GTS EXPRESS (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

The GTS is a McLaren you might more easily be able to justify. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 39

The McLaren GTS, an update of the previous GT, is a crucial model for the Woking maker. Like its predecessor, it's far more of a McLaren than a Grand Tourer. If you want one, you'll be fine with that.

Backgroundword count: 138

Back in 2019, McLaren launched an entry-level model that should have been a strong seller for the supercar brand - the GT. It wasn't, despite a useful update in 2022, and you get the impression that they Woking maker is still trying to understand why. In early 2024, they announced that the GT would be replaced by this GTS model, which isn't really a new car but more far-reaching update of the GT. This is the closest a McLaren currently gets to being a Grand Touring sportscar - you know like a Bentley Continental GT, an Aston Martin DB12 or a Ferrari Roma. Unlike its GT predecessor, the GTS needs to stand out in a McLaren line-up which tends to be dominated by more headline-making models like the 765LT and the V6 hybrid Artura. Can it? Let's see.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 298

The twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 of the GT has been massaged a little for this GTS, with an extra 14bhp now liberated, boosting total output 626bhp. But it won't feel any faster because the 465Ib ft torque figure is the same. Arguably more significant is the 10kg reduction in weight, which allows McLaren to boast a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio 412bhp-per-tonne. To give you some perspective on that, a Porsche 911 Turbo S managers 396bhp-per-tonne, while a Bentley Continental GT V8 delivers just 254bhp-per-ton. For the record, this GTS has a fractionally faster benchmark acceleration time than its GT predecessor, By 0.1s to 3.2s. As before, there's an SSG 7-speed dual clutch paddle shift gearbox and over 95% of the V8's power is available from 3,000rpm, so mid-range acceleration is frantically quick. Two rotary switches allow you to adjust the powertrain and handling settings through 'Comfort', 'Sport' or 'Track' modes. Through the turns, you'll notice the fact that this McLaren is lighter and more agile than most of its rivals. That's aided by the Proactive Chassis Control suspension system, which features sensors that proactively prime the dampers for tarmac irregularities. There's also a grippy set of bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres. Body control is slightly softer than in other McLaren sports cars, but not by enough to make this a Grand Tourer in the proper sense of the word. There's a little more refinement than with this Woking maker's other models too, but again (predictably), the improvement isn't really enough to make the car feel Aston-like in highway cruising. Mind you, the sound it makes is difficult to tire of. For town driving, ride height has been raised to the point where this McLaren can coast over speed humps as easily as any ordinary sports coupe or hot hatch.

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