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McLaren P1 GTR looks ready to hit the track [w/video]

McLaren may be first and foremost a racing constructor, but it's been known to make a few road-going supercars now and then. This, though, is something in between. It's the new McLaren P1 GTR, and it's just made its live debut on the floor of the Geneva Motor Show. In case you missed our earlier coverage upon its release, or the subsequent video of it hitting the track, allow us to reiterate: It's based on the P1 – McLaren's million-dollar hybrid hypercar – but it's tuned specifically for the track. Not for racing and not for driving on public roads – like the Ferrari FXX K or the Aston Martin Vulcan we'll be bringing you shortly as well, the P1 GTR was made specifically so that wealthy enthusiasts would have a toy to play with on closed circuits. To prep it for track duty, the engineers in Woking upped the output from the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain from 903 horsepower (as if that wasn't enough) to 986. They ditched 110 pound of excess weight. They fitted racing slicks, dropped the suspension and tweaked the aero package. The result, as you can see from the live images in the slideshow above and the video below, is pretty badass – even if you don't dig the throwback Harrods yellow and green livery. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. McLAREN P1™ GTR TO SHOW ITS LIMITED PRODUCTION FORM IN GENEVA - Makes the transition from concept to production with track tested modifications - Tuning in development results in 10 percent more downforce than the McLaren P1™ road car - Lightweight components and motorsport technologies trim a further 50kg - McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme confirms first locations - Geneva Show car livery inspired by iconic McLaren F1 GTR, chassis #06R - McLaren P1™ GTR will premiere alongside the recently announced McLaren 675LT on Stand 1240, Hall 1 at 12.15 CET (11.15 GMT) on Tuesday, 3 March The track-dedicated 1000PS McLaren P1™ GTR will debut at the 85th International Geneva Motor Show in limited production form with only minor modifications to the Design Concept presented just six months ago. The most noticeable change is the livery that the Geneva show car will be sporting. It is one which will be available to the fortunate few who will be joining the McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme that kicks off at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain later this year.

What next for Jenson Button?

With the departure of Mark Webber from the Formula One grid, Jenson Button now ranks as one of the oldest drivers in the series. Turning 34 this month, he's mere months younger than Kimi Raikkonen, but has spent more seasons racing in F1 than the elder Finn. As such, Button is nearing the end of his viable time in the sport – but just when will he retire, and what will he do next? With a season-by-season contract, Button's future is anything but certain. McLaren could opt to re-sign him at the end of the 2014 season or not. Having driven for Honda for several seasons, the Japanese manufacturer that's set to power McLaren from 2015 onwards is said to favor keeping Button on board, but nothing's certain at this point. If and when McLaren shows him the door, Button's likely to try and find a seat with another team – championship contender or otherwise. But Autosport reports that Jenson isn't likely to follow his longtime rival Webber to Le Mans. Even behind the wheel of a front-running LMP1, the prospect of racing on a track with slower vehicles doesn't entice the 2009 World Champion to switch disciplines. Button is keen to keep racing for as long as he can. The only questions are how many good F1 seasons he has left in him – he dropped form second in the 2011 standings to fifth in 2012 and ninth in 2013 – and where he would go after that. News Source: AutosportImage Credit: McLaren Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Motorsports McLaren F1

McLaren 650S Sprint is ready to hit the track running in Monterey

McLaren isn't exactly the most plebeian brand to begin with, so it makes sense for the company to take advantage of the lavish parties and wealthy folks descending on California for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. In addition to the insane P1 GTR, McLaren is showing off the track-focused 650S Sprint here in Monterey. This new 650S it takes the place of the 12C Sprint in the brand's lineup, and should be the fastest 650S short of the GT3 racer. The thing is, the Sprint isn't technically a homologated racer, but it makes a great toy to show off at track days. For the Sprint, the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 stays put, but McLaren optimizes the 650S' body for more downforce and better engine cooling. It also packs all sorts of track goodies like a competition fuel tank, larger radiator, racing-tuned suspension and 19-inch center-lock wheels. It also has all of the safety necessities for a day of doing laps like a roll cage, fire suppression and racing buckets. Of course, you might have known about all of that already, since the British brand revealed the Sprint just a few days ago, but you can check it live our gallery from Monterey.