McLaren GTS

The GTS’s slightly different position

McLaren has made improvements to the GT model released in 2019 and announced its successor, the GTS, at the end of 2023. Within McLaren’s model portfolio, this GT model not only offers the outstanding performance you would expect from the McLaren brand, but also adds the new appeal of GT (Grand Touring).

If you are looking for a more advanced model in this GT series, there is the Ultimate Series Speedtail, but in any case, it will be exciting to see what kind of driving experience and enjoyment the latest GTS, which has a slightly different style among McLaren’s series models, will provide customers.

New front bumper design

The GTS body design inherits the concept of the previous GT model, but with various improvements made to the details to further improve aerodynamics. The front bumper, known as the shark fin, has been redesigned, and the air intakes there have also been made larger and new. The previous sunken air intakes on the rear fenders have been replaced with new, visually larger, eye-catching air intakes.

The rear section has also undergone significant changes. Here too, a larger diffuser has been adopted to generate greater downforce, and the rear fender design has also been completely redesigned. While the overall flowing lines remain the same, the first impression of the car’s appearance suggests that the car’s performance has been further improved from the previous GT, making this a truly effective minor change.

Another feature of the GTS is that you can now choose a gloss visual carbon finish for the front bumper, air blades, and air intakes on the rear fenders. Although the test car was not yet equipped with this, the newly introduced lightweight forged alloy wheel, “Turbine,” featuring a new 10-spoke design, is also a big topic. The stud bolts are also made of titanium, which is 35% lighter than the previous ones.

A feeling of power that penetrates your entire body

Open the dihedral doors, which also have almost no weight, and sit in the driver’s seat. The cabin’s operability, which effectively switches between touch and physical switches, is quite satisfactory, except that it takes some time to get used to adjusting the electric seat.

The mid-engine is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine that delivers a maximum output of 635 PS, an extra 15 PS thanks to revised ignition timing from the previous GT model. This engine not only delivers a power feel that seems to penetrate your entire body at high speeds, but also boasts flexibility in practical use, thanks to its maximum torque of 630 Nm. For reference, the vehicle weight is 1,520 kg in DIN value. It is almost stress-free on the street, and full acceleration on the highway is only a momentary pleasure, legally speaking in Japan.

The rigidity of the GTS’s carbon monocoque, which McLaren calls “Monocell II-T,” is truly impressive. The suspension is equipped with proactive damping control, which has continuously variable electronically controlled dual-valve dampers, and not only is its control impressive, but so too is its high rigidity. This gives the GTS a more supple ride as the vehicle speed increases, while also creating an impressive sense of stability.

The rear hatch, which is used to access the luggage compartment above the engine, is quite long from front to back. However, there’s no need to worry, as it has an electric automatic mechanism for opening and closing. McLaren says that you can even fit a golf bag in here, and when you know that the actual capacity is 420L, this statement becomes quite credible. There’s also 150L of luggage room in the front, so you can easily load luggage for short trips.

Unparalleled precision steering

The GTS offers exceptional luxury and functionality for a GT. Finally, we must mention its driving appeal, which inherits the DNA of McLaren’s super sports car. The GTS also allows you to select “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Track” modes independently for the chassis and power unit, but when you switch from the incredibly comfortable Comfort mode to Sport mode, the GTS’s character changes dramatically. The body generates up to 100 kg of downforce, which greatly contributes to stability at high speeds, and the suspension, which skillfully suppresses roll, along with the unparalleled precision of the steering, allows you to fully enjoy the fun of cornering.

Although I didn’t have a chance to try it out this time, there’s no doubt that in Track mode, it has the potential to make even full-scale circuit driving a fascinating experience. The GTS may be a model that occupies a somewhat special position in McLaren’s product portfolio. However, its level of perfection should be welcomed by a wide range of customers. It is nothing short of a car with many appealing features.

PHOTO/Koichi SHINOHARA

SPECIFICATIONS

McLaren GTS

Body size: Length 4683, width 2045, height 1213mm

Wheelbase: 2675mm

Vehicle weight: 1466kg

Engine: V8 DOHC twin turbo

Total displacement: 3994cc

Maximum output: 586kW (635PS) / 7500rpm

Maximum torque: 630Nm (64.2kgm) / 6500rpm

Transmission: 7-speed DCT

Drive system: RWD

Suspension type: Front and rear double wishbone

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc (carbon ceramic)

Tire size (rim width): Front 225/35R20, rear 295/30R21

Vehicle price: 28.7 million yen

Related reading

McLaren GT’s successor, the GTS, debuts with a 15PS increase in maximum power to 635PS and a combination of driving performance and ease of use.

McLaren Automotive has announced the GTS, the successor to its mid-engine grand tourer, the GT. The exterior design has been revamped, with larger front air intakes and a more aggressive form. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2024, and orders have now begun in Europe.