McLaren has unveiled a new, aggressive, concept racing car in the form of the P1 GTR at the Concours d’Elegance in California. Its goal is simple – to become the best driver’s car seen in the world on a racing track.
The car is set to be the most track-tailored and powerful model produced by McLaren Special Operations so far, with no legislation to follow in terms of making it legal on the roads.
Two decades prior to the unveiling of this concept car, McLaren started testing its older sibling, the McLaren F1 GTR, ready for the 1995 GT season. This gives the P1 GTR a lot to follow from as the F1 version gained a reputation that has secured it a place in the motorsport history books as it managed to gain victories and a number of titles in races across the globe.
It is less than a year until production begins on the new McLaren P1 GTR and until then the development team will be looking at the concept that was previewed at Pebble Beach as they find ways to make it more optimised for the track.
Among the changes that have been made to the car’s road going equivalent are an emphasis on aerodynamic performance, which its bodywork has been enhanced for. The car also has race-proven slick tyres, enhanced power delivery thanks to the IPAS powertrain and a fixed ride height. It has a large fixed rear spoiler, offering a drag reduction system that gives a nod to Formula One as well as an energy recovery system-style push-to-pass system.
It enjoys an increase of power to 1,000 PS, or 986 bhp, thanks to its 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that has been optimised for motorsport as well as its lightweight electric motor.
The P1 GTR has a longer front track than its road counterpart by 80 mm, while it also has a more aggressive front splitter with GT stylings. It maintains the active aerodynamic flaps in the floor before the front wheels and has reprofiled temperature radiator ducts that flow into the front wheel arches.
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