Stunning performance: The new McLaren GTS

  • Publish date: Tuesday، 19 December 2023
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McLaren today reveals the new GTS, which joins the McLaren line-up 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 of 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 fibre construction centred on a unique monocoque chassis – and unmatched driving dynamics, the new GTS is also visually even more powerful and offers 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 fibre, 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 fibre - 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-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

The muscular visuals and surfacing of the GTS include a large rear diffuser and dual exhausts – the latter also part of a package that delivers a raw supercar soundtrack on demand with the optional Sports Exhaust system.

As standard, the GTS comes with a gloss black finish on the exhaust finisher, mirror caps and window surrounds, for a stealthy appearance by default. New GTS badging, including new side badges, can be tinted with a black finish by selecting the Stealth Badge Pack option. Visual carbon fibre options include an underbody carbon pack, which encompasses the front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper lower and diffuser. Exterior details such as the front air intake blades, the rear fender air intakes and mirror caps can also be finished in carbon fibre.

The GTS is underpinned by the carbon fibre 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 fibre, 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 1,520kg (DIN) the GTS is the lightest car in its class and has a segment best power-to-weight ratio of 418PS per-tonne. The power of the V8 M840TE 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine has been elevated to 635PS at 7,500rpm, the additional 15PS 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 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in only 3.2 seconds and 0-200km/h (0-124mph) in just 8.9 seconds. The maximum speed of the GTS is 326km/h (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, maximising 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.

The tuning of the electro-hydraulic steering system, the standard-fit suspension featuring adaptive damping with proactive damping control, and the powerful carbon ceramic braking system are all unique to the GTS. These elements optimise the mid-mounted position of the V8 engine and the car’s lightweight construction for an authentic supercar driving experience, with balance and agility prioritised, but not at the expensive of comfort and ride quality when this is beneficial.

The steering of the GTS delivers a level of feedback and feeling unmatched by rivals. Ultra-precise and accurate, the system automatically increases its level of assistance at low speeds, for ease-of-use during low-speed manoeuvres such as parallel or bay parking.

The McLaren GTS is equipped with 390mm brake discs at the front and 380mm discs at the rear, all carbon ceramic. With lightweight six-piston aluminium calipers (four-piston at the rear), the braking system delivers immense feel and performance, capable of bringing the car to a halt from 62mph in just 32 metres.

The continuously variable, twin-valve hydraulic dampers from McLaren Automotive’s Official Intelligent Suspension Supplier, Monroe, are a fundamental part of the lightweight, aluminium double-wishbone suspension. Featuring McLaren’s adaptive damper technology, Proactive Damper Control, suspension characteristics alter between the three Active Dynamics modes – Comfort, Sport and Track. This ranges from maximum compliance in Comfort, ideal for more relaxed driving, to much more robust damper control in Track mode, for dynamic drives.

The GTS is also well within its comfort zone in urban environments. Visibility to the front is excellent, while the large glass tailgate, glazed C-pillars and large rear quarter windows ensure first-class rearward vision. Underbody ground clearance of 110mm can be increased to 130mm using the vehicle lift function. Enhanced over the GT’s system, the GTS vehicle lift can now raise or lower the nose in only four seconds – more than twice as fast as before.

A carbon fibre rear upper structure within the monocoque chassis’ design allows for the creation of a large and versatile luggage space behind the passenger cell. 420 litres in capacity, the cargo area is accessed via a front-hinged, full-length glass tailgate that is electrically operated and incorporates a soft close function. The luggage space is complemented by a 150 litre storage within the nose of the car. The total cargo space of 570 litres makes the McLaren GTS the most practical new supercar on sale today.

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 ambience of performance and luxury. Machine polished and knurled aluminium 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 centre console, air vent housings and window switches. Optional visual carbon fibre packs include a satin carbon finish steering wheel clasp and 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 epitomises classical elegance, albeit with a modern McLaren twist. A choice of Softgrain Aniline Leather interiors feature sophisticated colour highlights with a unique and newly introduced double piped pattern on the seats.

The 10.25-inch digital instrument display, with its crisp and sharp graphics, provides a clear view of vital driver information such as speed, gear selection and engine revs, and integrates with the standard navigation system to provide turn-by-turn directions. The GTS also features a 7-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, portrait in orientation. Sharp and responsive thanks to its powerful 10-core processor, it’s easy to use, with its smartphone-style menu and input method. Satellite navigation with HERE® navigation mapping and real-time traffic information, Bluetooth telephone connectivity and media streaming, plus DAB digital radio reception is standard. A Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system comprising 12-speakers, along with carbon fibre sub-bass woofers and Kevlar mid-range drive units is optionally available.

