McLaren has just launched the 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine GTS, which replaces the GT and is priced from NZ367,637.

The super-lightweight GTS is engineered to delight drivers who demand the dynamic excellence and driving excitement of a McLaren and the ride comfort, refinement and luggage space suited to routine drives and extended journeys.

McLaren Automotive CEO, Michael Leiters, said the GTS “has an unmatched blend of McLaren driving dynamics and performance, with refinement and practicality”.

“When you want a true supercar driving experience, the GTS delivers that; when you want to relax on a longer journey with luggage for a weekend away, the GTS is an ideal companion. This is a car that is true to McLaren’s racing DNA but with multiple layers of ability.”  

It has a class-leading power-to-weight ratio – enabled by lightweight carbon fibre construction centred on a unique monocoque chassis.

The elegant exterior lines of the GT remain the basis of the car’s aerodynamic package and profile, but new visual enhancements mean that the GTS is even more assertive. 

At the front of the GTS, the ‘hammerhead’ signature styling has been updated with a new lower front bumper section. This area of the car features newly sculpted air intakes that are more pronounced, with wider intakes to channel more air into the car’s radiator system. 

The front intake air blades can be optioned in gloss visual carbon fibre, reflecting McLaren’s racing DNA and giving the GTS a more aggressive look. On the rear fenders, new, taller air scoops – also available in gloss visual carbon fibre - are sited on the car’s shoulders.

 Like the redesigned front end, the enhancements on the rear fenders are functional, enabling greater airflow into the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. 

At just 1520kg the GTS is the lightest car in its class and has a segment-best power-to-weight ratio of 307kW per tonne. 

The power of the V8 M840TE 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine has been elevated to 467kW at 7,500rpm, the additional 11kW coming from increased crankshaft torque enabled by more aggressive combustion phasing and revised ignition timing. 

A launch-control function is standard; when enabled, the GTS hits 0-100km/h in only 3.2 seconds The maximum speed of the GTS is 326km/h. 

The GTS has a seven-speed SSG transmission that provides smooth, seamless and rapid shifts in default-from-start-up Comfort mode, ensuring relaxing yet brisk acceleration. Beyond this, a driver can enhance their supercar experience with two further driving modes – Sport and Track – via the Active Dynamics Panel. 

Sport mode introduces heightened drama and urgency, with momentary ignition-spark-cut technology delivering faster and more aggressive gearshifts. 

Track mode takes this to a higher level still, maximising the performance of the gearbox with minimal loss of torque between shifts. 

Manual control of gearshifts is possible using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters in any of the drive modes. 

The GTS is also well within its comfort zone in urban environments. Visibility to the front is excellent, while the large glass tailgate, glazed C-pillars and large rear quarter windows ensure first-class rearward vision. Underbody ground clearance of 110mm can be increased to 130mm using the vehicle lift function. Enhanced over the GT’s system, the GTS vehicle lift can now raise or lower the nose in only four seconds – more than twice as fast as before.