A Grand Tourer for a New Era: A Test Drive of the McLaren GT

McLaren GT

A Test Drive of the McLaren GT: Expanding the Brand's Horizons

The "McLaren GT," launched by McLaren Automotive in May 2019. Motor journalist Hirohisa Kaneko test-drove the model, which combines supercar performance with the practicality and quietness of a grand tourer, in the South of France.

Text by KANEKO Hirohisa
Photographs by McLaren

Innovating the Grand Tourer with Unique Technology and Philosophy

Nice Airport in the South of France offers an extensive helicopter service.

Proceed left from the arrivals lobby, and you'll find multiple operators lined up with counters. During the off-season, you can board without waiting, and the fare is comparable to a taxi.

I was surprised when I used it previously from here to Monte Carlo; it included a minivan transfer to the hotel upon arrival, and the price was almost the same as a taxi, which would take an hour by road. A helicopter flight takes less than 10 minutes.

This time, I headed to Saint-Tropez, in the opposite direction of Monte Carlo. The helicopter company, "Heli Securite," is a premium service, more like a "limousine" than a "taxi." Their special waiting lounge is luxuriously appointed, with posters of ultra-luxury watches from Richard Mille adorning the walls.

McLaren chartered this for a press event for lifestyle media to test-drive the "McLaren GT," which had just been unveiled at the "Goodwood Festival of Speed" in England in July.

After completing its inspection, the helicopter that returned from Saint-Tropez immediately took us up. Our suitcases were stowed in a dedicated trunk accessed via a hatch at the rear of the cabin.

We flew straight west, hugging the coastline on our right, over the sea rather than the land. Helicopters flying towards us zipped past at incredible speeds. The pilot was a young man, wearing a Garmin smartwatch for pilots on his left wrist. The instrument panel was densely packed with analog gauges, but a tablet device was also installed at the edge, likely running a dedicated app, showing our real-time flight path.

Could that be Mont Sainte-Victoire, painted by Cézanne, visible in the distance inland?

As we flew past Antibes and Cannes, the bay of Saint-Tropez soon came into view. The harbor was to the left of the bay, and the hotel where we were staying, "Le BEAUVALLON," was visible to the right.

The helicopter approached the terracotta-colored building. I thought perhaps there was a helipad on the grounds, but to my surprise, it landed directly on the lawn. I've ridden in helicopters many times, but this was my first time landing in a hotel garden. It felt like being the President of the United States.

Le Beauvallon is a resort hotel with over 100 years of history. Black and white photographs from that era are framed and displayed on the walls of the elevator and corridors.

While the building and its spatial design exude a sense of history, the choice of colors and materials in the interior is remarkably modern. The objets d'art placed in the garden, lobby, and guest rooms are also contemporary, making it feel like a modern art museum.

"This historic hotel was completely renovated 10 years ago, during which time modern art pieces were installed and the aesthetic was updated to a contemporary style," says Amel Boubaaya, McLaren's Head of Lifestyle Media for Europe.

Amel explains there's a reason for choosing this location.

"Grand touring (GT) cars have a long history. While respecting that heritage, McLaren wanted to innovate the GT with its own unique technology and philosophy. That's the McLaren GT we're inviting you to test drive today."

I see!

For a supercar manufacturer like McLaren, finding a hotel that shares its worldview, not just in terms of automotive mechanics and design, is crucial. This extends beyond just the hotel; it's also evident in their partnerships with companies like Richard Mille and the aforementioned "Heli Securite."

Quietness on Par with Large SUVs

So, what kind of car is the McLaren GT?

For details,please read the launch event report.In a nutshell, this car will broaden McLaren's brand appeal. McLaren, which has historically pursued performance with a stoicism akin to its racing heritage, underpinned by advanced technology derived from F1 racing, has now, for the first time, placed equal emphasis on "practicality" and "comfort" with the McLaren GT.

Indeed, the first thing I noticed upon driving it was the exceptional quietness. Despite being equipped with the same 620ps, 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine found in other McLarens and fitted with large tires, the cabin remains remarkably quiet, comparable to a large SUV. This quietness directly impacts fatigue, making it a crucial factor for long journeys.

The luggage capacity lived up to its claims. Two carry-on sized Globe-Trotter suitcases fit in the front compartment along with additional items, and the rear could accommodate another suitcase of the same size, plus multiple Boston bags and tote bags around them, with room to spare.

"The rear trunk space has a recessed central area, allowing for the loading of long items such as golf bags, two sets of skis up to 185cm, or snowboards," says Design Director Rob Melville.

An optional patented fabric called "Super Fabric" is available for the floor. It's resistant to stains, scratches, and creases, repels dirt, is washable, and dries quickly.

This is just one example; the GT offers a wide array of options and choices. Body colors, body trims, wheels, interior colors and materials, seats – the sheer number of available selections is also a hallmark of the GT.

Particularly noteworthy is the interior, which features what Melville describes as "perhaps the world's first use of cashmere for automotive applications." This uses cashmere from the renowned Scottish mill MOON, processed with a unique method for automotive use and offered as an optional feature.

"The aim is to provide the luxurious touch that only cashmere can offer," Melville adds.

Three types of trim are also available, allowing for the creation of vehicles with distinct characters. The joy of customization is also part of the experience.

For a comfortable ride, the Proactive Chassis Control (PCC) and steering systems, derived from the 720S, have been optimized for the GT.

Performance Like an Athlete with Single-Digit Body Fat

While the roads along the coast of the South of France are often well-maintained, they deteriorate rapidly as you head into the mountains. Potholes and cracks in the pavement likely go unrepaired. Even on such surfaces, the McLaren GT absorbs shocks from the road with remarkable smoothness, maintaining a flat posture as if unaffected, and continuing its high-speed cruise. Even switching the driving mode from "Normal" to "Sport" doesn't drastically alter this fundamental characteristic.

While prioritizing practicality and comfort, its exceptional performance remains unchanged. Although the heavy rain that persisted all morning prevented a full exploration of its capabilities, the stability and refined acceleration felt when I accelerated hard while turning towards Cannes from Grasse, famous for its perfume production, were simply astounding!

In urban areas and on regular roads at low to medium speeds, it behaves like an ordinary car – calm and composed. However, when the accelerator is pressed deeply, it transforms, pushing you forward with immense power.

The acceleration itself is exceptionally refined; it's not just about raw speed. Just as clothes and shoes have a comfortable feel, there's a distinct "quality" to a car's acceleration.

To describe the acceleration of the McLaren GT, imagine invisible particles of power that are small and uniform in size. The movement of these particles in response to the accelerator pedal feels like the driving force behind the acceleration. The chassis, built with a light yet rigid structure, allows for sharp yet not overly sensitive handling and cornering. It drives like an athlete with single-digit body fat.

In terms of sensory appeal, including interior and exterior design and engine sound, it is remarkably stoic, in contrast to its Italian rivals. It is minimalist.

As a manufacturer actively competing in F1 Grand Prix, McLaren's eagerness to adopt advanced technologies and new features is a key characteristic. McLaren's goal of creating a new series has clearly been achieved. The GT is a grand tourer for a new era, and it has successfully broadened the brand's appeal.