McLaren is synonymous with performance and motorsports, but not really luxury and comfort. They produce some of the most vicious, unholy fast supercars, packed with cutting edge technology. McLaren is the second most successful Formula One team and holds a number of victories in the Indy 500 and Can-Am series.
However, until today, it never really produced a car that’s great for the road. Long distance travel requires some sacrifice to performance – a comfortable seating position, a little bit of leather cushioning, decent visibility and ground clearance, and, luggage space. All of these features took the back seat (ha-ha) in projects like the 720S, 600LT, and the Ultimate Series.
Well, we’re happy to confirm McLaren is putting all of these at the focus of its latest supercar – the GT.
The 570 GT was a test and market probe to see what demand is there for such vehicles. Apparently, there is plenty because the new McLaren GT is the first specimen of the company’s Grand Touring series – a new distinct class of vehicles tailored for road comfort…and speed.
So, what is McLaren GT packing?
The car is loosely based on the 720S. It uses a tuned down variation of the 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine. Unique engine mounts are used to reduce vibrations and therefore noise. There are also new pistons and a low-inertia turbocharger.
As a result, the engine produces 620 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. However, the torque curve is wide and flat, producing 95% of its torque between 3,000 and 7,250 RPM.
Performance-wise, McLaren claims the GT will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and to 124 mph under 9 seconds with a top speed of 203 mph. Yes, it’s still incredibly fast.
The carbon fiber monocoque is modified with additional structures to maximize interior space. Wrapped around it is an entirely new aluminum body – smoother, with less pronounced curvature and lack of aggressive aerodynamic elements.
The roof, C-pillars, and rear deck are all laminated glazing for maximum visibility. Among the options are electrochromic glass panels, which can change opacity with the touch of a button. The effect is gorgeous, but also functional.
McLaren GT sits higher to accommodate the varying road conditions. There is 3.94 inches of ground clearance with an optional lift to 5.11 inches. The suspension is softer and the hydraulic steering and brakes are more assisted at low speed to increase comfort and ride quality.
And speaking of comfort, just look at that interior – fully adjustable leather seats, leather dashboard with optional cashmere and the most advanced infotainment system McLaren has ever produced.
Finally, we can’t finish before talking about storage. Lifting the rear deck reveals a shallow, but very long luggage compartment. It offers 14.8 cubic feet of storage and can fit a whole golf club set or a pair of skis. Try doing that in any other McLaren. In addition to that, you still have the “frunk” with it’s 5.3 cubic feet of volume.
So, finally, a road going car, not just road legal. Yet, the GT is unmistakenly a McLaren – body and soul. Deliveries will start later in the year. If you want to own one, a McLaren GT will cost you $210,000.