Interior illumination by way of hidden-until-lit six-colour ambient lighting is offered, while the natural light afforded by a glass panoramic roof is available with an electrochromic glazed panel, which replaces the standard carbon fibre composite gloss black roof. The panel allows a driver to select one of five light transmission levels at the touch of a button. In its darkest setting, the electrochromic roof provides a 0.6% light transmission level.

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 colour 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% lighter than the standard bolts, reducing unsprung mass. McLaren’s technical partner Pirelli supplies P ZERO™ tyres developed specially for the GTS, offering high-performance and levels of grip, alongside refinement in equal measure.

The McLaren GTS comes with a standard three-year vehicle warranty with unlimited mileage, as well as a three-year paint warranty and a ten-year anti-perforation warranty. The GTS is eligible for the McLaren Extended Warranty, which can be purchased in 12- or 24-month periods up to a total warranty of 12 years. Three years of vehicle servicing is included with the McLaren Service Plan.

An accomplished and functional approach to a lightweight McLaren supercar, the new GTS takes its place in a McLaren line-up that will continue evolving in 2024 and beyond.

More information about the new McLaren GTS is available at https://cars.mclaren.com/en/gts.

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Technical specification: McLaren GTS

Engine configuration

M840TE engine, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, 3,994cc

Drivetrain layout

Longitudinal mid-engined, RWD

Power PS (bhp/kW) @ rpm

635 (626/467) @ 7,500rpm

Torque Nm (lb ft) @ rpm

630 (465) @ 5,500-6,500rpm

Transmission

7 Speed+reverse SSG. Comfort, Sport and Track modes

Steering

Electro-hydraulic; power-assisted

Chassis

Carbon fibre MonoCell II-T monocoque, with carbon fibre rear upper structure and aluminium crash structures front and rear  

Suspension

Double aluminium wishbone; independent adaptive dampers with Proactive Damping Control. 

Comfort, Sport and Track modes

Brakes

Carbon ceramic discs: 390mm (f) 380mm (r); forged aluminium calipers: 6-piston front/4piston rear  

Wheels (inches)

Front: 8J x 20; Rear: 10.5J x 21

Tyres

Pirelli P ZERO™ Front: 225/35/R20; Rear: 295/30/R21

Length, mm (inches)

4,683 (184.4)

Wheelbase, mm (inches)

2,675 (105.3)

Height, mm (inches) / with lift

1,213 (47.8) / 1,234 (48.6)

Width, with mirrors, mm (inches)

2,095 (82.5)

Width, mirrors folded, mm (inches)

2,045 (80.5)

Track (to contact patch centre), mm (inches)

Front: 1,663 (65.5); Rear: 1,617 (63.7)

Lightest dry weight, kg (lbs)

1,456 (3,210)

DIN Kerb weight [fluids + 90% fuel], kg (lbs)

1,520 (3,351)

US Curb weight [fluids + 100% fuel] lbs (kg)

3,362 (1,525)

Weight distribution (% Front/Rear)

42.5/57.5

Fuel tank capacity, litres (UK/USA gallons)

72 (15.8/19)

Luggage capacity, litres

570 (Front: 150; Rear: 420)

Performance data 

0-97km/h (0-60mph)

3.1 seconds

0-100km/h (0-62mph)

3.2 seconds

0-200km/h (0-124mph)

8.9 seconds

Maximum speed 

326km/h (203mph)

200-0km/h (124mph–0) braking, metres (ft)

127.0 (417)

100–0km/h (62mph–0) braking, metres (ft)

32.0 (105)

Efficiency 

CO2 emissions, g/km WLTP EU (combined)

270

Fuel consumption WLTP EU l/100km/UK MPG

Combined 

11.9 l/100km/23.7 mpg

Low

22.2 l/100km /12.7 mpg

Medium

11.9 l/100km /23.7 mpg

High

9.3 l/100km /30.4 mpg

Extra-high

10.2 l/100km /27.7 mpg

Notes to editors:

A selection of high resolution images accompanying this release is available to download from the McLaren Automotive media site – cars.mclaren.press

About McLaren Automotive:

McLaren Automotive is a creator of luxury, high-performance supercars.

Every vehicle is hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in Woking, Surrey, England.

