McLaren GTS With More Power, Less Weight

McLaren takes the wraps off its replacement for the McLaren GT boasting more power, less weight and better comfort and usability in the shape of the GTS.

The car features the automaker’s 4.0L M840TE twin-turbocharged V-8 claiming a power increase of 14.7 hp to 626 hp at 7,500 rpm thanks to more aggressive combustion phasing and revised ignition timing. A launch-control function comes as standard and, when activated, allows the GTS to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standing start in 3.2 seconds while twice that speed just 8.9 seconds. Claimed top speed is 203 mph (327 km/h).

Along with the power boost, McLaren has shaved 10 kg (22 lbs.) from the car’s carbon-fiber MonoCell II-T mono to record an overall weight of just 1,520 kg (3,344 lbs.) and claim a segment-best power-to-weight ratio of 412 hp per metric ton. The standard composite roof is made from recycled carbon fiber, one of the weight-saving measures employed.

The GTS has a 7-speed SSG transmission that provides smooth, seamless and rapid shifts in default-from-start-up Comfort mode, ensuring relaxing yet brisk acceleration. Two further performance modes – Sport and Track – are available through the Active Dynamics Panel.

The tuning of the electro-hydraulic steering system, the standard-fit suspension featuring adaptive damping with proactive damping control and the powerful carbon ceramic braking system, are all unique to the GTS. These combine to claim both dynamic and comfort modes to enhance the car’s everyday practicality.

Importantly for urban users coping with speed restrictions and car park ramps, the car’s underbody ground clearance of 110 mm (4.3 ins.) can be increased to 130 mm (5.1 ins.) using the vehicle lift function. This system can raise or lower the nose in only four seconds, more than twice as fast as before.

The GTS is fitted with 390-mm (15.3-in.) brake discs at the front and 380-mm (14.9-in.) discs at the rear, all carbon ceramic. With lightweight 6-piston aluminum calipers at the front and 4-piston items at the rear, the braking system claims to bring the car to a stop from 62 mph in just 32 m (105 ft.).

Practicality includes luggage space of 420L (14.8 cu.-ft.) accessed via a front-hinged, full-length glass tailgate that is electrically operated and incorporates a soft close function. The luggage space is complemented by a 150L (5.3 cu.-ft.) storage compartment within the nose of the car resulting in a total cargo space of 570L (20.1 cu.-ft.).

As standard, the Comfort seats of the GTS are upholstered with Nappa leather trim alongside a leather-trimmed steering wheel. The Performance trim is sporty, sharp and technical with seats upholstered in softgrain aniline leather and Alcantara in Jet Black or Barolo, with contrasting piping. Performance also includes power adjust heated memory comfort seats. A new TechLux interior scheme option provides a choice of softgrain aniline leather interiors featuring color highlights with a newly introduced double piped pattern on the seats.

Interior technology includes a 10.25-in. (26-cm) digital instrument display and a portrait-oriented 7-in. (18-cm) central touchscreen infotainment system powered by a 10-core processor. Satellite navigation with HERE navigation mapping and real-time traffic information, Bluetooth telephone connectivity and media streaming, plus DAB digital radio reception are standard. A Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system comprising 12 speakers along with carbon fiber sub-bass woofers and Kevlar mid-range drive units is optionally available.

Michael Leiters, CEO, McLaren Automotive, says: “The new McLaren GTS offers an unmatched blend of McLaren driving dynamics and performance, with refinement and practicality. When you want a true supercar driving experience, the GTS delivers that; when you want to relax on a longer journey or with luggage for a weekend away, the GTS is an ideal companion. This is a car that is true to McLaren’s racing DNA but with multiple layers of ability.”

Order books for 2024 delivery are open and an official starting price has yet to be announced but expect it to be north of $200,000.