McLaren's Interpretation of the GT

McLaren currently offers three series: the Sports Series, the Super Series, and the Ultimate Series. The McLaren GT joins these as the first true grand tourer in the McLaren family.

Yoshihiro Masumoto, Representative of McLaren Automotive Asia's Japan Branch, commented on the current state of grand tourers: "GTs, or grand tourers, were originally cars designed for comfortable and rapid long-distance travel. They were stylish and comfortable, yet possessed the handling of a sports car. However, over their long history, GTs have gradually become more luxury-oriented, resulting in larger dimensions and increased weight, which in turn has led to a diminishing sense of connection with the driver."

McLaren aims to "challenge the current perception of grand tourers with a new headline: 'New Rules.'" Specifically, "while possessing the inherent qualities of a GT such as comfort, practicality, and beautiful styling, we are offering new value that redefines conventional wisdom by delivering a lightweight grand tourer with outstanding performance, assured handling, agility, and an enhanced connection with the driver."



There are four key characteristics. The first is its ultra-lightweight construction and the extensive use of innovative materials. "We have achieved thorough weight reduction, from the carbon monocoque body down to every individually machined aluminum switch," he explained. "At the same time, we have utilized a variety of premium materials such as fine leather, cashmere, and highly durable SuperFabric to create a highly functional and luxurious interior."

The second is the beautiful styling unique to a GT, the third is McLaren's signature driving dynamics, and the fourth is practicality.

"With supercars, one might worry about everyday usability, such as whether the underside will scrape when going over curbs or bumps. However, the McLaren GT places great emphasis on usability. We have increased the ride height and paid attention to the approach angle, ensuring practicality and sufficient storage capacity for weekend trips or even golf outings."

He also noted, "We must not forget McLaren's characteristic sense of premium quality and exclusivity," explaining the background for adding this new series.

Boasting Overwhelming Acceleration

Like all McLaren models, the McLaren GT is built around a carbon fiber structure that provides exceptional strength and rigidity, enabling unparalleled driving dynamics and the lightest vehicle weight in its class. The vehicle weighs just 1,530 kg (DIN), over 200 kg lighter than its heaviest competitors.

The engine is a 4-liter V8 twin-turbo, the M840TE, developed specifically for the McLaren GT. It produces a maximum output of 620 ps, with 95 percent of its peak torque of 630 Nm available between 3,000 and 7,250 rpm, and the full 630 Nm delivered between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm. This new engine, combined with the 7-speed SSG transmission, delivers linear, seamless, and overwhelming acceleration.

Consequently, it achieves 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 9.0 seconds, with a top speed of 326 km/h.

Usability and Comfort are Also Key

As a grand tourer, this model naturally emphasizes usability and comfort. The specially designed "Monocage II-T" monocoque (T stands for Touring) incorporates a carbon fiber rear upper structure, which, despite adding weight, successfully creates 420 liters of storage space beneath the full-length glass tailgate.

By lowering the engine height and optimizing the exhaust layout, the luggage space capacity, shape, and ease of use have been refined to accommodate two sets of golf bags or two pairs of 185cm skis with boots, along with personal luggage. Additionally, there is 150 liters of storage in the front, bringing the total capacity to 570 liters.

The high strength of the carbon fiber core structure allows for the integration of glass C-pillars and rear quarter windows into the design. This enhances rearward visibility and allows more light to flood into the spacious cabin. The dihedral doors also improve ingress and egress with their wide opening and low sills.

Raised Front for Practicality

Goran Ozbolt, Chief Designer from McLaren Automotive in the UK, also took the stage at the announcement event.

He described its character as, "The McLaren GT is a completely new product, developed as the ultimate luxury car for high-speed, long-distance driving."

"The styling emphasizes three points: flowing body lines, formal dynamics, and bold elegance. These elements create a flowing silhouette and an exterior that conveys a sense of bold volume and presence."

Regarding the front, he highlighted the usability: "You'll notice the elevated nose position and the significant ground clearance. These contribute greatly to its practicality."

On the sides, he explained, "Elegant front fenders flow seamlessly into the sculpted door area, and to achieve a clean body line, the flush door releases are integrated into the body side panels. The powerful and substantial rear fenders are designed to cover the side radiators, expressing strength and refinement." The multi-spoke lightweight wheels are exclusive to the GT, measuring 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear.

Turning to the interior, the standard Nappa leather trim can be upgraded to either fine soft grain leather or Alcantara, depending on the specification. In late 2019, cashmere will also be available as an option, marking its world debut in a production vehicle.

Prioritizing Occupant Comfort

To enhance comfort, the car features software called Optimal Control Theory. "Developed in collaboration with Cambridge University, this software reads the road conditions and instantly adapts to changes. It evolves its 'knowledge' through learning with every drive. This works in conjunction with Proactive Damping Control to provide a setting that prioritizes occupant comfort." However, in true McLaren fashion, three active dynamics handling modes – 'Comfort,' 'Sport,' and 'Track' – are also available, allowing drivers to adjust the settings to their preference.

McLaren's Business is Thriving

Regarding McLaren's business in Japan, Masumoto stated, "It is progressing smoothly. The Japanese market is currently ranked third globally, following the US and the UK. This fiscal year's sales volume has been extremely strong, with a 64% increase year-on-year. Furthermore, last month we reached the significant milestone of surpassing 1,000 cumulative registered units in Japan."

McLaren GT

Body Dimensions | Length 4,683 x Width 2,045 (mirrors folded) x Height 1,213 mm

Wheelbase | 2,675 mm

Dry Weight | 1,466 kg (DIN with 90% fluids and fuel: 1,530 kg)

Engine | 3,994 cc V8 Twin-Turbo

Max Power | 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

0-100 km/h Acceleration | 3.2 seconds

0-200 km/h Acceleration | 9.0 seconds

200-0 km/h Braking | 127 meters

100-0 km/h Braking | 32 meters

CO2 Emissions (WLTP) | 270 g/km

Fuel Economy (WLTP combined) | 11.9 ℓ/100km (approx. 8.4 km/ℓ)