McLaren GT Evolves Into Lighter, More Powerful GTS

Published on December 20, 2023 in New Models by Guillaume Rivard

McLaren this week unveiled the new and lighter GTS, which replaces the GT in its supercar lineup, offering an unprecedented blend of McLaren driving dynamics and performance with refinement and practicality.

“When you want a true supercar driving experience, the GTS delivers that. When you want to relax on a longer journey or with luggage for a weekend away, the GTS is an ideal companion. This is a car that is true to McLaren’s racing DNA but with multiple layers of ability,” McLaren CEO Michael Leiters said.

Let’s start with the exterior design. At the front of the GTS, the ‘hammerhead’ front fascia has been updated with a new lower front bumper section and newly sculpted air intakes that are more pronounced, with wider intakes to channel more air into the car’s radiator system. On the rear fenders, taller air scoops have been incorporated, enabling greater airflow into the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

Photo: McLaren

The muscular stance and surfacing of the GTS also include a large rear diffuser and dual exhausts, the latter also part of a package that delivers a raw supercar soundtrack on demand with the optional Sports Exhaust system. By the way, the car comes standard with many gloss black accents, though carbon fibre trim is optional. As for the wheels, a new 10-spoke Turbine lightweight forged alloy wheel design is available.

Now With 626 Ponies

The reduced weight of the McLaren GTS is partly attributable to the standard composite roof made from recycled carbon fibre. Meanwhile, the twin-turbo engine’s output has been increased to 626 horsepower (+14 hp). With standard Launch Control turned on, the GTS hits 0-100 km/h in only 3.2 seconds and 0-200 km/h in just 8.9 seconds. Top speed is unchanged at 326 km/h.

The tuning of the electro-hydraulic steering system, the standard-fit suspension featuring adaptive damping with proactive damping control, and the powerful carbon ceramic braking system are all unique to the GTS, McLaren says. The brakes employ 390mm discs and six-piston calipers at the front along with 380mm discs and four-piston calipers at the rear. Braking distances from 100-0 km/h are 32 metres, same as before.

Photo: McLaren

More Convenient and Practical

The new GTS is also well within its comfort zone in urban environments. Underbody ground clearance of 110 mm can be increased to 130 mm using the vehicle lift function, which is now able to raise or lower the nose in only four seconds, more than twice as fast as the GT’s system.

The 420-litre trunk is accessed via a front-hinged, full-length glass tailgate that is electrically operated and incorporates a soft close function. Another 150 litres of storage can be found up front. With 570 litres of total cargo space, McLaren claims the GTS is the most practical new supercar on sale today.

Photo: McLaren

The last item we need to talk about is the interior. As standard, the Comfort seats of the GTS are upholstered with Nappa leather trim alongside a leather trimmed steering wheel. New Performance and TechLux interior schemes introduce a refreshed design. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster continues to be paired with a portrait-style, 7-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Canadian pricing for the 2024 McLaren GTS will be announced at a later date. The outgoing GT retailed from $275,000.

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