“When you want a true supersports driving experience, the GTS delivers; and when you want to drive relaxed on a long trip or with luggage for a weekend getaway, the GTS is also ideal for that.” With these words, the head of the British supercar manufacturer McLaren Automotive, Michael Leiters, defined the company's latest development: the brand new GTS, an unmatched mix of driving dynamics and performance with refinement and practicality.
Maintaining the main attractions of McLaren; a beautiful and functional sporty design, a favorable weight-power ratio and unique driving dynamics, the Woking firm has managed - once again - to improve and evolve the capabilities and functionalities of its Gran Turismo style model. The new GTS (replacement of the previous McLaren GT) is even more visually powerful than its predecessor and offers more exterior and interior equipment options, a higher level of refinement and the same practical features for long-distance trips.
The GT's elegant exterior lines continue to form the basis of the car's aerodynamic package and profile, but new visual enhancements make the GTS more assertive. At the front, the "hammerhead" style has been updated with a new lower section of the front bumper. This area features new, more pronounced and wider air intakes – which can be made of shiny carbon fiber – to channel more air into the car's cooling system. In the rear fenders, new higher air intakes, also available in the same material, are located on the flanks of the car to allow greater flow to the engine.
The muscular look and surface of the GTS includes a large rear diffuser and dual exhaust pipes. A gloss black finish is included as standard on the exhaust trim, mirror caps and window frames, for a discreet default look. Visual carbon fiber options include a package for the front diffuser, side and lower skirts, and rear diffuser.
The GTS is based on the carbon fiber MonoCell II-T monocoque chassis, which boasts a robust, ultra-lightweight structure and the rigidity required for a mid-engined McLaren supercar. Its standard composite roof is made from recycled carbon fiber, one of many weight-saving solutions in the GTS's construction that help optimize the vehicle's performance and dynamics.
These elements and components are crucial for the GTS to offer an exciting driving experience, without deterioration in ride quality or unnecessary noise, harshness and vibrations. At just 1,520 kg, the GTS is the lightest car in its class and has the best power-to-weight ratio in the segment, with 418 hp per ton. The power of the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine has been raised to 635 hp at 7,500 rpm, an additional 15 hp compared to the GT. The launch-control function is standard; When activated, it reaches 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 8.9. Its maximum speed is 326 km/h.
It is equipped with a seven-speed SSG transmission that facilitates smooth, fluid and fast changes in the default Comfort mode from start-up, guaranteeing relaxed but energetic acceleration. But, additionally, the super sports experience can be improved with two other driving modes (Sport and Track) through the Active Dynamics panel. Sport mode introduces greater drama and aggression, with faster and more determined gear changes. Track mode takes this to an even higher level, maximizing the gearbox's performance with minimal loss of torque between shifts. Manual gear control is possible using the shift paddles on the steering wheel in any of the driving modes.
The electro-hydraulic steering system configuration, the standard suspension with adaptive damping and proactive control and the powerful carbon ceramic braking system are exclusive to the GTS and are intended to optimize performance and dynamic efficiency to deliver a supercar driving experience. in this centrally positioned V8 in which balance and agility are prioritized but without sacrificing comfort and ride quality.
But the added advantage of the GTS over other McLaren models is that it is also well within its comfort zone in urban environments. Forward visibility is excellent, while the large glass tailgate, glass C-pillars and large rear windows ensure first-class rear vision. The ground clearance of 110 mm can be increased up to 130 mm using the improved vehicle lift function.
In addition, the trunk has a capacity of 420 liters; It is accessed through a front-hinged glass tailgate that is electrically operated and incorporates a soft-close function. Luggage space is complemented by a 150-litre compartment in the nose of the car. Thus, the total cargo space of 570 liters makes the McLaren GTS the most practical new supercar on sale today.
