Strutting its stuff before Geneva.
The 2015 Geneva International Motor Show is going to be packed with all sorts of new and exciting cars from around the globe. There’s one, however that’s going to be grabbing much of the spotlight: the McLaren P1 GTR. The new track-only hypercar will wear a yellow and green livery to pay homage to the McLaren F1 GTR chassis #06R that was one of the five F1 GTRs that competed at Le Mans in 1995.
The McLaren P1 GTR that is making its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March represents the production form of the hypercar. The production model has only received modifications to the original Design Concept that was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance that improve overall aerodynamic performance.
The new McLaren P1 GTR offers substantial track-focused upgrades and improvements over its road-going sibling. The front track is 80 mm wider and the entire car sits 50 mm lower than the original P1. An aggressive splitter sits up front while an aerodynamic blade trims the lower bodywork to improve efficiency. A large fixed rear wing sits 400 mm above the rear bodywork and is held by lightweight carbon fiber pylon supports. The large wing, front aerodynamic flaps, and other body work helps the P1 GTR achieve an incredible 1,455 lbs. of downforce at 150 mph for superb stability. The factory Drag Reduction System (DRS) is also kept on the P1 GTR and allows for the pitch of the wing to change from 32-degrees to 0-degrees at the push of a button.
The use of carbon fiber for the bodywork was only part of the overall plan drop weight. The diet continues with a set of center-locking 19-inch motorsport alloy wheels shod with Pirelli slicks. An exotic titanium alloy an Inconel exhaust system with twin pipes sheds more than 14 lbs. compared to the road-going P1 model. Even the windows are lighter. Engineers kept the original 3.2 mm thick windshield but replaced the side windows with motorsport-spec polycarbonate. The glass roof and engine cover were both swapped out for lighter carbon fiber units to create an enclosed atmosphere inside. This gives the McLaren P1 GTR a 110-lb. (50 kg) weight advantage over the factory P1.
Ensuring that the McLaren P1 GTR is going to absolutely fly around the track is an updated IPAS powertrain. The 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine pairs up with the lightweight electric motor to create a total output of 986 bhp (1,000 PS), 789 bhp of which comes from the gasoline engine while the remaining 197 bhp is instantly on tap from the electric motor.
Many of the production components and part that made the McLaren P1 road-legal or were designed for comfort have been removed and/or replaced with motorsport-developed parts. These parts not only reduce weight but ensure longevity and reliability for the P1 GTR.
The new McLaren P1 GTR will wear a version of the livery that was worn by the McLaren F1 GTR chassis #06R that competed in the 1995 and 1996 seasons under Mach One Racing. Wearing a Harrods sponsorship and the number 51, the GTR was one of the famous seven F1 GTRs to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its podium finish at the hands of Derek Bell, Justin Bell, and Andy Wallace cemented it in the history books. The car also won the final three races in the BPR Championship that season, sixth at the following 24 Hours of Le Mans, and a win at Silverstone in the Global GT Endurance Championship in 1996. The livery has been designed specifically for the P1 GTR to pay homage to the classic Le Mans winner and will be available to customers.
As part of the McLaren P1 GTR ownership program, the automaker will be providing a full McLaren P1 Driver Program with an initial test session in Silverstone, England followed by the first on-track activities at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain. Each customer will receive individual driver profiling sessions at the McLaren Technology Centre, and discussions in regards to the design and livery of each model with McLaren Automotive Design Director, Frank Stephenson. Prior to driving, each customer will receive sessions in the P1 GTR simulator.
The new McLaren P1 GTR will be a part of the Ultimate Series in the McLaren three-tier model lineup alongside the Sports Series and Super Series. The car will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday, March 3rd.
McLaren P1 GTR Gallery
Source: McLaren
Do you like the classic livery on the new McLaren P1 GTR?
