NSTAutomotive

McLaren Automotive revealed its unique interpretation of a modern Grand Tourer for 2020 : the new McLaren GT. Sleek, elegant and muscular, the superlight new GT challenges the conventions of the Grand Tourer category with a compelling blend of beautiful design, high-quality innovative materials, true supercar performance and McLaren driving dynamics and engagement.

"The new McLaren GT combines competition levels of performance with continent-crossing capability, wrapped in a beautiful body and true to McLaren's ethos of designing superlight cars with a clear weight advantage over rivals. Designed for distance, it provides the comfort and space expected of a Grand Tourer, but with a level of agility never experienced before in this segment. In short, this is a car that redefines the notion of a Grand Tourer in a way that only a McLaren could." Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive



Positioned alongside the established Sports, Super and Ultimate Series families, this is a new McLaren for a new audience and provides an alternative to existing products in an expanding market segment. In re-imagining the spirit of traditional Grand Touring - long-distance driving in comfort, at higher speeds and with room for luggage - McLaren has also redefined the modern GT ownership experience with a car that is lighter, faster and more engaging than existing products in the segment, with greater space, comfort and usability.

Like all McLarens, the new GT has a carbon fibre structure that possesses exceptional strength and rigidity while enabling unparalleled driving dynamics and lightest-in-class kerbweight. At 1,530kg (DIN), the McLaren GT is more than 130kg lighter than its closest core competitor and literally hundreds of kilogrammes less than other cars in the segment. With 620PS from its 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the power-to-weight ratio of the superlight new McLaren GT is a remarkable 405PS-per-tonne.



The bespoke MonoCell II-T monocoque - the T denoting 'Touring' - incorporates a carbon fibre rear upper structure that adds minimal weight but allows the creation of a 420-litre luggage area below the front-hinged, full-length glazed tailgate. The tailgate has a soft-close function as standard and can be optioned as electrically powered.

The low height of the engine and positioning of the exhaust system has allowed the volume, shape and usability of the luggage bay to be optimised. A golf bag or two pairs of 185cm skis and boots as well as luggage can be carried with ease, while a further 150 litres of storage at the front means the new McLaren GT can accommodate a total of 570 litres.

The strength of the carbon fibre core structure means that glazed C-pillars and rear-quarter windows can be incorporated into the design, enhancing rearward vision and bringing still more light into an inherently spacious and uncluttered cabin. Dihedral doors swing upwards to expose a wide opening and low sill.

The interior is a cosseting space designed to delight on longer journeys, but with all the essentials for focused, high performance driving; the seating position, location of controls and forward visibility are as important here as they are in any McLaren. The streamlined, electrically adjusted and heated seats, which are unique to the McLaren GT, have been engineered to meet the requirements of Grand Touring, being optimised for long-distance comfort, with the perfect amount of padding and shoulder and back support in combination with superb lateral control.



Technology and modern craftsmanship share equal prominence in the new McLaren GT, with the finest high-quality materials complemented by features such as the most sophisticated McLaren infotainment system to date; hidden-until-lit ambient lighting and the option of an electrochromic glazed panel in lieu of the standard carbon fibre composite gloss black roof, darkening or lightening at the touch of a button. Machined and knurled aluminium switches and controls - including the steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles - contrast with gloss black surrounds for the infotainment screen, window switches, gear-selection console and air vent housings. A 12-speaker, Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system featuring carbon fibre sub-bass woofers and Kevlar mid-range drive units, is available.

The Nappa leather trim that features as standard can be upgraded to softgrain luxury leather or Alcantara®, depending on which vehicle specification is chosen. Cashmere will become available as an additional choice towards the end of 2019 - the first time that this exclusive material has been used in a production vehicle. SuperFabric® trim for the rear luggage bay is another option, the innovative woven fabric that is infused with a layer of tiny armoured guard plates, providing increased resistance to stains, cuts, nicks and abrasions, as well as being breathable, easy to clean and quick to dry.




