McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Race Car Revealed

A new racing version of the McLaren MP4-12C supercar has been unveiled today, the brand new McLaren MP4-12C GT3, which has successfully completed its debut tests at the famous Silverstone circuit in the UK.

The initial shakedown tests undertaken with the MP4-12C GT3, whereby new components are calibrated and aerodynamic body structures are tested for the first time, will be followed by comprehensive tests scheduled throughout March and April at a number of FIA certified circuits across Europe.

News on the development program, full driver line-up and planned competition for the 12C GT3 will be confirmed after these tests are completed.

As for the race car itself, the same 3.8-liter twin turbo V-8 as in the production car is used but tuned to race specification. A bespoke paddle-shift system operating an all-new Ricardo-designed gearbox developed specifically for racing has also been fitted. This system eschews the seven-speed SSG dual-clutch Graziano transmission supplied in the standard model.

The MP4-12C GT3 is also around 100 mm wider than the standard production car and features a new suspension system, which was tested in the same McLaren simulator as the company’s F1 cars.

New electrical architecture is also used, as well as a custom Bosch ABS system and Akebono brakes. A new aerodynamics package has been developed in compliance with GT3 regulations, incorporating a new front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser and louvres in the front fenders.

One important note; the MP4-12C GT3 does not feature the road-going MP4-12C’s ‘ProActive’ chassis control system, which negates the need of an anti-roll bar. Instead, the MP4-12C GT3 will use a configuration comprising race-specific roll bars and dampers.

Along with the reveal of the new race car, the establishment of McLaren GT was also announced. McLaren GT is a new company that brings together the expertise of the McLaren Group and CRS Racing and will be responsible for building and further refining the MP4-12C GT3 race cars. The company’s chief test driver was also announced today, 26-year-old Portuguese racing driver Álvaro Parente.


And it looks like... <drumroll>

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/4004/mclarenmp412cgt3racecar.jpg

A Giant Truck! :lol2:

http://img864.imageshack.us/img864/6119/mclarenmp412cgt3racecare.jpg

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/4004/mclarenmp412cgt3racecar.jpg

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/4004/mclarenmp412cgt3racecar.jpg

http://img858.imageshack.us/img858/4004/mclarenmp412cgt3racecar.jpg

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/6043/mclarenmp412cgt3racecarx.jpg

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/4004/mclarenmp412cgt3racecar.jpg

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/4004/mclarenmp412cgt3racecar.jpg

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/4004/mclarenmp412cgt3racecar.jpg

http://img858.imageshack.us/img858/6734/mclarenmp412cgt3racecarf.jpg

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/4004/mclarenmp412cgt3racecar.jpg

http://img864.imageshack.us/img864/6734/mclarenmp412cgt3racecarf.jpg

http://img861.imageshack.us/img861/4004/mclarenmp412cgt3racecar.jpg

Pretty sweet!

>8^)
ER

what a cool racecar!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO7hSvcaQ2E

>8^)
ER

New batch of photos of the 12C GT3 from John Brooks are here at Ultimate Car Page:

UCP: MP4-12C GT3 at Silverstone (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/4676/McLaren-MP4-12C-GT3.html)

Also an awesome little video from EVO:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhrg_LIvPFs

DO WANT! :D

>8^)
ER

MP4C-12C GT3 at Goodwood 2011 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxjtZ9wtfZo)