McLaren Introduces New GTS Model

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from McLaren, probably because they’ve been baking up this GTS that was just announced. If you like what you see and you’re among the well-heeled, McLaren is taking orders now for 2024 delivery.

The McLaren GTS is simply the successor to the GT, the company’s 720S-based grand tourer. As you’d expect from an exotic car with a new name, the GTS improves on the GT’s driving dynamics and daily usability. Key to the GTS’ Swiss Army knife abilities is a structure featuring a unique carbon fiber monocoque chassis topped by a composite roof made from recycled carbon fiber. This structure is supported by an adaptive suspension with continuously variable, twin-valve hydraulic dampers courtesy of Monroe. They work in tandem with the aluminum twin-wishbone suspension. The Proactive Damper Control features three active dynamic modes: Comfort, Sport, and Track.

Up front, the familiar McLaren styling has been tweaked with a new lower front bumper section featuring more pronounced air intakes with wider intakes to gulp more air to keep things mechanically cool. If you’re fancy, you can opt for glossy carbon fiber front intake air blades. On the rear fenders, new, taller air scoops (also available in glossy carbon fiber) give the GTS’ shoulders distinction from the outgoing GT.

Of course, the heart of any performance car is the engine, in this case a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that puts out approximately 626 horsepower. McLaren claims the additional 15 horses from the previous GT came from “increased crankshaft torque enabled b more aggressive combustion phasing and revised ignition timing.” Performance with launch-control is 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds, 0-124 mph in 8.9 seconds, and a top speed of 203.

Gloss black characterizes the finish on the exhaust finisher, mirror caps, and window surrounds “for a stealthy appearance.” In fact, there is a Stealth Badge Pack option that gives you badges tinted with a black finish. If that’s not enough gloss, you can select Gloss Black or Gloss Black with Diamond Cut effect lightweight forged alloy wheels though, for those with more subtle tastes, you can also opt for Silver or Orum (we looked it up — we don’t have a clue either).

McLaren claims that the “enhanced exterior design introduces an even more assertive appearance” but, to these eyes, the GTS is merely a facelifted GT. That’s quite alright, as this upgrade (both in name and equipment) is par for the course.

“The new McLaren GTS offers an unmatched blend of McLaren driving dynamics and performance, with refinement and practicality,” says Michael Leiters, the CEO of McLaren Automotive. “When you want a true supercar driving experience, the GTS delivers that; when you want to relax on a longer journey or 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.”