Geneva 2016: McLaren 570GT revealed ahead of show debut

McLaren has taken the wraps off the 570GT gran tourer ahead of its official unveil at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next month. The latest model to join the recently launched Sport Series lineup, the 570GT has been designed to be “the most luxurious and relaxing of any McLaren to date” and is aimed at the affluent consumer who is shopping for a supercar that can be used everyday instead of a track weapon.

The biggest change from S to GT is found in the mid-rear of the car. Instead of a view of the V8 engine through the back window, onlookers will instead spy a new leather-lined luggage touring deck. Adding over 12 cubic feet of storage, it makes the GT perfect for a long weekend getaway. Then there’s the new standard panoramic glass roof, which, like the P1 hypercar, has been given a coating of Sound & Solar Film (SSF) that blocks not just the sun's radiation but also additional wind noise. And with the quieter cabin, you'll be able to better appreciate the optional 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

McLaren’s also softened the GT’s suspension and steering slightly, improving comfort and reducing fatigue, while a quieter exhaust further serves to make the new 570GT sound more civilised. The steering ratio has also been reduced to “smooth out driver inputs at high cruising speed.”

The basic carbon-fiber tub remains, as does the mid-mounted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, which pumps out 562 horses and 600Nm of torque, running through a seven-speed, twin-clutch, semi-automatic transmission to the rear wheels.

However, the new rear structure means the 570GT is heavier than its 570S sister car; the GT weighs 1350kg dry, compared with the 1313kg of the S. This has had a minuscule impact on performance; the 0-100 kmph time is 3.4sec (up 0.2sec from the 570S) and the 0-200 kmph time is 9.8sec (up by 0.3sec). Top speed is 328 kmph, which is the same as the 570S.

After its debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, production of the McLaren 570GT will start in July and deliveries will begin in late 2016. Expect it to be priced around 10% more than the 570S.