The infotainment system developed for the new McLaren GT is the company's most sophisticated to date. Among the fastest-operating in any car, it also features industry-standard HERE® navigation mapping and real-time traffic information. The driver interface operates in a similar way to a smartphone and the seven-inch central touchscreen is used to select from vehicle functions such as satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephony, media streaming and voice activation. DAB digital radio (or Sirius satellite radio in North America) is standard. Heating and ventilation controls are also incorporated into the touchscreen, ensuring ease of use and reducing the overall number of switches and controls. Dual-zone climate control and air conditioning are standard, with the system allowing fully automatic and independent settings for both the driver and passenger.

Ahead of the driver and providing key vehicle information is a 12.3" TFT screen. The instrument graphics are like those seen on aircraft, the aeronautical influences delivering clear, crisp displays that are easy to read. In addition to vehicle speed, gear selection and engine revs, the instrument cluster can also display turn-by-turn navigation, phone calls, chosen audio output and tyre temperatures and pressures. When a reversing camera has been specified, the image behind the vehicle is displayed when reverse gear is selected, which keeps the driver's eyeline as high as possible.



As befits a Grand Tourer, ambient refinement was a priority for the new McLaren GT from the outset. Unique engine mounts that are half the stiffness of those in the track-focused McLaren 600LT help to minimise structure-borne noise, while low-frequency sounds emitting from the carbon fibre structure are reduced rather than amplified into the cabin in the way that they are in the McLaren Senna; in Comfort mode, the new McLaren GT is the most refined McLaren ever.

Creating a new type of McLaren - and the first true Grand Tourer from the brand - saw the McLaren design team embracing the visual history of Grand Touring cars while remaining true to the philosophies that underpin all McLaren design. The long, elegant exterior lines that are widely recognised as Grand Tourer design cues are executed in the new McLaren GT according to the aerodynamic principles that define every McLaren. The muscular rear fenders - another design trait commonplace in Grand Touring history - are an example of the form of every McLaren being true to its function, incorporating here the air intakes for the high-temperature radiators that cool the engine.

At almost 4.7m, the new McLaren is longer than any of the cars in the McLaren Sports or Super Series. The front and rear overhangs extend further than is traditional for McLaren, but the 10-degree approach angle at the front (13-degree with vehicle lift engaged) means the new McLaren GT can cope with the most aggressive traffic calming measures. In combination with underbody clearance of 110mm (130mm with vehicle lift) this ensures the car is eminently usable in all urban situations; not only is it competitive with all rivals, but in 'lift' mode it is the equal of mainstream sedans.

"The new McLaren GT combines McLaren's design philosophies with classic Grand Tourer visual cues. Bold, elegant volumes flow seamlessly from nose to tail, encapsulating the beautifully crafted cabin. The sophisticated, sculpted body expresses both the power of the car and its ability to cosset occupants during long-distance driving. The teardrop shape of the cabin, which stretches back to encompass the rear luggage area, follows the aerodynamic principles inherent in all McLarens, while the muscular rear fenders that form the side intakes for the high-temperature radiators are an example of how we merge both beauty and functionality to create breath-taking authentic designs. The new McLaren GT clearly stands out both as a new type of McLaren and a cutting-edge interpretation of a Grand Tourer for a new era." Rob Melville, Design Director, McLaren Automotive

The width and stance of the new McLaren GT are emphasised at the front by the signature 'hammerhead line' that runs horizontally across the nose and draws the eye out to the sides of the vehicle. At the rear, an integrated fixed rear wing, large diffuser and substantial exhaust tailpipes are reminders that this is a Grand Tourer with supercar performance.

The source of that performance is a new, 620PS 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged engine, designated M840TE. Further expanding the family of McLaren V8 engines, it is bespoke to the new McLaren GT and has the immense power and torque and superior exhaust sound quality that are the hallmarks of a true Grand Tourer. Torque of 630Nm is produced between 5,500rpm and 6,500rpm, with more than 95% of this available from 3,000rpm to 7,250rpm. The new engine is mated to a 7-speed SSG transmission to deliver linear, seamless and relentless acceleration.

