McLaren GT Debuts As The Practical Supercar With 620 HorsePower

McLaren promises its new GT will change the game in the grand tourer segment with its unique combination of lightweight construction, powerful new twin-turbo V8 engine, and unprecedented interior space never seen before in a product of the Woking-based company. In addition to these characteristics, the new model from the British automaker offers a “true supercar” performance.

Built around the carbon fiber MonoCell II-T Monocoque structure with exceptional levels of strength and rigidity, the grand tourer weighs just 3,373 pounds (1,530 kilograms). At the back, there’s a 14.83-cubic-feet (420-liter) luggage compartment hiding underneath a glass tailgate with soft-close function as standard and an optional power opening and closing. McLaren says it has positioned the engine and its exhaust system as low as possible to free up more space. Another 5.30-cu-ft (150-liter) cargo space is located at the front for a grand total of 20.12 cu-ft (570 liters) – the most you’ll find in a McLaren. For comparison, the GT's spiritual successor, the 570GT had 13.1 cu-ft (370 liters).

Step inside the cabin, and you’ll find a cozy space designed for long trips with comfortable, electrically adjustable, and heated seats. McLaren says they are specially optimized for long-distance travels with perfect padding and shoulder plus back support. The interior also features “the most sophisticated McLaren infotainment system,” ambient lighting, and an optional electrochromic glass roof instead of the standard glassy black carbon fiber panel. A 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system with carbon fiber subwoofer and Kevlar midrange speakers is also available at an additional cost.

To further improve the comfort for the driver and passenger in the cabin and minimize chassis noise, McLaren uses special engine mounts that are only half as stiff as the 600LT's. Speaking of the motor, the GT employs a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 620 horsepower (462 kilowatts) and 465 pound-feet (630 Newton-meters) of torque between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm. Connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the unit propels the grand tourer from a standstill to 62 miles per hour (0-100 kilometers per hour) in just 3.2 seconds. More importantly, McLaren explains the engine with internal code M840TE has more than 95 percent of its peak torque available between 3,000 and 7,250 rpm, which ensures you’ll have more than enough oomph when overtaking at any speed.

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