McLaren Automotive

McLaren Automotive

McLaren Automotive

McLaren Automotive

McLaren Automotive

We are unashamed fans of McLaren's road cars. The 650S blew our socks off last year, and we're eagerly awaiting a visit from the 570S later this year once outside temperatures have risen some and McLaren's press fleet migrates back east. Yesterday, the company released information about a companion to the 570S, called the 570GT. McLaren describe the 570GT as the most practical car it has ever built, "targeted towards longer journeys and weekends away."

As with all McLaren road cars, the 570GT is built around a carbon fiber "MonoCell" tub; in this case the second iteration MonoCell with redesigned sills that make getting into and out of the car a lot easier. Changes from the more hardcore 570S include revised spring rates and some other suspension tweaks that improve the ride quality, a slightly quieter exhaust, and bespoke Pirelli tires that cut road noise by 3dB. And instead of an exposed engine bay, there's a glass hatch that gives the car an extra 7.8 cubic feet (220L) of luggage space.

Weight is up 81lbs (37kg) compared to the 570S—2,976 lbs (1,350kg) without any fluids. That's still comparatively little mass for the 562hp/419kW 3.8L turbocharged V8 to move, so a more refined McLaren does not necessarily mean a slower one.

570GTs will start at $199,850 or £143,250 (the 570S is about $15,000/£10,000 cheaper), squarely targeting Porsche's 911 Turbo S—the current supercar daily-driver to beat.