McLaren plot to mix in Grand Touring segment with new GT - will it be a hit?
Callum Alexander | Callum on Cars | News
It’s hard to dispute that McLaren have caused a bit of stir with their Automotive division - this has largely resided in the supercar realm.
Now, McLaren plan to expand their brand with this: the McLaren GT – and as the name suggests, dabble in the Grand Tourer division.
The engine is a new, bespoke 4.0 litre twin turbocharged unit specifically for the GT. It produces 611bhp and will make 464 ft-Ib of torque - more than 95% of that can be accessed between 3000rpm and 7,250rpm. That power is transmitted through a 7 speed Seamless Shift Gearbox.
Somewhat contrary to its purpose though, the powerplant pumps out supercar parameters of performance. With launch control engaged, it will breach 62mph in 3.2 seconds and continue to surpass 124mph in 9 seconds before plateauing at its top speed of 203mph.
To soften the ambient quality, unique engine mounts that are half the stiffness of those in the 600LT are fitted to the GT – this reduces structure-borne noise as well as sounds from the chassis. McLaren says this is supposed to improve cabin comfort making the GT “the most refined McLaren ever.”
The GT weighs in at 1530kg - that's 130kg lighter than its closest competitor, according to McLaren. A carbon fibre structure bolsters a power-to-weight ratio of 399bhp per tonne.
Despite its Grand Tourer name, on these performance statistics, it appears to be a Grand Tourer in name only – there is no slacking here.
The GT has lightweight aluminium suspension that features a double wishbone design. Paired alongside is hydraulic dampers and steering, which McLaren have dubbed Proactive Damping Control – this is wired to the Optimal Control Theory software algorithm found in the 720S. It synchronises inputs to the damping through sensors that ‘read’ the road and reacts predictively in two milliseconds.
The blueprint of the GT puts emphasis on a comfortable driving experience with every day usability before hardcore performance. Even so, McLaren’s familiar cabin controls adjusting aggressivity of the damping responses can be selected through the handling modes: Comfort, Sport and Track.
The rubber the GT sits on are custom, Pirelli has produced a P ZERO tyre to wrap the new rims: a 21-inch alloy pair are fitted at the back with a 20-inch alloy pair bolted on at the front. They are the largest set McLaren have ever fitted on one of their cars with a 7- or 15-spoke design to pick from.
In keeping with the Grand Tourer memo, the chassis is specialised for the GT as it has an additional carbon fibre rear upper structure that connotes its name - the MonoCell II T - with T denoting Touring. It also means that it opens up 570 litres of stowage space: 420-litres under the tailgate; 150 litres at the front.
What separates the GT from the Sports, Super and Ultimate Series McLarens further is the dimensions: it is nearly 4.7 metres long. The 10-degree approach at the front angle that grows to 13-degrees with the vehicle lift adds a practical feather to its broad cap. The ground clearance is 110mm – bloating to 130mm with vehicle lift – allows the GT to tackle the challenging road surfaces on cross continental road trips. Good.
The interior is orientated around comfortability: the signature dish of this is electrically adjustable and heated seats that are unique to the GT. There is a choice of upholstered finishes: Nappa leather as standard; you can upgrade to ‘softgrain’ luxury leather or Alcantara. Or for a more radically exclusive option, you can choose Cashmere – the first time this material will be offered in a production car, when it is available later in 2019.
McLaren GT
Price: £163,000
Engine: 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8, 611bhp, 464lb ft
Transmission: 7-speed SSG, RWD
Performance: 0-62mph 3.2secs, top speed 203mph
Economy: 26.2 mpg, 245 g/km CO2
Weight (dry): 1530kg
There is an option of an electrochromic glazed panel in the lieu, it can lighten or darken at the touch of a button. Sounds cool.
A ‘SuperFabric’ trim can be ticked for the rear luggage bay too – the woven fabric is infused with armoured guard plates that increase its resistance to stains, and can be cleaned with ease.
It also has a new infotainment system, which is not only quicker, but utilises a feature called ‘HERE’ feeding the driver navigation detail and real-time traffic information. All the controls are amalgamated into the interface - to declutter the dash - media streaming, voice activation, as well as heating and ventilation controls. The Dual-zone climate control can be operated independently for driver and passenger too.
A 12.3-inch TFT screen sits in front of the driver detailing the technical aspects of the GT’s specification – the design imitates that of an aircraft for a cool and clear display.
McLaren has blown fresh air through the competitive and crowded sports and supercar market with their Automotive division, and the GT looks sets to do the same with Grand Touring.
Need a new car for a long road trip? Well here’s the terms: the GT starts from £163,000, with the first deliveries scheduled for the end of 2019.
Callum Alexander | Callum on Cars | News
Photos: McLaren Automotive
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