McLaren has an illustrious record of producing some of the best track cars on the planet. Machines like the 600LT and the 720S, which we once called the best car we'd ever driven, make their drivers feel capable of heroics, such is their sheer speed and poise. But McLaren knows that not every well-heeled buyer is in search of sweaty-palmed thrills at every moment of the day, so for them, there's the sleeker and more luxurious GT.

Now, Novitec has stepped in to work its magic on the McLaren GT, and it isn't the first time that the refinement specialists have had their way with a new McLaren.

Novitec's improvements start with an aerodynamic-enhancement kit and specially designed 20/21-inch staggered forged wheels for a more dramatic look. Adding to the sporty look are Novitec sport springs that drop the ride height by just under an inch. The company has also added naked-carbon body components as on the area surrounding the air intakes. A carbon rear spoiler has been added at the back. The enhancements are welcome without resorting to the more outlandish style of most other McLarens.

In stock form, the McLaren GT's 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 already makes 612 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, but Novitec's three performance upgrades offer even more grunt.

At its most powerful, and with a high-performance exhaust system installed, outputs jump to 697 hp and 527 lb-ft, with 62 mph arriving just three seconds from rest and the top speed jumping up to 207 mph. That sprint time is two tenths quicker than the stock model and the top speed is up by four mph. Novitec promises improved throttle response and even more urgent torque delivery.

Even though the GT already has one of the nicest interiors offered by McLaren, Novitec offers leather/Alcantara upgrades in a color of the customer's choosing. As usual, though, the tuner's expertise lies in unlocking a sports car's full performance potential and that's exactly what has been done with the McLaren GT.