When we last met McLaren’s prior attempt at creating a proper GT car, it was in 2017 when we reviewed the 570GT. The 570GT had cushy carpet, supple leather seats, and a set of novel luggage for its trunk. But it was no secret that this particular model was still a track focused offering, and as a result, it flunked some basic GT car ettiquete to achieve that track oriented balance. McLaren was eager to right this wrong, and has unveiled its second attempt at the GT segment, the 2020 McLaren GT.
McLaren claims that the GT (despite its rather unimaginative moniker) will redefine and change the game in the grand touring segment, thanks to its lightweight construction, as well as a potent twin-turbocharged V8, and improved interior space. Alot of its DNA is shared with the recently unveiled Speedtail, and the GT is the fourth model in the company’s broader 2025 buisness plan, which was recently unveiled late last year. Unlike the more performance focused Sport Series lineup, the GT is aimed at a completely different supercar buyer, the one who is focused on long distance comfort, and is looking for maximum coddling on their commute. The exterior styling of the GT is much more polished, and the flowing design is more uniformly presented. The front fascia is reminiscent of other McLaren offerings, and the side profile transitions into an equally clean and tidy rear end.
Built around the carbon fiber infused Monocell II-T Monocoque structure that aims to deliver exceptional levels of strength and rigidity to well heeled consumers. It also allows the GT to be a lighter animal, with the car boasting a svelte curb weight of just 3,373 lbs. Meanwhile, the rear of the GT features a 14.83 cubic feet trunk that is accessed via a glass tailgate. Soft close functionality is standard issue, but buyers can equip it with optional power opening and closing capabilities for more bespoke luxury. McLaren claims that both the engine and the exhaust system were positioned as low as possible to help free up even more cargo space. Meanwhile, the front mounted trunk offers another 5.20 cubic feet of space, with the combined space maxing out at 20.12 cubic feet. For comparison, the 570GT boasted 13.1 cubic feet of combined luggage space.
However, the 2020 McLaren GT is all about pampering occupants, and the new model plays it’s strongest hand when drivers have a chance to slip behind the wheel. They will find a warm and cozy space that is decidedly less compromised than the 570GT, and that includes the revamped power operated leather seats that can also be heated for cold fall days. McLaren claims that the opulent thrones were specifically designed for long distance comfort, and feature perfect padding, as well as shoulder and lower back support. The British supercar maker also stepped up its game when it came to infotainment, and has equipped the GT with perhaps the most comprehensive infotainment system ever offered on a McLaren. Ambient lighting and an optional electrochromic glass roof (instead of the standard issue gloss black carbon fiber panel) round things out nicely. A 12 speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system helps provide wonderous tunes to even the pickiest of audiophiles. A carbon fiber subwoofer and Kevlar mid-range speakers are available as optional extras. Enhancing comfort even further are special engine mounts that are only half as stiff as the 600LT’s. This might seem like a minor alteration at first glance, but the reduced noise and chassis movement inside the cabin that is achieved by this will be greatly appreciated by lucky owners.
But don’t think that the GT has gone soft in its quest to enhance its luxury game. An all new 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 delivers 620 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, with the engine performing at its best between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm. The engine is paired with a seven speed dual clutch transmission, and it is enough to rocket the GT to 60 mph in a swift 3.2 seconds. The engine (dubbed M840TE in McLaren speak) has roughly 95 percent of its torque available between 3,000 and 7,250 rpm, which should translate to the GT being able to outmuscle and overtake its rivals from any speed. This power also allows it to be on par with its rivals, and we are very keen to see how the GT fares against some of them out in the real world.
The suspension of the GT relies on a variant of the 720S’s Optimal Control Theory chassis, which utilizes specialized sensors to help read the road ahead, predict what is likely to happen next, and subsequently adjust to help compensate to changing road conditions in just two milliseconds. Along with the trick suspension hardware, three different steering modes are also available to help tailor the driving experience even further (Comfort, Sport, and Track.) Look for these revisions to allow it to have much more poise than the 570GT, while also allowing it to be a much more capable supercar offering at the same time.
The 2020 McLaren GT is already available to order at McLaren showrooms around the world, with the first deliveries to customers expected to begin later this year. Pricing will start at $210,000 with the addition of optional extras and other equipment expected to easily push that figure past the $300,000 barrier. We look forward to seeing one of these seductive beasts in the flesh, but in the meantime, McLaren has released a brief video highlighting the McLaren GT’s finer qualities which can be seen below.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.