The complete package.
It was twenty years ago that a legend was born. The McLaren F1 GTR had just started testing prior to the 1995 GT season and it would go on to become an icon in the motorsports world with its numerous victories. Today, the same process is occurring with the new McLaren P1. The British automaker is transforming it into a track-only, driver-focused performance machine and the new McLaren P1 GTR Design Concept unveiled at a private event at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the latest step.
The new McLaren P1 GTR Design Concept takes a look at what will be coming from Woking in the very near future. There are no requirements to conform to any restrictive laws on the road, since the P1 GTR will be limited to just the race track. With no legal limits or restrictions, McLaren is looking to make it the best driver’s car in the world on the race track.
The new P1 GTR takes the standard, road-going P1 hybrid hypercar to a whole new level of performance. A great deal of emphasis was put on making the bodywork even more aerodynamic, adding in some Formula 1 technology, and boosting output on the twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V-8 engine with lightweight electric motor up to a total of 985 bhp (1,000 PS). Drivers can also take advantage of the new ERS-style push-to-pass system similar to KERS in Formula 1 to get extra power for overtaking opponents.
The ‘shrink-wrapped’ body was optimized for cooling, downforce, and stability to offer up maximum on-track performance for drivers. The car itself has been re-engineered from the ground up to make sure it is not limited or restricted. The entire front track of the car is extended by 80 mm and incorporates a GT-style front splitter, an aerodynamic blade behind each extended arch and sits at the bottom of each door, and active aerodynamic flaps ahead of the front wheels.
To help cool the engine of the new McLaren P1 GTR Design Concept, a pair of door-mounted radiator channels have been installed. Atop the roof sits a new snorkel air intake inspired by the original McLaren F1 GTR. As air moves towards the rear, it’s met by a large twin-element wing mounted on carbon fiber pylons with a fixed height. The wing is hydraulically operated by the Drag Reduction System (DRS) to help improve acceleration while still offering higher levels of downforce. The system works with the active aerodynamics system at the front and a large carbon fiber diffuser sitting beneath the supercar. The P1 GTR Design Concept also incorporates a smooth surface behind the engine bay due to the fact that the fixed rear wing spoiler does not need to be stowed inside the body, like the road-going version.
Protruding from the rear are a pair of centrally-mounted exhaust pipes that dramatically announce the presence of the new P1 GTR Design Concept both audibly and visually. The exhaust system is made from lightweight Inconel and titanium alloy to cut weight and retain heat.
The new McLaren P1 GTR Design Concept made its debut in orange and silver livery with the chassis, number 01. This color combo was inspired by the original McLaren F1 GTR that wore the chassis #01R and went on to take the checkered flag at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The McLaren P1 GTR Design Concept is optimized for the track in more ways than the body work. A set of 19-inch, center-locking motorsport alloy wheels measure 10.5 up front and a massive 13.0 inches at the rear. Beneath the body work sits an onboard air jack system for fast tire changes on the track. Each wheel wears bespoke slick tires from Pirelli that were made in collaboration with McLaren to take full advantage of the car’s dynamics. The McLaren P1 GTR Design Concept also benefits from a lowered, fixed ride height that is honed specifically for use on the track.
Customers of the new McLaren P1 GTR will be a part of the bespoke McLaren P1 GTR driver program. The ownership program includes goodies such as specialist driver training, human performance, and access to the McLaren racing simulator. The program is tailored to each owner and will be one of the most exclusive owners’ clubs in the world. Owners will also have access to the resources that the British automaker uses to train its Formula 1 racing drivers and be backed by a professional support team throughout the process. Each McLaren P1 GTR will also be built, maintained, and run by the McLaren Special Operations team.
More details of the McLaren P1 GTR will be revealed at a later date.
McLaren P1 GTR Design Concept Gallery
Source: McLaren
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