McLaren GTS: The Most Unique Exotic ever made Traditionally, the recipe for beautiful and classy grand–tourers was to have enormous powerhouse engines up front, a spacious parcel shelf in the middle, and ample luggage space in the boot. Whilst not as sharp or responsive as supercars, these elegant cruisers balanced out their drama, speed and style with practicality and comfort. In 2019, McLaren, known for solely building supercars, launched their first GT with a substantially different approach. They took their supercar underpinnings, lowered the engine, added a carbon fibre rear deck, softened the suspension, and fitted a glazed tailgate. The result was the GT, an exotic that blended the sharpness and responsiveness of a supercar with the practicality and comfort of a GT. In 2023, McLaren updated the GT to create the GTS that has just recently arrived in the Middle East. Design, Performance and Cost of the McLaren GTS Visually, the GTS looks identical to the GT. That same swooping, low–slung butterfly door supercar stance mixed with a more subtle elegance known in GTS. The only noteworthy difference is the new Turbine Alloy Wheels. The GTS features the same carbon–fibre monocoque chassis and double wishbone suspension found on every McLaren since 2011. However, the enhanced proactive chassis control, known as Pro-active Chassis II, results in an extremely sublime ride, even by McLaren’s high standards. The monocoque has been enhanced, making the GTS 10kg lighter than the outgoing GT (1520kg vs 1530kg). In addition, the 4.0L Twin–Turbocharged V8 has been tweaked to produce 14 more horsepower (626hp vs 612hp). 0–62mph takes just 3 seconds and like all McLarens, it continues that constant acceleration until it reaches 203mph. And thanks its carbon ceramic brakes the GTS stops as quickly as it goes. The GTS real party piece is its handling. In sport or track mode it handles with the same sharpness of Lando Norris’ F1 car. Yet unlike many other manufacturers’ electric setups, McLaren utilises hydraulic steering, resulting in a closer connection with the road. However put the GTS in comfort mode and it becomes a subdued, reserved and quiet cruiser that’s also very practical. And at $224,000, it’s relatively reasonable. McLaren GTS Launch Event and Warranty The GTS was unveiled on Saturday at McLaren’s showroom in Abu Dhabi. The event was an exclusive invite–only for VIPs, media moguls, and McLaren aficionados. Atlantis the Royal provided the perfect backdrop the GTS Launch. The GTS arrives in the Middle East with a three-year vehicle and paint warranty with unlimited mileage, and a ten-year anti-perforation warranty. McLaren also offers an extended warranty coverage of up to 12 years. McLaren, Ferrari or Aston Martin Whilst the GT mostly stands on its own, it faces competition from similarly powerful rivals like the Ferrari Roma and Aston Martin DB12. The McLaren outperforms its competitors in terms of performance, though the Aston excels in grand touring, and the Ferrari strikes a perfect balance between the two. We here at F1rstMotors aim to provide a conclusive comparison in the future. McLaren GTS: The Complete Package The GTS is truly the ultimate exotic car. A perfect blend of that jet fighter performance, pinpoint handling and striking design that we all know and love from McLaren with the subtlety, refinement and comfort of an elegant grand tourer. It can rip up the Yas Marina circuit or blast up Jebel Jais on one day, yet cruise from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and back on another, all whilst carrying an excessive amount of shopping. The GTS truly embodies the Middle East's love for luxury and driving passion. F1rstMotors Facts and FiguresManufacturerMcLaren AutomotiveModelGTSYear of Release2023 (2024 in the UAE)Engine4.0L Twin–Turbo V8Horsepower626hpTorque465 lb–ft0–62mph (100km/h)3.0 secondsTop Speed203mph (327 km/h)Weight1,520kg (1.5 tonnes)Power to Weight423 hp per tonneGearbox7–Speed Dual ClutchDriven WheelsRear Wheel DrivePrice$224,000RivalsFerrari Roma, Aston Martin DB12