The performance statistics speak for themselves: with a launch control function optimising acceleration from a standing start, 0-100km/h (0-62mph) is achieved in 3.2 seconds (0-60mph in 3.1 seconds), 0-200km/h (0-124mph) is dispatched in 9.0 seconds. The maximum speed of the McLaren GT is 326km/h (203mph).

Another defining element of the new McLaren GT - and arguably what will cement its position as the new segment leader - is its dynamic prowess. The suspension, steering and brakes are all bespoke to the car and honed and optimised to provide an outstanding Grand Touring driving experience, with inherent balance, responsiveness and precision yet better ride comfort than any other McLaren.

The suspension is a lightweight aluminium, double wishbone design, paired in the new McLaren GT with hydraulic dampers to deliver Proactive Damping Control. Governed by the most sophisticated iteration yet of the pioneering Optimal Control Theory software algorithm developed for the 720S, the suspension uses inputs from sensors to 'read' the road, interpreting what will likely happen next and reacting predictively in just two milliseconds. Overall, body movement is tailored for occupant comfort and vertical load and contact patch variation are optimised to enhance grip levels, but each of the three active dynamics handling modes - Comfort, Sport and Track - has its own distinct set of parameters to reflect the selected preference, for example, a particularly compliant ride in Comfort mode.

Driving precision and enjoyment is further enhanced in new McLaren GT by hydraulic steering, which uses a single software 'map' across Comfort, Sport and Track modes to deliver optimal feel and response. Reflecting the requirements of the new McLaren GT, it also provides increased assistance at low speeds to aid urban driving and parking, without loss of rewarding feedback at higher speeds.

Just as the steering response more than meets expectations across the wide range of Grand Touring driving styles, so too do the tyres and brakes. McLaren and its technical partner, Pirelli, have developed a bespoke P ZERO™ tyre for the new McLaren GT that meets the demands of high-performance driving and comfort and refinement in equal measure. The 21-inch alloy rear wheels, which are the largest ever fitted to a McLaren, are paired with 20-inch at the front and available in 7- or 15-spoke designs.

The high-performance braking system has also been designed to deliver across the full range of requirements, from precise pedal feel and hard deceleration when driving at higher speeds to usability and comfort at lower speeds or when holding the vehicle in traffic, where less pedal effort is preferable.

"The new McLaren GT delivers the dynamic performance and driving exhilaration expected of a McLaren but is also an exceptionally refined vehicle. We're particularly proud of the Proactive Damping Control suspension, which utilises the next generation of our pioneering Optimal Control Theory to deliver levels of ride comfort that better all previous McLarens. Overall, the breadth of ability demonstrated by the new McLaren GT - especially its everyday usability - is truly remarkable." Darren Goddard, McLaren GT Vehicle Line Director, McLaren Automotive

The new McLaren GT is available to order now from McLaren retailers worldwide, with customer deliveries commencing towards the end of 2019. UK pricing starts at £163,000 including taxes.

Gracefully sporting proportions and a progressive interpretation of luxury mark out the exterior design of the new BMW 7-Series. Its alluring bodywork reflects the supreme dynamics and exclusive comfort that shape the luxury sedan's unmistakable driving experience. The latest edition of the 7-Series features neatly judged exterior flourishes, which underline its status and advanced technology even more intently. The design updates reach every area of the body and strengthen, above all, the confident presence with which the new BMW 7-Series sedan advertises its position as the brand's flagship model. The far-reaching exterior redesign accentuates the cultured elegance of the BMW 7-Series and takes in the front apron, bonnet, headlights, front side panels, rear bumper trim and rear lights.

The BMW 7-Series will continue to be offered in two body variants. The longer version of the luxury sedan has a wheelbase extended by 14 centimetres over the standard car - to 3,210 millimetres - and gives rear-seat passengers the extra space to match. The standard 7-Series (5,120 mm) and its long-wheelbase twin (5,260 mm) are both 22 millimetres longer than their respective predecessors. The new model's width (1,902 mm) and height (1,467 mm / long-wheelbase version: 1,479 mm) remain unchanged.

