McLaren GTS unveiled and locked in for NZ

Christmas has come early at McLaren, with the British supercar manufacturer today pulling the wrapping off the new GTS.

This is of course the replacement for the GT, McLaren’s first dedicated grand tourer (hence the name), meaning it’s a little more subdued when compared to other models in its line-up like the 720S.

While the GTS follows the same formula as the car it replaces, it dons a more aggressive look with updated ‘hammerhead’ design language up front, wider air intakes, and gloss black trim pieces as standard. Carbon fibre is on the options list for those who want to go all out though.

The more flamboyant bodywork isn’t just for looks, as it helps funnel more air to the tried-and-true mid-mounted 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, which now makes 467kW thanks to “more aggressive combustion phasing and revised ignition timing”.

In addition, the GTS is also 10kg lighter than its predecessor because of its updated carbon fibre monocoque chassis, weighing in at 1520kg.

Flick the launch control switch and you’ll find yourself hurtling from 0 to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds or 0 to 200km/h in 8.9, while the top speed of the GTS comes to 326km/h.

Other unique appointments include standard adaptive damping suspension, a tuned electro-hydraulic steering system, and carbon ceramic brakes.

The new model also features a faster vehicle lift function than the one found on the GT, raising the car from 110mm to 130mm in four seconds.

As for the interior, there’s 570 litres of cargo space to play with, Nappa leather-clad comfort seats as standard, a 10.25-inch instrument display, and a 7-inch central infotainment touchscreen among many more luxuries.

Customers can paint their GTS in several new finishes, including Mantis Green, Tanzanite Blue and Ice White, as well as a new exclusive colour called Lava Grey which incorporates a red metallic fleck.

A new 10-spoke ‘Turbine’ forged alloy wheel is available in silver, gloss black, and Orum.

Kiwi customers can get their hands on the McLaren GTS from $367,637 plus on-road and delivery costs.