McLaren adds a grand tourer with the GT

McLaren Automotive, with an expanding sports car lineup, is entering a new segment with its latest entry, the GT.

Introduced as an unnamed grand tourer in March at the Geneva auto show, the GT is the automaker's answer to ultraluxury and exotic supercars meant for the road and long distances.

The GT will be powered by a new engine, a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 that's unique to the nameplate along with a seven-speed transmission. The engine produces 612 hp and 465 pound-feet of torque.

The automaker says the GT can reach 60 mph (97 kph) in 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 203 mph (326 kph).

"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," McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt said in a statement.

The automaker noted that "this is a new McLaren for a new audience and provides an alternative to existing products in an expanding market segment."

The GT follows the upcoming Speedtail hypercar, the 720S Spider and the 600LT Spider under the brand's Track 25 business plan. The product rollout, which started in 2018, calls for launching 18 new models or derivatives by 2024.

Unlike other McLaren nameplates, the GT will not be part of any of the automaker's three series -- Sports, Super and Ultimate.

Much of McLaren's engineering focus in creating the GT was usability and creature comfort.

Inside, the seats are unique to the GT and engineered for long-distance comfort, McLaren said. The 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system is "the company's most sophisticated to date," McLaren said.

The GT also gets a Here navigation and traffic information system.

Nappa leather is standard but the automaker said customers can opt for soft-grain leather or Alcantara. McLaren said cashmere will be available as a choice by year end.

As with the 720S Spider, a glazed, electrochromic roof panel will be an option on the GT, which will allow the roof to darken by pressing a button.

With two storage areas -- behind the seats and in the front of the vehicle -- the GT has 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space. There's enough space in the rear luggage bay for a bag of golf clubs.

The GT's styling is an evolution of McLaren's latest design. At more than 180 inches (4572 mm) long, it's longer than any nameplate in the Sports or Super series, McLaren noted, and has a ground clearance of 4.3 inches. If the lift is enabled, that figure bumps up to 5.1 inches.

In the rear, there are taillights that look similar to the Speedtail's, a rear wing integrated into the body and a large dual exhaust system.

The GT has 20-inch wheels in the front and 21-inch wheels in the rear.

McLaren said GT deliveries will begin by year end. The price starts at 198,000 euros in Germany. Based on the price, the GT will slot above the 570GT and 570S of the Sports Series but below the 720S and 720S Spider of the Super Series.