Taller front end, significantly larger BMW kidney grille

The extensive design refresh at the front end plays a particularly prominent role in giving the new BMW 7-Series its more powerful visual presence. Catching the eye most vividly is the significantly expanded surfacing at the front of the car, which now rises around 50 millimetres taller at its foremost point. The result is a verticality that projects the prestige and status of the luxury sedan.

The dominant force of the front-end design is the BMW kidney grille, now framed by a single-piece surround whose surface area has grown by some 40 per cent. The grille has active air flap control with adjustable vanes which only open when the need for cooling air is increased. The bars of the kidney grille come in Aluminium satinated as standard and in High-gloss Chrome on cars with Design Pure Excellence specified. The fronts of the air vanes between the kidney grille bars are likewise in High-gloss Chrome - or black if the M Sport package is specified. The new BMW M760Li xDrive has a kidney grille surround and kidney grille bars in Cerium Grey.

Slim headlight units, BMW Laserlight available as an option

The new design of the super-slender headlight units provides an attractive visual contrast with the significantly enlarged BMW kidney grille, adding a new strand to the character of BMW's luxury-class models and lending the front section of the new BMW 7-Series an expressive and highly distinctive flavour. The modern take on the BMW's signature four-eyed face combines with the efficiency and lighting power of LED technology, whose sophisticated functionality is brought visually to the fore by the design of the light sources.

Standard equipment for the new BMW 7-Series includes Adaptive LED Headlights with variable light distribution, adaptive and cornering light functions, and the BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high-beam assistant. BMW Laserlight can be ordered as an option. This system employs a BMW Laserlight spotlight with Selective Beam to optimise the high beam function, whose range increases to a maximum 560 metres as a result. Blue elements inside the hexagonal light sources make a distinctive visual statement.

New bonnet contours, covered air intakes

Also among the striking changes made to the front of the car is the re-designed bonnet. It extends right up to the higher-rise BMW kidney grille and displays even more sharply cut and powerfully sculpted contour lines. Another feature of the car's sophisticated yet unshrinking looks is the upsized BMW badge on the bonnet, whose diameter has grown from 82 to 95 millimetres.

The lower section of the front apron draws the eye with an all-new design making its debut in a BMW model. The outer air intakes are now overlaid with large air deflectors. These guide the onrushing air efficiently to the brake air ducts and the Air Curtains, which help to minimise turbulence around the wheel arches. These plates - painted in body colour - and the newly designed decorative chrome strips lend the bumper trim a sense of sophisticated elegance, imbuing the car's nose with additional visual impact. L-shaped trim strips in High-gloss Chrome border the Air Curtains on their outer edges and below. Another trim strip runs along the lower edge of the central air intake, before kicking upwards to form the top line of the side plates. This strip is Pearl-effect Chrome as standard, but switches to Cerium Grey for the BMW M760Li xDrive and High-gloss Chrome on cars specified with the Design Pure Excellence option and on the BMW M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence.

Wide-open air intakes form the headline act in the front apron of cars with the M Sport package. Their updated design for the new BMW 7-Series uses C-shaped surrounds with integrated Air Curtains to underscore the positioning of air ducts at the outer edges of the front apron. In addition, the dynamic appearance of the front end is accentuated by the particularly striking and aerodynamically optimised contouring of the front apron's lower border.

Newly designed side panels with upright Air Breathers

Handsomely resolved proportions, powerfully bulging surfaces and precisely drawn character lines shape the side view of the new BMW 7-Series. With long wheelbases and short overhangs, a flowing roofline and the Hofmeister kink (the upturned line at the trailing edge of the side window graphic), the luxury sedan isn't short of hallmark BMW design cues. Elsewhere, exterior mirrors attached to the window surround by a thin stalk strike a modern chord and further improve aerodynamics. And the front side panels have been treated to a thorough redesign, too. A precisely scored seam feeding into the bumper and headlights tunes neatly into the new lines of the front end.


