"This is a car that redefines the notion of a Grand Tourer in a way that only a McLaren could,” said Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive.
Like all McLarens, the new GT has a carbon fibre structure and at the rear, an integrated fixed rear wing, large diffuser and substantial exhaust tailpipes are reminders that this is a Grand Tourer with supercar performance.
The source of that performance is a new, 620PS 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, designated M840TE which is bespoke to the new McLaren GT.
Torque of 630Nm is produced between 5,500rpm and 6,500rpm, with more than 95% of this available from 3,000rpm to 7,250rpm.
The new engine is mated to a 7-speed SSG transmission.
The performance statistics speak for themselves: with a launch control function optimising acceleration from a standing start, 0-100km/h (0-62mph) is achieved in 3.2 seconds (0-60mph in 3.1 seconds), 0-200km/h (0-124mph) is dispatched in 9.0 seconds.
The maximum speed of the McLaren GT is 326km/h (203mph).
The suspension is a lightweight aluminium, double wishbone design, paired in the new McLaren GT with hydraulic dampers to deliver Proactive Damping Control.
Driving precision and enjoyment is further enhanced in new McLaren GT by hydraulic steering, which uses a single software ‘map’ across Comfort, Sport and Track modes to deliver optimal feel and response.
At 1,530kg (DIN), the McLaren GT is more than 130kg lighter than its closest core competitor.
With 620PS from its 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the power-to-weight ratio of the superlight new McLaren GT is a remarkable 405PS-per-tonne.
The bespoke MonoCell II-T monocoque – the T denoting ‘Touring’ – incorporates a carbon fibre rear upper structure that adds minimal weight but allows the creation of a 420-litre luggage area below the front-hinged, full-length glazed tailgate.
The tailgate has a soft-close function as standard.
The streamlined, electrically adjusted and heated seats, which are unique to the McLaren GT, have been engineered to meet the requirements of Grand Touring, being optimised for long-distance comfort.
A 12-speaker, Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system featuring carbon fibre sub-bass woofers and Kevlar mid-range drive units, is available.
The Nappa leather trim that features as standard can be upgraded to softgrain luxury leather or Alcantara.
At almost 4.7m, the new McLaren is longer than any of the cars in the McLaren Sports or Super Series.
