The new McLaren GT: Asia Debut

McLaren adds to its already impressive repertoire - the Sports, Super and Ultimate Series families - its first true Grand Tourer, the McLaren GT. It promises competition levels of performance and continent-crossing capability, with a perfect blend of driving exhilaration and segment-leading cabin refinement. With a top speed of 326km/h and 0-200km/h in just 9 seconds, the new GT does indeed possess true supercar performance. This is thanks to the new 620PS 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged engine, which also delivers a musical exhaust note befitting a true Grand Tourer. Torque of 630Nm is produced between 5,500rpm and 6,500rpm, with more than 95% of this available from 3,000rpm to 7,250rpm. The transmission of choice is a 7-speed SSG. Like all McLarens, the new GT features a carbon fibre structure (the bespoke MonoCell II-T monocoque), permitting a 420-litre luggage area (good for a golf clubs and luggage) below the full-length glazed tailgate, which can be optioned as electrically powered. Other benefits include enhanced rearward vision and a brighter cabin thanks to the glazed C-pillars and rear-quarter windows. Dihedral doors swing upwards to expose a wide opening and low sill. Additionally, a further 150-litre front storage brings the total stowage to a decent 570 litres.

OneShift Editorial Team

31 May 2019

The interior is designed more for comfort on longer journeys while retaining the essentials for high performance driving. Unique to the new GT are electrically adjusted and heated seats. It comes with ambient lighting and optional electrochromic glazed panel in lieu of the standard carbon fibre composite gloss black roof, which can darken or lighten at the touch of a button. A 12-speaker, Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system is also available.

The standard Nappa leather trim can be upgraded to softgrain luxury leather or Alcantara, while cashmere will be available as an option later in the year. Yet another option is the SuperFabric trim for the rear luggage bay, an innovative woven fabric that is infused with a layer of tiny armoured guard plates, making it durable, resilient and easy to clean. Rounding out the interior is the company’s most sophisticated infotainment system to date - featuring a seven-inch central touchscreen responsible for selecting vehicle functions, satellite navigation and climate controls, among others.

The McLaren GT is built to conquer urban situations with ease, boasting a 10-degree approach angle at the front (13-degree with vehicle lift engaged) and underbody clearance of 110mm (130mm with vehicle lift - on par with mainstream sedans). Hydraulic steering provides increased assistance at low speeds, without sacrificing rewarding feedback and precision at high speeds. Additionally, the new Proactive Damping Control suspension system uses a sophisticated software algorithm to scan the road ahead to predictively react in just two milliseconds.

On the exterior, the signature ‘hammerhead line’ runs horizontally across the nose and draws the eye out to the sides of the vehicle to accentuate the width and stance of the McLaren GT. The rear is dominated by a large diffuser and prominent exhaust tailpipe, together with the beautifully curved integrated fixed rear wing. The 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy wheels are fitted with bespoke Pirelli P ZERO tyres to meet the demands of high-performance driving and comfort and refinement.

The new McLaren GT is available for order now from McLaren Singapore, with deliveries commencing towards the end of 2019. Indicative price starts from SGD 760,000, excluding COE.

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