Launched in 2010, the company is now the largest part of the McLaren Group.

The company’s product portfolio of GT, supercar, Motorsport and Ultimate models are retailed through over 100 retailers in over 40 markets around the world.

McLaren is a pioneer that continuously pushes the boundaries. In 1981, it introduced lightweight and strong carbon fibre chassis into Formula 1 with the McLaren MP4/1.

Then in 1993 it designed and built the McLaren F1 road car - the company has not built a car without a carbon fibre chassis since. As part of the Ultimate Series, McLaren was the first to deliver a hybrid hypercar, the McLaren P1™. In 2016, it announced a new hybrid hyper-GT and confirmed in 2018 that the next Ultimate car would be the Speedtail.

2019 saw McLaren launch the 600LT Spider, the new GT and the track-only McLaren Senna GTR. It also unveiled the 620R and McLaren Elva before launching the 765LT the following year.

In 2021, the company unveiled its all-new high-performance hybrid supercar, the McLaren Artura.

The Artura is the first McLaren to benefit from the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA). The MCLA is designed, developed and manufactured at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in the Sheffield region of England using world-first processes and will spearhead the brand’s electrified future.

Most recently, it unveiled the lightest and most powerful series-production McLaren, the 750S.

McLaren Automotive also chooses to partner with like-minded, world-leading companies and organisations who push the boundaries in their respective fields. These include Ashurst, Bowers & Wilkins, Gulf, Pirelli, Plan International, Richard Mille and Tumi.

About McLaren Group:

The McLaren Group is a global leader in luxury automotive and elite motorsports with a focus on its Automotive supercar and Racing businesses.

Founded in 1963 by racer, engineer and entrepreneur Bruce McLaren, the Group is formed of McLaren Automotive, which hand-builds lightweight supercars; and a majority stake in McLaren Racing which competes in the Formula 1 World Championship and INDYCAR in the US.

The Group is globally headquartered at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England.

With a reputation for innovation and technological excellence, McLaren is one of the UK’s largest independent companies.

Further information:

Piers Scott                                                                
PR & Communications Director
+44 (0) 7387 548 837

piers.scott@mclaren.com

Paul Chadderton

Head of PR

+44 (0) 7990 776 749

paul.chadderton@mclaren.com

Alex Kelly                                                                             

PR Manager                                                              

+44 (0) 7920 500 685                                                

alexander.kelly@mclaren.com                                

James Brodie                                                             Kevin Ritson

Press Officer                                                              Press Officer

+44 (0) 7824 599 191                                                 +44 (0) 7979 546 018

James.brodie@mclaren.com                                    kevin.ritson@mclaren.com

Justin Westnedge                                                    Chloe-Elise Bradford

Global Social Media Manager                                  Corporate & Lifestyle Press Officer

+44 (0) 7500 761 252                                                 +44 (0) 7920 363 479

justin.westnedge@mclaren.com                             chloe-elise.bradford@mclaren.com

McLaren, The Americas

Roger Ormisher

Vice President, Communications & PR, The Americas

+1 714 501 8137

roger.ormisher@mclaren.com

Laura Conrad                                                           Natalie Riordan

Public Relations Manager, The Americas               Press Officer, The Americas

+1 765 517 2186                                                         +1 (817) 471 6314

laura.conrad@mclaren.com                                     natalie.riordan@mclaren.com

McLaren UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa

Viktoria Reul                                                            Federica Bruno

PR Manager - Central Europe                                  Communications Consultant - Western Europe 

+44 (0) 7795 824 908                                                 +33 (0) 6 4062 6093

viktoria.reul@mclaren.com                                      federica.bruno@mclaren.com

McLaren China, Japan, Asia Pacific

Michelle Zhang                                                        Mihoko Negishi

PR Manager – China                                                  PR Manager – Japan & Korea

+86 (0) 138 1085 8950                                               +81 (3) 6675 4313

michelle.zhang@mclaren.com                                mihoko.negishi@mclaren.com

Lucie Pugnot

Regional Marketing & PR Senior Manager, Asia Pacific

+65 8498 2432

lucie.pugnot@mclaren.com

Rebecca Heng

Regional Marketing & PR Lead, Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand  

+65 8498 4873

rebecca.heng@mclaren.com

Jovina Tan

Regional Marketing & PR Specialist, North Asia

+65 8498 1484  8950

jovina.tan@mclaren.com

Media website: cars.mclaren.press

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