McLaren is making its way back into the GT sports car racing scene with a limited number of GT3 racing cars based on the MP4-12C sports car. These models will be designed and developed by McLaren and CRS Racing, and should make their first racing debut in the 2012 European FIA GT3 Series.
"The 12C’s architecture and design was always aimed at high-performance and ease of maintenance - two key criteria for potential customers. Combine that with the vast amount of racing experience in our automotive team, and CRS Racing’s specialist development experience, and the 12C GT3 should be an exciting proposition for the top teams planning to race in GT3 from 2012."
McLaren is confident that the MP4-12C’s revolutionary lightweight one-piece moulded carbon chassis, high levels of downforce and aerodynamic performance, and focus on form and function make it an obvious choice to bring back racing success to the McLaren name. The last win McLaren had was in the McLaren F1 GTR when it won the Lemans Series 15 years ago.
UPDATE 03/11/2011: The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 has completed its initial testings at the MIRA and Silverstone in the UK, so new details on the race car are now up for grabs. The MP4-12C GT3 will race in GT3 competitions starting 2012. Full details on the car after the jump.
Exterior and Interior
The 12C GT3 looks similar to the production version car, but McLaren has added a new aerodynamics package in compliance with GT3 regulations, incorporating a new front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser, and louvers in the front fenders.
Engine
The new 12C GT3 car is based on the standard 12C. It is being built on the McLaren carbon MonoCell chassis, which weighs just 75kg and is produced in a revolutionary one-piece mold. Under the hood, there is the same 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 as found in the standard model, but tuned to racing specifications. The engine will be mated to a 7-speed SSG dual-clutch Graziano transmission operated by a bespoke paddle-shift system developed specifically for racing.
The MP4-12C racing version will also get motorsport-specific braking and suspension components.
Prices
From 2012, McLaren Automotive and CRS Racing will supply and support a limited number of FIA GT3-compliant racing cars based on the McLaren 12C high-performance sports car for privateers. Prices will be announced at a later date.
Competition
After seeing all the modifications made to car, the first question that comes to our mind is: Does the new 12C GT3 have what it takes to stand in front of its GT3 competitors?
The main competitior for McLaren newest race car is the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3. This Mercedes is powered by a 6.3-liter V8 engine that delivers an impressive 600 HP. It may have had a tragic start at its Nurburgring debut, but recovered quickly and ended up winning the Nurburgring North Loop. So, does the McLaren have what it takes? We’ll reserve our judgment for when we see it in action.
