Supercar manufacturer McLaren has released details of the track-dedicated 986bhp McLaren P1 GTR that is set to make its world debut at the 85th International Geneva Motor Show.
This monstrous McLaren will be produced in limited numbers and it has now reached production form with only minor modifications to the Design Concept that was initially presented just six months ago. The P1 GTR weighs in at 50kg lighter than the road version of the P1, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 684bhp per tonne.
The track dedicated hypercar will be truly exclusive, as it’s only available to the 35 fortunate few who will be joining the McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme that kicks off at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain later this year. The car that will be presented at Geneva in a racing livery that will pay homage to the yellow and green McLaren F1 GTR, chassis #06R, which has claimed its own place in history as one of the five F1 GTRs that dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the historic debut by McLaren 20 years ago.
Not only is the GTR lighter than the road going P1, it has been given other upgrades too, the P1’s front track has been stretched by 80mm to increase front axle grip and the ride height has been lowered by an additional 50mm to help with handling and downforce. These areas have been further improved upon with the addition of an aggressive front splitter and slick tyres on 19-inch forged wheels that include F1-style centrelock hubs.
In terms of the P1 GTR’s styling, inflated wheel arches help to define the cars form as they lead into reshaped radiator ducts. The addition of an all-new rear valance helps with the control of airflow and creates even more downforce. Weight saving has been aided with the introduction of new titanium alloy exhaust system, barely registering on the scales at only 6.5 kg, and the side windows are made from light weight polycarbonate.
Dominating proceedings at the back of this McLaren is a huge fixed rear wing, which replaces the P1 road car’s pop-up spoiler. The GTR does maintain drag-reduction ability to increase straight-line speed, but the wing’s extra width and slimmer carbon supports are mainly intended to ramp up aerodynamic performance. It sits 400mm off the ground, making the car 100mm higher than the standard P1.
This car is so focused on making good time that even the wing mirrors have been relocated with drag reduction in mind. The P1 GTR’s improved aerodynamics give a downforce figure of 660kg at 150mph, which is a ten percent improvement over the road car.
Adding to the aggressive styling are two sizeable flamethrowers that have been disguised as exhaust pipes. They have been formed from heat-resistant nickle and titanium alloy and are naturally unsilenced so the uprated V8 can sing out loud and proud as it tears up the track.
The interior has been styled aggressively to match the exterior, inside are racing seats complete with harnesses to ensure the driver can hold on for his life, while a F1 style digital steering wheel controls proceedings.
The McLaren P1 GTR will cost £1.9 million and you must already own a P1 to be eligible. The car will be unveiled next month alongside the McLaren 675 LT and the 650S LE MANS edition.