The Air Breathers, in newly upright form, also exude precision, clarity and solidity. The air outlets integrated into the side panels now extend much further upwards and their trim strips form a 90-degree angle with the side trim elements, bringing the dominant verticality of the front and rear of the car to the flanks as well. The new design of the Air Breathers also optimises the flow of air through the wheel arches, which helps to reduce aerodynamically undesirable turbulence.

The Air Breathers on either side of the car provide the starting point for a horizontal trim strip that runs above the side skirts and now reaches into the rear apron both in standard form and when the M Sport package is specified. The Air Breathers and trim strips come in High-gloss Chrome as standard. The BMW M760Li xDrive has the two elements in Cerium Grey, while the M Sport package and optional extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line turns them to Dark Chrome. The M Sport package also includes extremely muscular side skirts, which add extra visual emphasis to the dynamic appearance of the car's silhouette.

New rear-end design with full-width light strip

The rear of the new BMW 7-Series also includes fresh injections of modernity, elegance and presence. Here, the design makeover has upped the dominance of horizontal lines, emphasising even more keenly the wide and powerful over-the-wheels stance of the sedan. Added to which, the lines in the outer sections of the rear apron adopt the design language used for the air intake trim in the front apron. The exhaust system's tailpipes are edged in what are now wider chrome surrounds, split down the middle on the BMW M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence, and are integrated flush into the lower section of the rear apron. The tailpipe edging comes in High-gloss Chrome as standard, in Cerium Grey on the BMW M760Li xDrive and in Black Chrome on cars with extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line. Painted in body colour as standard, the bumper trim comes in High-gloss Chrome in cars with Design Pure Excellence specification and also encompasses the tailpipe edging. The M Sport package includes a strikingly sculpted rear apron with a diffuser inlay painted in Dark Shadow metallic

The three-dimensional rear lights of the new BMW 7-Series are around 35 millimetres slimmer than on the outgoing car and cut a sophisticated and precise figure. Their light sources are all-LED and are positioned behind red and black surfaces arranged to emphasise the L-shaped contour of the rear lights. Other new features include a sharply defined and very slim light strip (it measures just six millimetres in width) sited below the chrome bar, which extends across the full width of the tailgate and connects the rear lights with each other. The chrome bar comes in Dark Chrome when extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line is specified and Cerium Grey on the BMW M760Li xDrive. The light strip also creates a discreetly illuminated accent when the daytime driving lights are switched on and teams up with the L-shaped taillights to generate a characteristic and highly distinctive night design at the rear of the new BMW 7-Series when darkness falls.



New paint finishes and light-alloy wheels

The selection of exterior paint finishes available for the new BMW 7-Series comprises two non-metallic and eleven metallic finishes. The variants Bernina Grey amber effect metallic, Royal Burgundy Red brilliant effect metallic and Donington Grey metallic (the latter available exclusively in conjunction with the M Sport package) are new to the portfolio. Customers can also choose from four BMW Individual options, including the new shades Dravite Grey metallic and Tanzanite Blue metallic, and eight BMW Individual special paint finishes. These capture the imagination with the ultra-intense brilliance of the colour and feeling of depth, all of which provides a visually arresting showcase for the elegantly sporty exterior of the new BMW 7-Series.

Now available for the BMW 7-Series on cars fitted with the M Sport package is the optional extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, which employs Dark Chrome for the BMW kidney grille, door opener inlays, exhaust tailpipe embellishers and rear light trim elements. In addition, the kidney grille bars are painted in High-gloss Black.

Depending on the model variant, the new BMW 7-Series comes as standard with 17-inch or 18-inch light-alloy wheels. Additional light-alloy wheels in 17-inch to 21-inch formats are included on the options list and in the Original BMW Accessories range. New to the line-up are 20-inch light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke and star-spoke design, and 21-inch light-alloy wheels in W-spoke design. The 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design - part of the M Sport package - are now painted in Orbit Grey. The M Sport package can optionally be combined with 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in star-spoke design, which are available in bi-colour Orbit Grey with polished finish and in Jet Black.

