Following the original teaser image, McLaren has picked one of the most notable motoring events of the year to launch its track-only P1 GTR. After the record set for a car sold at auction, it makes sense to launch your most expensive car to date for such an audience as found at the Monterey car week..
We already know that the GTR uses a more powerful and updated version of the P1 road car’s powertrain. The 3,8-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine, combined with the electric motor, now deliver an output of 735 kW.
Similar to how Ferrari’s Corse Clienti programme works, the P1 GTR is built, maintained and run by McLaren Special Operations.
The car is not 100% production ready though. Production will only start once production of the road car has ended. This means that further development and testing of the GTR is ongoing until the latter part of 2015.
Without the restrictions of legislation and road legality, McLaren has gone to town in terms of aerodynamic performance and track-focused parts. Apart from the dramatic bodywork, the car is shod with slick tyres (10,5 inches at the front, 13 inches at the rear), tucked up in the wheelarches. The car also has a fixed ride height, a Formula 1-derived DRS system for the large, fixed rear wing and even an ERS-style push-to-pass system. There is also active aerodynamic flaps located ahead of the front wheels. The new exhaust system is made of inconel and titanium alloy, and is a straight cut, twin pipe setup.
Compared to the road car, the GTR has a wider footprint as the front track has been increased by 80 mm. Note the proper front splitter adding additional downforce while the snorkel air intake gives us a stark reminder of the original, and successful, McLaren F1 GTR.
As previously reported, owners will form part of McLaren’s special driver programme, which will include specialist driver training and access to the McLaren racing simulator to prepare each owner mentally and physically to be able to enjoy the P1 GTR to its full potential.
In case you were wondering, the P1 will set you back £1,98 million.