For as long as cars have existed, people have desired to use their four-wheeled freedom to explore the world. That’s no exaggeration, shortly after its invention, Bertha Benz took the first automobile ever made, the Benz Patent Motor Wagen, on a 110-mile trip in 1888. As time went on, manufacturers capitalized on this desire by creating the grand tourer, a car that combines breathtaking speed and sumptuous comfort to cross continents with ease.
When you picture a grand tourer, what comes to mind? Most likely a long, extravagant coupe with a high displacement engine up front, a svelte interior, and a large trunk to hold luggage. Grand tourers have a wide breadth of abilities, but the formula has remained largely unchanged for decades. That is until the McLaren GT took to the streets in 2019.
2023 McLaren GT
- 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission
- 0-60 MPH In 3.2 Seconds
- 21" Inch Wheels
- Dihedral Doors
- Optional Cashmere Upholstery
- Electrochromatic Panoramic Roof
- Model: GT
- Engine:: 4.0 L Turbo V-8
- Power Output: 612 HP
- Torque: 465 LB-FT
- Transmission: 7-Speed DCT
- Driveline: RWD
- MSRP: $208,490
- Versatile Grand Tourer
- Practical For A Mid-Engine Car
- 612 Horsepower
- No Adaptive Cruise Control In A Grand Tourer
- Two Seats Only
- Lackluster Design
2023 McLaren GT Performance And Capability
Automakers like Aston Martin and Bentley have dominated this segment for decades, so how does a manufacturer known for making hardcore mid-engined supercars break into a segment dominated by old-world legacy brands? Instead of following the same old front-engine formula, the team at McLaren adapted their existing mid-engine platform to create a new kind of grand tourer.
The McLaren GT is based on a modified version of the MonoCell II, a versatile carbon-composite platform derived from F1 technology, that serves as the basis for the McLaren 570S and record-breaking 600LT. But the similarities don’t stop there, the GT is powered by the same 4.0-liter V-8 that is present across the lineup, producing 612 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, CarandDriver was able to get the GT to 60 mph from a standstill in just 2.8 seconds and continue to a top speed of 204 mph.
The engineers further tweaked the platform by ditching the hydraulic suspension setup found in other models in the lineup, such as the McLaren 720S, in favor of conventional springs and dampers. Similarly, the steering was tuned to provide less feedback. Forgoing the marque’s characteristic hyper-active steering in order to suit long-distance highway trips.
While the McLaren GT is more muted than its siblings, this model is lighter and more nimble than traditional grand tourers. Not only does this fly in the face of the established norms in this segment, but the GT also offers a unique driving experience that its competition can’t match.
McLaren GT Specs
Trim | GT |
|---|---|
Engine | 4.0L V-8 |
Horsepower | 612 HP |
Torque | 465 LB-FT |
Transmission | 7-Speed DCT |
Drive Layout | RWD |
0-60 MPH | 3.2 seconds |
Exterior Design
Outside, the McLaren GT looks similar to other offerings from the brand, but with less aggressive styling cues. The front fascia has smooth lines and minimal ground effects, lending a friendly demeanor to the design. The side profile follows that theme with soft feminine curves down the side of the car.
The design is graceful, yet it still communicates the blistering performance that lies underneath, with large air inlets and a rear end accented with dual-exhaust and sleek LED taillights. While the exterior of the GT is certainly pretty, the understated design isn't as striking as other models in the McLaren lineup, or the grand tourers it competes with.
Length | 184.4 in |
Width | 82.5 in |
Height | 47.8 in |
Wheelbase | 105.3 in |
Ground Clearance | 4 in |
Curb Weight | 3,373 lbs |
Standard | Anthracite | $0 |
Aurora Blue | $0 | |
McLaren Orange | $0 | |
Onyx Black | $0 | |
Silica White | $0 | |
Vermillion Red | $0 |
Interior Quality And Technology
As the name suggests, the GT is surprisingly practical for a mid-engined car. Despite sharing underpinnings with some of McLaren’s most hardcore models, it has a capacious cabin and trunk space. Mid-engine cars typically suffer from tight interiors because of the engine layout, so the engineers created a large greenhouse around the cabin with a panoramic glass roof and glass surrounding the C-pillars.
This lends an airy feel to the interior of the GT. Don't worry about the cabin getting too hot on sunny days, because you can shade the roof with the push of a button. The panoramic sunroof has an electrochromic feature that can switch the glass from transparent to opaque instantly.
Similarly, the engineers created a bespoke rear structure complete with a power tailgate to improve storage space. This means the GT is technically one of the fastest ‘hatchbacks’ ever created. An added benefit of this engine layout is that the car has a front trunk in addition to the rear storage space. Combined, the front and rear trunks have 14.8 cubic feet of storage space.
2023 McLaren GT Price And Availability
With a base price of $208,490, the McLaren GT is one of the least expensive models in the segment. There are no trim levels to navigate, as the model comes with almost everything a six-figure buyer would want as standard. In true McLaren fashion, the model comes with a long list of optional extras, which you can use to customize this car to your heart’s desire. Making it easy to run the tab well over that base price. You can customize your McLaren GT on the online configurator here.
Model | MSRP |
McLaren GT | $208,490 |
Main Competition
The McLaren GT is a new face in an established market segment, meaning that prospective clients are going to be comparing this to its closest rival, The Aston Martin DB11. The DB11 is the latest grand tourer in the long lineage of DB models. Dating back to 1950, when the Aston Martin DB2 was launched, the DB models have been the bread and butter of the British marque, combining exhilarating performance and unmatched comfort.
It’s hard to beat a strong bloodline, but the McLaren GT is around $5,000 less than the entry-level DB11, which is also powered by a twin-turbo V-8. Aston Martin purists will need to shell out an additional $10,000 for the V12 variant, making the McLaren GT look all the more appealing. While the Aston can be had with a V-12, the extra displacement still doesn’t compete with the McLaren, which can accelerate to 60 mph an eighth of a second quicker than the DB11. The GT is the quickest accelerating car in the segment, straddling the line between supercar and grand tourer with ease.
The McLaren GT offers a completely unique experience in this class. Its mid-engine layout makes it the lightest and quickest accelerating car in this segment. Offering a versatility that 60its competition simply can’t match. McLaren themselves said it best when they stated “Suddenly, those Grand Tourer conventions look very old.” So before you pop down to your local dealership to buy your fourth Aston Martin, we recommend you take the GT for a drive first.
FAQ
Q: Is the McLaren GT faster than the 720S?
The McLaren 720S is faster than the GT. The 720S has a top speed of 212 mph, while the GT tops out at 203 mph.
Q: Is the McLaren GT a supercar?
The McLaren GT is a bona fide supercar. With a 200+ mph top speed, a mid-mounted V-8, and 612 horsepower on tap, not many cars can keep up with it.
Q: What is the top speed of a 2023 McLaren GT
The 2023 McLaren GT has a top speed of 203 mph.
Q: Is the McLaren GT a V8?
The 2023 McLaren GT is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0 liter V-8.