McLaren has just unveiled the all-new GT, the fourth
new model introduced under its Track25 business plan. Orders can be placed
effective immediately, with deliveries set to commence towards the end of 2019.
Pricing in the U.S. starts from US$ 210,000, while UK
buyers are expected to pay upwards of £ 163,000, including taxes. In return for
their money, they receive a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8, producing a hefty 612 HP and 630 Nm of torque.
The McLaren design team chose to give the new GT
long and elegant exterior lines and muscular rear fenders, so as to express
that this is more of a long journey supercar than the usual track-focused
weaponry we’ve come to expect from the British brand. The GT measures almost
4.7 meters in length, which means that it’s longer than any of
the other models in the McLaren Sports or Super Series.
Its front and rear overhangs extend further than
what we’re used to seeing on other McLarens, while the 10-degree approach angle
at the front (13-degree with lift engaged) helps the car cope with “the most
aggressive traffic calming measures.” Furthermore, its underbody clearance of 110 mm (130 mm with lift engaged), makes the GT
usable in all urban traffic situations. The automaker even claims that in lift
mode, this supercar’s ground clearance is equal to that of mainstream sedans.
In terms of its construction, the GT features a
bespoke MonoCell II-T monocoque, with a carbon fiber rear upper structure that allows
for a 14.8 cu.ft luggage area below the tailgate, which has a soft-close
function as standard and can even be operated electrically. According to
McLaren, you can fit a golf bag or two pairs of 185 cm skis and boots, as well
as luggage. You also get a further 150 liters of storage at the
front, meaning that the car can accommodate a total of 570 liters.
The new McLaren GT features a well-rounded interior,
focused on high performance driving, but also longer journeys. Its unique
electrically adjusted and heated seats have been engineered for comfort, while
the high-quality materials complement features such as the automaker’s most
sophisticated infotainment system to date, aluminum switches and controls,
gloss black surrounds for the screen, window switches, gear-selection console
and air vents. There’s also a 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio
system with carbon fiber sub-bass woofers and Kevlar mid-range drive units.
Nappa leather trim is featured as standard, although
buyers can also opt for softgrain luxury leather or Alcantara, depending on
which spec they choose – Cashmere will become available as an additional choice
towards the end of the year (the first time this material has been used in a
production vehicle).
As for the previously-mentioned 7-inch infotainment system, it comes
with HERE navigation mapping and real time traffic information. DAB digital
radio (or Sirius satellite radio in North America) is standard, as is the
dual-zone climate control system, which allows for fully automatic and
independent settings for the driver and passenger. Meanwhile, the driver is
provided with key vehicle information through a 12.3-inch TFT screen, whose
graphics resemble those seen on aircraft.
The McLaren GT’s new twin turbo V8 engine produces
612 HP and 630 Nm of torque with the help of a 7-speed SSG
transmission. With the Launch Control function engaged, the GT can accelerate
from zero to 96 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, while 0-200 km/h takes 9 seconds flat. Max it out and you’ll be doing 326 km/h. With a weight of just 1,530 kg, the GT is said to be more than 130 kg lighter than its
“closest core competitor”. It also has a 399 HP per ton power-to-weight ratio,
which is pretty remarkable.
Also impressive is the fact that its suspension,
steering and brakes are all bespoke and optimized to provide the best possible
Grand Touring driving experience, while also delivering responsiveness and
precision, plus superior ride comfort to any other McLaren. Thanks to its
hydraulic dampers (Proactive Damping Control), the GT can offer a particularly
compliant ride in Comfort Mode (also available are Sport and Track modes). The P ZERO tires are also
bespoke, developed by Pirelli to fit the GT’s 21-inch alloy rear wheels, which
are actually the largest ever wheels fitted to a McLaren – front wheels measure
20-inches in diameter.