When the McLaren MP4-12C arrived in 2011, it marked the British company’s revival as a road car manufacturer. To make a statement, McLaren had to ensure that the new 12C had to be a special supercar, capable of competing with the Ferrari 458. However, the 12C managed to be one of the most comfortable cars that are fun to drive beyond outright speed. It’s been over nine years since we first saw the 12C, and the McLaren model range has grown exponentially.
This week’s tester, the 2020 McLaren GT, builds on that original philosophy created by the 12C and aims to be your daily driver. With over 600 hp on tap, the GT is no regular commuter car. Don’t let the butterfly doors and low ride height fool you; this is the most comfortable McLaren ever made. So let’s find out if the McLaren GT and its $263,625 as tested price can be your new everyday car.
In the Engine Bay Lives the 720s’ Heart
Powering the stunning 2020 McLaren GT is a de-tuned version of the 4.0-liter V8 you’ll find in the 720S. The engine pumps out 612 hp in this application, which propels the GT to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. Translating all of that power into speed is a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission. All of the available power gets sent to the rear wheels. Various selectable driving modes allow the driver to change the GT’s demeanor at any given moment seamlessly. The Track mode will hold the gears longer and open up the optional Sports Exhaust. Comfort mode, on the other hand, focuses on smooth shifting and effortless driving.
The biggest surprise, however, is the excellent suspension tuning. Along with changing the throttle response, noise, and transmission shift points, the driving modes can soften and stiffen the suspension. Active dampers and independent suspension mean that each of the GT’s wheels attacks imperfections on the road independently of one another. Although it is not Rolls-Royce smooth, the result is a ride quality that is significantly more comfortable than other supercars.
The GT’s Soft Lines Lead to a Timeless Design
The McLaren GT has a very subtle yet modern look. There are no hard lines anywhere in its design, which should allow it to age well. The front bumper design incorporates two air intakes at either end. In the bumpers’ lowest point, you’ll find what appears to be a front lip, although it is integrated into the bumper. The lack of any crazy aerodynamics means that the GT can help comfortably tackle any driveway by utilizing the available lift system.
The GT’s functionality continues with its doors, which can be seen channeling air into one of two lateral intakes. The air also passes through just above the door line into another set of intakes near the rear hatch. Since the GT’s engine is hidden deep in its body, below the rear trunk space, the engineers had to get innovative. The abundance help keep the hidden engine cool even on scorching days with the car running at max speed. During our time with the GT, it must be noted that we did not experience any sort of heating issues or performance loss.
The GT’s rear has a tail that slightly tilts upwards, almost paying homage to the hardcore Long Tail models. The back’s openings allow for the expelling of heat from the exhaust and also house the taillights. When the taillights are not in use, they are almost invisible, blending into the design. The rear end’s standout feature is the diffuser, which houses the two ends of the Sports Exhaust.
Inside You’ll Find Nappa Leather, Comfortable Seats and an Ingenious Roof
The interior of our tester McLaren GT utilized a stunning combination of blue leather on the dashboard contrasting with white leather on the seats and lower sections. Unlike other McLaren’s, the GT’s modified carbon tub creates a shorter frame around the door, allowing for easier entry into the cabin.
A fantastic daily driver would not be complete without a comfortable pair of seats, and this is where the GT excels. Although the seats are on the firm side, they are supremely comfortable. We took the GT on various long drives without feeling any numbness or fatigue from sitting. Couple the great seats with the magnetic suspension, and the McLaren manages to ride comfortably even on Miami’s terrible roads.
The standout feature in the cabin, however, was the electrochromic roof. In short, the top can seemingly tint and un-tint itself on command. A small control panel above the driver allows them to select how much light they want inside the cabin. Although the unique roof is a $6,000 option, it sets the cabin apart and allows extra light without a sunroof.
Although this may be a supercar, it is technically a hatchback, making it possibly the hottest hatch ever. A storage area just above the engine separates the GT from pretty much any other supercar, allowing for the storage of golf clubs, groceries, or luggage.
This McLaren GT Has $53,625 in Optional Extras
In other iterations of these weekly reviews, we’ve swayed buyers from opting for unnecessary extras and opt for lower trim levels. In most sub-six-figure cars, the standard available options more than make the car. In contrast, the McLaren GT experience is driven by its optional extras. The most essential in our tester was the Vehicle Lift for $3,000, the Sports Exhaust for $3,500, and the MSO Ludus Blue exterior paint for $7,500.
When shopping at this end of the market, value practically goes out of the window, in which case options allow buyers to make the car their own. In the GT’s case, it opens the possibility of a supercar buyer not only customizing their dream car but also enjoying it without worry, given its various comforts. In short, if the funds are available, the GT is a no-brainer, and we’d pick it pretty much over anything else for the money.