The McLaren GT is the latest all-new model from the British sportscar specialist. McLaren believes that the GT is an alternative to existing products in an expanding market segment. The GT – for Grand Touring – was created for long-distance driving in comfort, at higher speeds and with room for luggage.

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MonoCell II base

Like all other models in the portfolio, the McLaren GT is based around the firm’s carbon-fibre MonoCell II tub. This means that the GT is both extremely rigid and lighter than all its competition. It tips the scales at just over 1,5 tons, about the same as a performance hatch.

In this application, the MonoCell II has a T suffix, T denoting ‘Touring’. It incorporates a carbon-fibre rear upper structure that allows the creation of a 420-litre luggage area below the front-hinged, full-length tailgate. The tailgate has a soft-close function as standard and can be optioned as electrically powered. McLaren says that the GT has enough volume, shape and usability to carry a golf bag or two pairs of 185 cm skis and boots as well as luggage. The aggregate volume of the front and rear storage areas is a massive 570 litres.

Power aplenty

The McLaren GT is powered by a 4,0-litre, twin-turbocharged engine; internal code M840TE. Maximum power of 456 kW is accompanied by peak torque of 630 N.m, that latter figure is produced between 5 500 and 6 500 r/min. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. McLaren quotes a standing start, 0-100 km/h time of 3,2 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9,0 seconds with a top speed of 326 km/h.

Lush interior

In keeping with its GT car credentials, the interior of the McLaren GT is finished in high-quality materials such as Nappa leather or Alcantara, hidden-until-lit ambient lighting and the option of an electrochromic glazed panel in place of the standard carbon-fibre composite gloss black roof. Cashmere will become available as an additional choice towards the end of 2019 – the first time that this exclusive material has been used in a production vehicle.

Machined and knurled aluminium switches and controls contrast with gloss black surrounds for the infotainment screen, window switches, gear-selection console, and air vent outlets. A 12-speaker, Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system features carbon-fibre bass woofers and Kevlar mid-range drive units is available.

In his own words

“The new McLaren GT combines competition levels of performance with continent-crossing capability, wrapped in a beautiful body and true to McLaren’s ethos of designing superlight cars with a clear weight advantage over rivals. Designed for distance, it provides the comfort and space expected of a Grand Tourer, but with a level of agility never experienced before in this segment. In short, this is a car that redefines the notion of a Grand Tourer in a way that only a McLaren could”: Mike Flewitt, chief executive officer, McLaren Automotive

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