McLaren unveils their new GTS as a replacement for the GT, the super-lightweight GTS is engineered to delight drivers who demand the dynamic excellence and driving excitement of a McLaren and the ride comfort, refinement, and luggage space suited to routine drives and extended journeys.
“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.” Michael Leiters, CEO, McLaren Automotive
Retaining the core McLaren attractions of beautiful yet functional design, class-leading power-to-weight ratio – enabled by lightweight carbon fiber construction centered on a unique monocoque chassis – and unmatched driving dynamics, the new GTS is also visually even more powerful and offers an increased choice of exterior and interior specification.
The elegant exterior lines of the GT remain the basis of the car’s aerodynamic package and profile, but new visual enhancements mean that the GTS is even more assertive. At the front of the GTS, the ‘hammerhead’ signature styling has been updated with a new lower front bumper section. This area of the car features newly sculpted air intakes that are more pronounced, with wider intakes to channel more air into the car’s radiator system. The front intake air blades can be optioned in gloss visual carbon fiber, reflecting McLaren’s racing DNA and giving the GTS a more aggressive look. On the rear fenders, new, taller air scoops – also available in gloss visual carbon fiber – are sited on the car’s shoulders. Like the redesigned front end, the enhancements on the rear fenders are functional, enabling greater airflow into the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
The GTS is underpinned by the carbon fiber MonoCell II-T monocoque chassis, which boasts strong, ultra-lightweight construction and the rigidity demanded by a mid-engine McLaren supercar. The standard composite roof is made from recycled carbon fiber, one of many weight-saving solutions within the construction of the GTS that contributes towards optimal vehicle performance and dynamics. These choices are instrumental in enabling the GTS to deliver a thrilling lightweight supercar driving experience, without deterioration in ride quality, or unnecessary noise, harshness, and vibration.
At just 3,351lbs (DIN) the GTS is the lightest car in its class and has a segment-best power-to-weight ratio of 412bhp-per-ton. The power of the V8 M840TE 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine has been elevated to 626bhp at 7,500rpm, the additional 14bhp coming from increased crankshaft torque enabled by more aggressive combustion phasing and revised ignition timing. A launch-control function is standard; when enabled, the GTS hits 0-60mph in only 3.1 seconds and 0-124mph in just 8.9 seconds. The maximum speed of the GTS is 203mph.
The GTS has a seven-speed SSG transmission that provides smooth, seamless, and rapid shifts in default-from-start-up Comfort mode, ensuring relaxing yet brisk acceleration. Beyond this, a driver can enhance their supercar experience with two further driving modes – Sport and Track – via the Active Dynamics Panel. Sport introduces heightened drama and urgency, with momentary ignition-spark-cut technology delivering faster and more aggressive gearshifts. Track mode takes this to a higher level still, maximizing the performance of the gearbox with minimal loss of torque between shifts. Manual control of gearshifts is possible using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters in any of the drive modes.
Aligned with the inherent practicality of the GTS is an interior designed to blend the car’s level of performance with a refined and luxurious space. It is a comfortable cabin for long-distance journeys, while it also provides a platform from which the driver can take full advantage of the car’s outstanding dynamic capabilities.
The refined, high-quality cabin uses a mixture of materials selected to deliver an ambiance of performance and luxury. Machine polished and knurled aluminum switches and controls are placed around the interior, including for the steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles, alongside gloss black surrounds for the infotainment screen, gear-selector on the center console, air vent housings, and window switches. Optional visual carbon fiber packs include a satin carbon finish steering wheel clasp extended gearshift paddles, and interior surrounds, along with sill finishers with McLaren branding.
As standard, the Comfort seats of the GTS are upholstered with Nappa leather trim alongside a leather-trimmed steering wheel. New Performance and TechLux interior schemes introduce a refreshed design. 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. The new TechLux interior scheme epitomizes classical elegance, albeit with a modern McLaren twist. A choice of Softgrain Aniline Leather interiors features sophisticated color highlights with a unique and newly introduced double-piped pattern on the seats.
Alongside an extended and refreshed palette of exterior paints including new options such as Mantis Green, Tanzanite Blue, and Ice White, there is a new color exclusive to the GTS from launch: Lava Grey. This metallic finish incorporates a shimmering red fleck that catches the light to create a distinctive effect that marks it out from other shades of grey.
Further additions include a new 10-spoke Turbine lightweight forged alloy wheel, available in Silver, Gloss Black, Gloss Black with Diamond Cut effect, and Orum. The standard wheel for the GTS is a 10-twin-spoke forged alloy wheel, also offered in Silver, Gloss Black or Gloss Black Diamond Cut, alongside an exclusive Tungsten option. Both wheel designs can be combined with new optional titanium locking wheel bolts, which are 35 percent lighter than the standard bolts, reducing unsprung mass. McLaren’s technical partner Pirelli supplies P ZERO™ tires developed specially for the GTS, offering high performance and levels of grip, alongside refinement in equal measure.
