McLaren Introduces the Ultra-Lightweight Grand Tourer, the GT
McLaren GT
McLaren Unveils the Ultra-Lightweight Grand Tourer, the GT
McLaren Automotive has unveiled the new McLaren GT, a model that combines the characteristics of a grand tourer with the agility of a supercar.
Text by HARA Akira
A Body with Load Capacity for Long Touring
The McLaren GT (hereinafter referred to as GT) debuts as a new series joining McLaren's established Sports Series, Super Series, and Ultimate Series families.
Mike Flewitt, the company's CEO, explained, "This is a car that redefines the concept of the grand tourer, offering not only the comfort and space suitable for long touring but also a level of agility not found in models of this segment before."
The GT measures 4,683mm in length, 2,095mm in width, and 1,213mm in height. With a carbon fiber core, the body weighs 1,530kg, claimed to be over 200kg lighter than its heaviest competitors. Its most distinctive feature is the bespoke "MonoCell II-T" monocoque (T for Touring) body.
A rear upper structure made of carbon fiber is integrated, and its strength allows for a rear hatch with a full glass opening. Beneath this lies a 420-liter storage space. By lowering the engine's height and cleverly positioning the exhaust, the luggage space's capacity, shape, and usability have been optimized, capable of easily accommodating a golf bag or two sets of 185cm skis and boots, along with luggage. Combined with the 150-liter front storage, the total storage capacity is 570 liters. The glass pillars and windows also enhance rearward visibility and allow more light into the cabin.
With a length of approximately 4.7 meters, the body is longer than any model in the Sports or Super Series, possessing an elegant silhouette befitting a grand tourer. Following the distinctive front hammerhead line, the teardrop-shaped cabin extends rearward, leading to side air intakes feeding high-temperature radiators, powerful rear fenders, integrated rear wing, a large diffuser, and prominent exhaust tailpipes.
McLaren GT
McLaren Unveils the Ultra-Lightweight Grand Tourer, the GT (2)
4.0-Liter V8 Engine Delivers 0-100km/h in 3.2 Seconds and a Top Speed of 326km/h
The 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, known as M840TE and mounted behind the cabin, is newly manufactured for the GT. It produces a maximum output of 620ps at 8,500rpm and peak torque of 630Nm between 5,500-6,500rpm. Delivering 95 percent of its maximum torque from 3,000rpm to 7,250rpm, it combines with the 7-speed SSG transmission to provide linear, seamless, and overwhelming acceleration.
Its performance capabilities include 0-100km/h acceleration in 3.2 seconds, 0-200km/h in 9.0 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 11.0 seconds, with a top speed of 326km/h, all optimized by the launch control function. Stopping power is equally impressive, with the ability to halt from 100km/h in 32 meters and from 200km/h in 127 meters.
The suspension, steering, and brakes have also been optimized for its grand touring role. The suspension features lightweight aluminum double wishbones, controlled by a proactive damping system that "reads" the road via sensor inputs developed for the 720S, predicting the next event and responding within 2 milliseconds. It is configured with parameter sets for Comfort, Sport, and Track.
The hydraulic steering system utilizes software called "map" to correspond with each mode. The tires are Pirelli P ZERO, specifically designed for the GT, offering a blend of high performance, comfort, and refinement.
Despite its long front and rear overhangs, the GT maintains a ground clearance of 110mm (130mm with the lift system), ensuring an approach angle of 10 degrees (13 degrees with the lift system). This allows it to navigate speed humps and various urban situations with ease.
McLaren GT
McLaren Unveils the Ultra-Lightweight Grand Tourer, the GT (3)
An Interior Designed for Enjoyable Long-Distance Travel
The interior provides ample space for enjoyable long-distance touring. The GT's dedicated heated seats feature increased padding and enhanced lumbar support, ensuring comfort even on extended drives.
Nappa leather is standard for the trim, with options to upgrade to soft grain leather or Alcantara depending on the specification. Cashmere is also set to be added as an option around the end of 2019, marking the first time cashmere has been used in a production car globally.
Additionally, an electrochromic glass panel, available as an option in place of the standard carbon fiber roof, allows for adjustable transparency at the touch of a button.
The newly developed infotainment system is McLaren's most sophisticated to date, featuring a 10-quad-core chip and navigation mapping with real-time traffic information from industry standard "HERE." The interface operates similarly to a smartphone, using a central 7-inch touchscreen to select in-car functions such as satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone calls, media streaming, and voice control.
The driver-focused TFT screen in front of the driver measures 12.3 inches, providing essential vehicle information. The instrument cluster design resembles those found in aircraft, with a clear and concise display that is easy to read. It shows not only speed, gear selection, and engine RPM, but also basic navigation, incoming calls, audio output, and tire temperature and pressure. In reverse gear, it displays the rearview camera feed, allowing the driver to keep their eyes as high as possible.
Prioritizing refined comfort, the vehicle's rigidity has been halved compared to the track-focused "600LT," and bespoke engine mounts have been employed. As a result, cabin noise has been minimized, and low-frequency sounds from the carbon fiber structure have been suppressed, making this GT McLaren's most refined machine to date.
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McLaren GT
Body Size | Length 4,683 x Width 2,045 (mirrors folded) x Height 1,213 mm
Wheelbase | 2,675 mm
Dry Weight | 1,466 kg (DIN value with 90% fluids and fuel: 1,530 kg)
Engine | 3,994 cc V8 Twin-Turbo
Max Output | 456 kW (620 ps) / 7,500 rpm
Max Torque | 630 Nm / 5,500-6,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed Automatic (SSG)
Drivetrain | MR
Brakes Front | φ367 mm Cast Iron Discs
Brakes Rear | φ354 mm Cast Iron Discs
Suspension | Double Wishbone
Tires Front/Rear | 225/35R20 / 295/30R21
Trunk Capacity | Front 150 liters, Rear 420 liters
Top Speed | 326 km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration | 3.2 seconds
0-200km/h Acceleration | 9.0 seconds
200-0km/h Braking | 127 meters
100-0km/h Braking | 32 meters
CO2 Emissions (WLTP) | 270 g/km
Fuel Economy (WLTP combined) | 11.9 ℓ/100km (approx. 8.4 km/ℓ)





