British supercar manufacturer McLaren has revealed the Solus GT at Monterey Car Week 2022.
The all-new McLaren Solus GT is a track day special car derived from the marque’s Vision Gran Turismo car and is limited to just 25 units, all of which are already sold.
The McLaren Solus GT like the car made for Gran Turismo is unhindered by any road rules. This has allowed McLaren to retain the video game car’s fighter aircraft style sliding canopy that allows owners to access the single seat on offer behind the steering wheel.
The McLaren Solus GT is powered by 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine – the first time the marque has offered a non-turbocharged engine to its customers since it re-launched as a standalone manufacturer in 2011 with the MP4-12C.
This motorsports-derived powerplant revs all the way up to 10,000 rpm and produces 829bhp and 650Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired to a bespoke 7-speed sequential shifting gearbox with straight-cut gears that sends power to the rear wheels.
McLaren claims that the usual straight-line performance metrics are not relevant for the Solus GT as the new car is a track day special. However, that hasn’t stopped them from releasing those very numbers for this track monster. McLaren claims the Solus GT will go from 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds and onwards to a top speed in excess of 200miles/h (322km/h).
The new McLaren Solus GT weighs in at under 1,000 kilogrammes and can produce over 1,200 kilogrammes of downforce. The Solus GT features a unique carbon-fibre monocoque with the motorsports-derived powerplant, serving as a stressed member of the chassis, a first for any McLaren production car.
The McLaren Solus GT sports an array of aerodynamic features that help it generate the insane amount of downforce quoted by its creator. The front end features a massive splitter element and the race-special sports Venturi tunnels that help ensure the floor stays as close as possible to the ground thanks to the witchcraft of ground effect.
The Solus GT sports enclosed wheels and a massive twin-element rear wing underneath which we can see the massive diffuser.
The McLaren Solus GT also sports a very trick suspension setup. The Solus GT sports double wishbones on both ends that are encased in aerodynamic carbon fibre shrouds. The inboard dampers are linked by pushrods on the front axle and pull rods at the rear.
Other lightweight material usages can be found in the rollover hoops and the Halo protection element which are made using 3D printed Titanium. The brakes are carbon-carbon race car style discs with 6-piston aluminium callipers.
Sitting inside the enclosed wheel pods of the Solus GT are 18-inch forged alloy wheels. These centre-lock alloy wheels are clad in Le Mans prototype slick tyres with wet weather options available for those willing to go mad in the rain.
Deliveries of the McLaren Solus GT will start in 2023. A full ‘racing driver experience’ is available for the track toy which includes a driving seat moulded to individual body shape, an FIA-homologated race suit, helmet and HANS (Head And Neck Support) device bespoke to each owner, and a driver-development coaching programme.
Thoughts About The McLaren Solus GT
The McLaren Solus GT is what happens when a car made for a video game is brought to life and for that, we can’t help but thank the 25 owners for pushing McLaren to greenlight the project.
Keyword: McLaren Solus GT Revealed - V10 Powered Track Special Is A Video Game Car Come To Life