The Gentleman Magazine Issue 15 | June 2019 | Page 25

The performance statistics* speak for themselves: with a launch
control function optimising acceleration from a standing start,
0-100km/h (0-62mph) is achieved in 3.2 seconds (0-60mph
in 3.1 seconds), 0-200km/h (0-124mph) is dispatched in 9.0
seconds. The maximum speed of the McLaren GT is 326km/h
(203mph).
Another defining element of the new McLaren GT – and
arguably what will cement its position as the new segment
leader – is its dynamic prowess. The suspension, steering and
brakes are all bespoke to the car and honed and optimised to
provide an outstanding Grand Touring driving experience,
with inherent balance, responsiveness and precision yet better
ride comfort than any other McLaren.
The suspension is a lightweight aluminium, double wishbone
design, paired in the new McLaren GT with hydraulic
dampers to deliver Proactive Damping Control. Governed
by the most sophisticated iteration yet of the pioneering
Optimal Control Theory software algorithm developed for
the 720S, the suspension uses inputs from sensors to ‘read’ the
road, interpreting what will likely happen next and reacting
predictively in just two milliseconds. Overall, body movement
is tailored for occupant comfort and vertical load and contact
patch variation are optimised to enhance grip levels, but each
of the three active dynamics handling modes – Comfort, Sport
and Track – has its own distinct set of parameters to reflect the
selected preference, for example, a particularly compliant ride
in Comfort mode.
Driving precision and enjoyment is further enhanced in
new McLaren GT by hydraulic steering, which uses a single
software ‘map’ across Comfort, Sport and Track modes to
deliver optimal feel and response. Reflecting the requirements
of the new McLaren GT, it also provides increased assistance
at low speeds to aid urban driving and parking, without loss of
rewarding feedback at higher speeds.
Just as the steering response more than meets expectations
across the wide range of Grand Touring driving styles, so too
do the tyres and brakes. McLaren and its technical partner,
Pirelli, have developed a bespoke P ZERO™ tyre for the new
McLaren GT that meets the demands of high-performance
driving and comfort and refinement in equal measure. The
21-inch alloy rear wheels, which are the largest ever fitted to a
McLaren, are paired with 20-inch at the front and available in
7- or 15-spoke designs.
The high-performance braking system has also been designed
to deliver across the full range of requirements, from precise
pedal feel and hard deceleration when driving at higher speeds
to usability and comfort at lower speeds or when holding the
vehicle in traffic, where less pedal effort is preferable.
“The new McLaren GT delivers the dynamic performance
and driving exhilaration expected of a McLaren but is also an
exceptionally refined vehicle. We’re particularly proud of the
Proactive Damping Control suspension, which utilises the
next generation of our pioneering Optimal Control Theory
to deliver levels of ride comfort that better all previous
McLarens. Overall, the breadth of ability demonstrated by
the new McLaren GT – especially its everyday usability – is
truly remarkable.”Darren Goddard, McLaren GT Vehicle Line
Director, McLaren Automotive
The new McLaren GT is available to order now from McLaren
retailers worldwide, with customer deliveries commencing
towards the end of 2019. UK pricing starts at £163,000
including taxes.
Further information about the new McLaren GT, including
detail of the different levels of specification, the range of colours
and interior trim choices and the options available – including
components developed by McLaren Special Operations – can
be found here: cars.mclaren.com/new-mclaren-gt
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