McLaren->ke284 is set to add a third car to its entry-level Sports Series->ke4981 lineup, which already includes the 2016 McLaren 570S and 2016 McLaren 540C, but unlike those cars, the new variant will be a more well-appointed luxury version with an elongated, full-glass roof that cuts a fastback profile. Appropriately, the new car could be called the McLaren Gran Turismo.

According to Automobile, the McLaren GT will be built around same basic carbon-fiber MonoCell II tub from the Sports Series cars, as well as the 2015 McLaren 650S and 2014 McLaren P1 and use the same 562-horsepower, twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-8 found in the 570S.->ke4924 The same adaptive damper suspension system is likely to be carried over with a more compliant setup and selectable Normal, Sport and Track handling modes.

Comfier seats, higher levels of luxury and more leather and Alcantara surfaces in the McLaren Gran Tursimo’s cabin will make it better suited for enjoying long-distance journeys. The additional space afforded by the longer roof also allows for extra storage space behind the headrest and better rear visibility.

Given the new roof and more opulent interior, expect the McLaren Gran Turismo to cost more than the $184,900 570S. We should get out first look sometime in 2016.

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Why it matters

If it arrives as advertised, the McLaren Gran Turismo should occupy a unique place in the market. Grand tourers are typically front-engine cars with either a V-8 or V-12 under the hood and are typically on the bigger side when it comes to size and price — not that the McLaren Gran Turismo won’t be expensive, but it should be significantly cheaper than the $370,000 2013 Ferrari F12Berlinetta and $280,000 2014-2015 Aston Martin Vanquish. Its mid-engine layout and wild panoramic roof will also give buyers a radical alternative in a traditionally straight-laced segment.

2016 McLaren 570S

Read our full review here.