McLaren Automotive today reveals its unique interpretation of a modern Grand Tourer: the new McLaren GT. Sleek, elegant and muscular, the superlight new GT challenges the conventions of the Grand Tourer category with a compelling blend of captivating design, innovative materials, true supercar performance and the unmistakable McLaren driving experience.
With its fangs hot on the heels of the Aston Martin DB11 V8, Porsche 911 Turbo S and yes the Ferrari Portofino, it is clear that the McLaren GT intends to solidify its place among current Grand Touring Titans.
Power Struggle
The McLaren GT generates 620 PS and 630 Nm of torque out of its 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine. To put this in scale, the Aston Martin DB11 V8 dishes out 510 PS and 675 Nm of torque, the Porsche 911 Turbo S 580 PS and 750 Nm of torque and the Ferrari Portofino with 600 PS and 882 Nm of torque respectively. Now amongst these Titans, the numbers pushing out of the plucky McLaren GT is by no means on the lower or higher end of the spectrum, but it does have something the others do not and that is the lightest-in-class kerb weight. At 1,530kg (DIN), the McLaren GT is more than 130kg lighter than its closest competitor and literally hundreds of kilogrammes less than other cars in the segment. This brings the power-to-weight ratio of the superlight new McLaren GT to a staggering 405PS-per-tonne.
Performance – A real world perspective
Bringing this a little more into the realms of how these performance numbers can be illustrated when we compare it with something like say a BMW 330i, a popular and relatively ‘fast’ car. The 3er would hit 100 kmph from a standstill in about 5.8 seconds, impressive no doubt. The McLaren GT on the other hand would hit 100 kmph in just 3.1 seconds, at nearly half the time.
In just 9 seconds, the McLaren GT would have touched 200 kmph while the 3er would require close to 23 seconds. That means the McLaren GT would be able to hit 200kph in just about 250 meters, while the BMW would take another 400 meters, or nearly a quarter mile to hit the same speed. Now that’s fast!
The fine art of GT
Aside from the usual bits and bobbles of GT essentials, technology and modern craftsmanship share equal prominence in the new McLaren GT, with the finest high-quality materials complemented by features such as the most sophisticated McLaren infotainment system to date; hidden-until-lit ambient lighting and the option of an electrochromic glazed panel in lieu of the standard carbon fibre composite gloss black roof, darkening or lightening at the touch of a button.
Machined and knurled aluminium switches and controls – including the steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles – contrast with gloss black surrounds for the infotainment screen, window switches, gear-selection console and air vent housings. A 12-speaker, Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system featuring carbon fibre sub-bass woofers and Kevlar mid-range drive units, is available.
I’d also like to mention that the McLaren GT has a whopping 570 litres of luggage space in the boot to ensure you’ll be able to stock yourself well over your GT journey. That’s 90 liters more than the 480 litre boot space offered by the G20 BMW 330i. In a low slung supercar that tops out at over 300kph.
The heritage
For you sceptics, who gawk at the idea of a McLaren GT car, do take note that in order to create a new type of McLaren – and the first true Grand Tourer from the brand – saw the McLaren design team embracing the visual history of Grand Touring cars while remaining true to the philosophies that underpin all McLaren design. The long, elegant exterior lines that are widely recognised as Grand Tourer design cues are executed in the new McLaren GT according to the aerodynamic principles that define every McLaren. The muscular rear fenders – another design trait commonplace in Grand Touring history – are an example of the form of every McLaren being true to its function, incorporating here the air intakes for the high-temperature radiators that cool the engine.
Fancy one in your driveway? The new McLaren
GT is available to order now from McLaren retailers worldwide, with customer
deliveries commencing towards the end of 2019. UK pricing starts at £163,000
including taxes.
Will the McLaren GT hit our shores next year? If so when and at what price will
it be sold at? Will you choose a McLaren over the other super GT cars that are
on sale in Malaysia? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Written by: Joshua John
