxury leather or Alcantara, depending on which vehicle specification is chosen. Cashmere will even become available as an additional choice towards the end of 2019, marking a first in a production vehicle.
Other interior highlights include ambient lighting, an available 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and the option of an electrochromic glass panel that darkens or lightens at the touch of a button.
Total cargo capacity amounts to 569 litres, including 419 litres in the rear trunk, which is accessed via a front-hinged glass tailgate. McLaren says it’s large enough to fit a few travel bags as well as golf clubs or two pairs of six-foot-long skis. Optionally, the tailgate can be power operated.
Covering a Lot of Ground… Fast
At 3,232 pounds, the new McLaren GT is more than 286 pounds lighter than its closest competitor, McLaren says without specifying which one. The carbon fibre structure and aluminum body house a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that cranks out 612 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, more than 95 percent of which is available from 3,000-7,250 rpm.
Combined with a seven-speed sequential-shift gearbox (SSG), this allows 0-100 km/h acceleration in just over three seconds, 0-200 km/h in nine seconds and a top speed of 327 km/h.
The McLaren GT rides on custom Pirelli P ZERO tires designed to meet the demands of high-performance driving and comfort and refinement in equal measure. The 21-inch alloy rear wheels, which are the largest ever fitted to a McLaren, are paired with 20-inch wheels at the front and available in 7- or 15-spoke designs.
Meanwhile, the new Proactive Damping Control suspension is said to provide remarkable levels of comfort. It combines with a hydraulic steering system to deliver renowned McLaren driving dynamics. The latter has been optimized at lower speeds for everyday ease of use.
The McLaren GT follows the Speedtail, 720S Spider and 600LT Spider as the fourth car to be launched under the brand’s Track25 business plan, which includes 18 new cars or versions by the end of 2025. Customers in the U.S. can order it now starting at $210,000, with deliveries to begin by the end of 2019. Canadian pricing and availability will be announced later.