As its ‘Grand Tourer’ name suggests, the new Mclaren GT is aimed at anybody wealthy who wants to cover huge distances quickly in relative comfort.

Inside the cabin, the two seats have more padding than other McLaren models, plus they’re heated and electrically adjustable. Although Nappa leather upholstery is standard, customers will have the opportunity to specify soft-grain leather, Alcantara or cashmere instead.

Adequate luggage capacity is, of course, important for such a car. However, the GT only has a small 150-litre compartment at the front (by comparison, the current Ford Fiesta’s boot can hold 311 litres with a parcel shelf in place). There’s also a 420-litre space on top of the engine bay, but leaving anything of value beneath the glazed tailgate would be extremely tempting for passing thieves.

The GT is built around a unique MonoCell II-T carbon fibre monocoque. To enhance the car’s refinement, the Proactive Damping Control system has been recalibrated and the 4.0 litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine’s mountings are less stiff than usual.

Up to 612 bhp (456 kW / 620 PS) and 630 Nm (465 lb/ft) of torque are sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Thanks partly to a kerb weight of just 1,530 kg (3,373 lbs), acceleration from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) and 124 mph (200 km/h) takes 3.2 and 9.0 seconds respectively. Top speed is 203 mph (326 km/h).

Pricing in the UK starts from £163,000. Deliveries of the McLaren GT are due to begin towards the end of this year.




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