When we talked about McLaren it was always about super sleek pure sports cars, not any more. The automaker just unveiled the brand new McLaren GT targeting to a new audience, and it combines the brand’s famous supercar performance with high levels of comfort for long-distance driving.
The McLaren GT is the beginning of a new segment outside the Sports, Super, and Ultimate Series families. Sharing its DNA with the Speedtail, the GT is built around the lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell II-T monocoque, making it weigh just 1,530 kg. While it is positioned as the practical McLaren, it is still powered by a brand new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, sending 612 hp and 630 Nm of torque to the rear wheels. These translate to a 0-100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.0 seconds, and a top speed of 326km/h.
The new structure creates space for a 420-litre rear luggage compartment that is good enough for a golf bag or skiing gear, stored underneath the glazed tailgate which has a soft-close function as standard or optionally electrically powered function. There is an additional 150-litre storage area at the front, giving it a total storage capacity of 570 litres.
With comfort for long-journeys in mind, McLaren GT offers some unique features such as streamlined controls, optional electrochromic glass roof for natural lights, and extra padding for shoulder and back support. The heated seats are exclusive on the GT and they can be finished in Nappa leather, Alcantara, or towards the end of 2019, cashmere – first time ever in a production vehicle. The settings are softer than in other McLaren cars for a more comfortable ride, and the 110 mm underbody clearance also makes it easier to drive in daily situations.
