McLaren GT: a smooth grand tourer

“When you think of McLaren, you probably think of a few things: loud, fast, and sporty. You don’t, probably, think of a smooth, comfortable, capacious grand tourer,” says Alex Goy on Business Insider. “But the GT is a McLaren that doesn’t shout, scream, or bark. It’s a McLaren that gives you the full supercar experience – power, handling, tech, and everything else –with just slightly fewer antics.”

It remains, of course, as rapid as you’d expect, says Ben Hodges on CarBuyer, with a top-speed of 203mph, a 0-62mph time of a little over three seconds and with an engine pushing out 612bhp. A seven-speed gearbox and a host of electronic aids have been deployed to send as much power as fast as possible to the rear wheels. Under hard acceleration, the GT delivers “ferocious, supercar-pace and a subtly menacing sound from its V8 engine”.

This McLaren has also, however, been crafted for long-haul motoring, rolling steadily over huge distances with comfort. “To be considered a true grand tourer, the GT needed to combine a precise driving experience on twisty roads with effortless progress on motorways, and the McLaren is a success in this respect.” Gliding along at tame motorway speeds, the V8 turbo engine’s aggression is muted and the ride quiet and polished. The handling is just as silky. “The steering is perfectly weighted and the car demonstrates impressive agility when you take corners quickly, yet it’s almost as easy to drive as a family hatchback at lower speeds.”

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The GT is a joy to pilot too. “It feels very airy in the cabin,” says Top Gear magazine, “especially with the switchable electrochromic glass roof on its clear setting. Looking forwards and over the shoulder, the view out is terrific.” There is also an infotainment system and all the luxury furnishings you’d want from such an esteemed manufacturer. “The cabin trim is lovely, and customisable in lots of materials and beautiful stitch patterns. The switchgear is all metal, and everything feels expensive and is unique to McLaren.” Prices start from £163,000.

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Jasper is a former writer for the MoneyWeek and he wrote on an array of topics including travel, investing in crypto and bitcoin, as well as cars. Previous to that he freelanced at The Art Newspaper, PORT Magazine and The Spectator. Jasper is currently a freelance writer at FAD magazine and he has an English literature degree from the University of Exeter, and a Master's degree from UCL.