DESIGNSeveral subtle visual differences distinguish the new McLaren GTS from its predecessor, including new GTS badging and ‘Turbine’ forged alloy wheels. The front’s shark-like styling has been sharpened up with a new lower front bumper that features bigger air intakes to send more cooling air into the radiators. At the rear, taller air scoops sit on the car’s shoulders, feeding air to the voracious V8 engine. The GTS is also distinguished by a larger rear diffuser and dual exhausts, which can be specified with the optional Sport Exhaust system. You can choose to have GTS badges in Stealth Black, and McLaren offers gloss black carbon fibre as an option for the air intake blades, rear fender air intakes and mirror caps. Less visible but still important is the use of recycled carbon fibre for the roof and rear upper structure, helping to trim 10kg off the GT’s kerb weight. Every detail counts at McLaren’s Woking HQ.
PERFORMANCE The McLaren GTS engineering team has liberated another 15 metric horsepower, compared with the previous model, through more aggressive combustion phasing and revised ignition timing. The V8 M840TE 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine now develops 635PS at 7,500 rpm, giving it a class-leading 418PS-per-tonne power-to-weight ratio. Using launch control, the McLaren GTS will hit 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in only 3.2 seconds and power onwards to 0-200km/h (0-124mph) in just 8.9 seconds. Top speed is 203mph. A seven-speed SSG transmission delivers seamless, rapid shifts in default Comfort mode; choose Sport or Track mode and the shifts become even faster but more noticeable. Also new are GTS-specific settings for the electro-hydraulic steering system, intelligent adaptive suspension, and carbon ceramic brakes.
TECHNOLOGYInfotainment is clear and accessible, focused around a central, portrait format 7-inch touchscreen with a fast 10-core processor and smartphone-style menu. Bluetooth telephone connectivity and media streaming, plus DAB digital radio reception, come as standard, while audiophiles can specify the optional 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. Another standard feature is HERE® navigation mapping and real-time traffic information, while the driver gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument display that shows speed, gear selection and engine revs along with turn-by-turn navigation instructions. An electrochromic glazed panel with five selectable settings is available as an option in place of the standard carbon fibre composite gloss black roof. Three options, Comfort, Performance and TechLux offer a choice of interior trim options, with TechLux featuring Softgrain Aniline Leather with double piped pattern and contrast highlights. One final but important innovation is the upgraded vehicle-lift system, vital for urban speed bumps and the like; it’s twice as fast in operation as the previous system.
SAFETYDriver safety aids include Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Electronic Stability Control (DESC) and Traction Control System (TCS).
