McLaren GTS: Twin Turbo V8 Power Unleashed

British Marque: Grand Tourer Runs on Fossil Fuels

McLaren recently exposed the GTS, a mid-cycle upgrade of the GT. Based on the same carbon fiber MonoCell II-T monocoque frame as before, the McLaren GTS features slight adjustments to its design, an improved cabin, strengthened non-hybrid twin-turbo V8 motor, and assorted updates beneath the skin.

The GT model may have been impressive, but the GTS takes it to the next level with a revamped front bumper and taller air scoops on the rear wheel arches, designed to optimize engine cooling. Not only that, the exterior parts – blades, rear fender air intakes, and mirror caps – come standard in black, but can also be customized with carbon-fiber material for a glossy finish. To top it all off, there’s an optional Sports Exhaust system that promises a “raw supercar soundtrack.”

Beneath the surface, a 4.0-liter bi-turbocharged V8 engine is featured which crackles with a power of 626 hp, making it 14 horsepower more powerful than the GT models. Employing the same torque rating of 465 lb-ft, this energy is transferred to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission boasting Comfort, Sport, and Track shift programs as well as launch control.

McLaren insists that their car can reach 124 mph in 8.9 clicks, faster than the 9 seconds of the GT, though acceleration from 0 to 62 mph remains unchanged at 3.2 seconds. Maximum velocity has been suggested to be 203 mph.

“When you’re looking for the thrills of a true supercar and the convenience of a luxury vehicle, the GTS is the perfect choice. It’s a car that encapsulates McLaren’s racing DNA while still providing multiple levels of capability,” said Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive. “It gives you the exhilaration of a supercar on the track, yet it’s also an ideal companion for longer journeys or weekend trips with luggage.”

Performance capabilities are augmented with the inclusion of a smart adaptive suspension, gargantuan carbon-ceramic brakes, and a modern nose-lift module which can elevate or decrease the car’s nose in just four seconds, twofold as quick as it was formerly. The electro-hydraulic steering has been tailored recalibrated specifically for the GTS.

Thanks to the incorporation of recycled carbon-fiber, the McLaren GTS has shed an impressive 22 pounds from its roof panel and upper structure compared to the GT. This lightening process leads to a much lower centre of gravity and ultimately increases the power-to-weight ratio, providing improved performance over the older model.

The British marque has kept the authentic grand touring capability of the GT in the GTS, boasting 420 liters (14.8 cubic feet) of trunk space in the glass tailgate, plus an additional 150 liters (5.3 ft3) at the front of the car. According to McLaren, this makes the GTS “the most practical new supercar on sale today.”

On the inside, the GTS maintains the anatomical make-up of its predecessor’s cab, while introducing new blends of fabrics for framing their comfort chairs, heated ones featured in Performance specifications and double-piped seats for those opting for TechLux. Technologically speaking, it is equipped with a 10.25-inch digital display, a 7.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, and an optional 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins device for sound amplification.

The McLaren GTS showcases some new exterior hues, including Lava Grey, Mantis Green, Tanzanite Blue, and Ice White. Additionally, they have included two fresh alloy wheel designs, which come with the added bonus of lighter titanium locking wheel bolts, providing a 35% reduction in unsprung weight.

Orders for the McLaren GTS are now open, and it is slated to reach dealerships around the globe by 2024; however, a definitive delivery timeline has yet to be established, particularly in the US. Undoubtedly, in the years ahead we will see even more McLaren models being unveiled, with the expectation of more than simply modernizations and revisions.