McLaren GT Becomes GTS With More Power And Less Weight, Looks Pretty Much The Same

The McLaren GT has always felt like something of an oddity. Woking’s rival to the Bentley Continental GT took an unusual approach to the long-distance cruiser with its mid-engine layout, yet never strayed too far from being a bonafide supercar. A capable thing, but one that often feels misplaced. Perhaps, then, a bit of a rebrand should help freshen its appeal.

This is the McLaren GTS, bringing a new name and a heap of updates including more power, less weight and some pleasant quality-of-life improvements.

With some light fettling, an extra 14bhp has been unlocked from the staple 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with 626bhp now on tap. Peak torque remains unchanged at 465lb ft, though.

McLaren notes that extra power shaves a tenth off both the 0-62mph sprint, now clocking in at 3.2 seconds, and 0-124mph which is now done in 8.9 seconds. Good to keep in mind for those Autobahn runs on your European road trips.

10kg has been shaved from the original GT’s kerb weight, too, now tipping the scales at 1520kg. McLaren doesn’t specify exactly how it’s achieved that, mind.

Other under-the-skin changes are less headline-grabbing but probably more important to owners of a GTS. Its front axle lift system can now raise the car in four seconds, twice as fast as before, while the hydraulic power steering system has also been tweaked.

For all its changes, you’ll need a keen eye to spot a GTS from a GT on the road. Visual differences are limited to new 10-spoke ‘Turbine’ wheels and some black exterior trim pieces. You’ll optionally be able to swap the latter bits out for carbon fibre, with recycled bits of the material used for the roof as standard.

No word yet on how much the McLaren GTS will cost. Expect a slight rise over the £165,000 asking for a GT.