The Gentleman Magazine Issue 15 | June 2019 | Page 23

complemented by features such as the most sophisticated
McLaren infotainment system to date; hidden-until-lit ambient
lighting and the option of an electrochromic glazed panel in
lieu of the standard carbon fibre composite gloss black roof,
darkening or lightening at the touch of a button. Machined
and knurled aluminium switches and controls – including the
steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles – contrast with gloss
black surrounds for the infotainment screen, window switches,
gear-selection console and air vent housings. A 12-speaker,
Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system featuring carbon
fibre sub-bass woofers and Kevlar mid-range drive units, is
available.
The Nappa leather trim that features as standard can be
upgraded to softgrain luxury leather or Alcantara®, depending
on which vehicle specification is chosen. Cashmere will become
available as an additional choice towards the end of 2019 –
the first time that this exclusive material has been used in a
production vehicle. SuperFabric® trim for the rear luggage bay
is another option, the innovative woven fabric that is infused
with a layer of tiny armoured guard plates, providing increased
resistance to stains, cuts, nicks and abrasions, as well as being
breathable, easy to clean and quick to dry.
cLAREN WAY
A golf bag or two pairs of 185cm skis and boots as well as luggage
can be carried with ease, while a further 150 litres of storage at
the front means the new McLaren GT can accommodate a total
of 570 litres.
The strength of the carbon fibre core structure means that
glazed C-pillars and rear-quarter windows can be incorporated
into the design, enhancing rearward vision and bringing still
more light into an inherently spacious and uncluttered cabin.
Dihedral doors swing upwards to expose a wide opening and
low sill.
The infotainment system developed for the new McLaren
GT is the company’s most sophisticated to date. Among the
fastest-operating in any car, it also features industry-standard
HERE® navigation mapping and real-time traffic information.
The driver interface operates in a similar way to a smartphone
and the seven-inch central touchscreen is used to select
from vehicle functions such as satellite navigation, Bluetooth
telephony, media streaming and voice activation. DAB digital
radio (or Sirius satellite radio in North America) is standard.
Heating and ventilation controls are also incorporated into
the touchscreen, ensuring ease of use and reducing the overall
number of switches and controls. Dual-zone climate control
and air conditioning are standard, with the system allowing
fully automatic and independent settings for both the driver
and passenger.
Ahead of the driver and providing key vehicle information is a
12.3” TFT screen. The instrument graphics are like those seen
on aircraft, the aeronautical influences delivering clear, crisp
displays that are easy to read. In addition to vehicle speed,
gear selection and engine revs, the instrument cluster can also
display turn-by-turn navigation, phone calls, chosen audio
output and tyre temperatures and pressures.
The interior is a cosseting space designed to delight on
longer journeys, but with all the essentials for focused, high
performance driving; the seating position, location of controls
and forward visibility are as important here as they are in
any McLaren. The streamlined, electrically adjusted and
heated seats, which are unique to the McLaren GT, have been
engineered to meet the requirements of Grand Touring, being
optimised for long-distance comfort, with the perfect amount
of padding and shoulder and back support in combination
with superb lateral control.
Technology and modern craftsmanship share equal prominence
in the new McLaren GT, with the finest high-quality materials
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