Interior and equipment

The more powerful presence and clear design idiom embodied by the exterior of the new BMW 7-Series are mirrored by a comprehensively enhanced interior design and a wealth of optimised equipment features. Generous levels of space, choice materials, harmoniously coordinated design details and exclusive workmanship combine to create a luxurious ambience that has been refined in every respect. Complementing the supreme performance and refinement of the powertrain and chassis technology, these attributes ensure that the new BMW 7-Series offers both driver and passengers an inspiring on-board experience moulded by a luxurious sense of wellbeing.

The progress associated with the new generation of this luxury sedan is reflected by advances such as the screen grouping formed by the instrument cluster and the Control Display, the extended functionality of its controls and further improvement of the infotainment systems. Trim strips, leather-covered surfaces and light sources make a greater contribution than ever to the exclusive flair of the new BMW 7-Series cabin. Optimised acoustic comfort also makes for an even more relaxing travel experience.

Expressive and harmonious: Exclusive Nappa leather and BMW Individual Merino full leather trim with extended quilting, new interior trim strips

The new BMW 7-Series comes as standard with Dakota leather upholstery, available in five different colours. A choice of six colour variants is offered for the optional Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery with extended appointments (standard for the BMW M760Li xDrive), while Exclusive Nappa leather with extended quilting is now available as a further option. The extensive, three-dimensional surface structure which is found on the front and rear seat cushions and backrests, the armrests integrated in the door trim and the centre console gives the interior an expressive and harmonious feel. In models equipped with the Executive Lounge or Executive Lounge rear console options, the high-quality quilting is also to be found on the rear centre armrest. The Exclusive Nappa leather trim with extended quilting is available in the colours Mocha and Cognac.

The BMW Individual fine-grain Merino full leather trim - which is available in six colours and features not only extended quilting but also contrast stitching and piping - uses materials of the very finest quality. The door shoulders, the upper part of the instrument panel and the lower part of the door linings are finished in fulled leather with this option.

The interior trim strips for the new BMW 7-Series inject the styling with yet more individual flair. New to the range are the particularly exclusive fine wood versions American Oak Dark with metal inlay and Poplar Grain Metallic Grey high-gloss. Both the trim strips and the instrument panel's chrome surrounds that border them are made individually for each car to ensure that their dimensions match down to the millimetre. The new design features also extend to the boot of the new BMW 7-Series, where a stainless steel insert in the loading sill makes a stylish quality statement. This feature is standard equipment on all model variants with the exception of the plug-in hybrids.

Design Pure Excellence for the interior, M Sport package with special seat upholstery

The luxurious ambience of the new BMW 7-Series can be enhanced with an exclusive touch in the form of the Design Pure Excellence package for the interior. An Alcantara headliner, door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminium, precise decorative stitching in the lower section of the instrument panel, and fine wood inlays for the seatbelt outlet covers, armrest and roof grab handles in the rear bring an inviting and sophisticated aura to the interior. The Design Pure Excellence interior package for the new BMW 7-Series with long wheelbase also includes deep-pile floor mats for the rear compartment.

An ideal setting for an intensive driving experience is created by the interior design features specific to the M Sport package. These include the BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite, the M leather steering wheel, M pedals and the M driver's footrest, as well as the comfort seats, the illuminated M door sill plates and the Fineline Black fine wood interior trim strips with high-gloss metal effect. In the new BMW 7-Series, customers have the option of combining the M Sport package with a special version of the Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery with extended appointments. This option comprises black leather with a distinctive stitching pattern and M piping.



The BMW M760Li xDrive also signals its outstanding performance potential with a bespoke interior design. In addition to the M leather steering wheel, the BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite, the M pedals, the M driver's footrest and the comfort seats upholstered in Exclusive Nappa leather with extended appointments, this 12-cylinder model is equipped as standard with Fineline Black fine wood interior trim strips with high-gloss metal effect, a digitally generated model badge in the instrument cluster, an insert in the centre console in Piano Finish Black and illuminated door sill plates bearing the inscription "V12". The new BMW M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence underlines its exclusive status with features such as Fineline high-gloss fine wood interior trim strips and a leather steering wheel with wood applications.