Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

McLaren confirms track-focused P1 GTR

Fri, Jun 13 2014
McLaren is, first and foremost, a racing outfit. That's why it seemed odd that, when producing its first road-going supercar – the legendary McLaren F1 – it did not originally intend to take it racing. Of course competitive minds prevailed, and the rest is history: the resulting McLaren F1 GTR not only win in its own GT1 class, but beat out more advanced Le Mans prototypes to positively dominate endurance racing in the mid-90s.

Now McLaren is out to revive that spirit with the announcement of the new P1 GTR. Instead of a racer, though, the P1 GTR will be – as expected – a track toy for wealthy clients... most of whom will probably be drawn from the existing pool of McLaren P1 road-car owners. Think of it as Woking's answer to the Ferrari XX program and you won't be far off.

Differentiating the GTR from the road-going P1 will be more aggressive bodywork (for increased downforce and cooling), a wider track, slick tires and – arguably the best part – a target output of 986 horsepower, an increase of 83 hp over stock.

Set to begin production only after all 375 examples of the road-going P1 have been produced, the McLaren P1 GTR will set Woking's wealthiest clients back a heft GBP1.98 million – equivalent to about $3.35 million at today's exchange rates, making GTR ownership one of the most expensive prospects on the market. For that much cash, owners will also get to train with McLaren's driver fitness team, train on its advanced simulator and participate in at least six track sessions on grand prix circuits each year.
McLAREN AUTOMOTIVE TO BESTOW ICONIC BADGE ON ULTIMATE TRACK-FOCUSED McLAREN P1™ GTR
13/06/14

Twenty years on from victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans by the now legendary McLaren F1 GTR, McLaren Automotive will resurrect the iconic name from its history for the track-only edition of the award-winning McLaren P1™. The limited-run model will go into production when the 375th and final example of the road car has been completed, and in homage to its race-winning ancestor, the most powerful McLaren to date will be named the McLaren P1™ GTR.

With no need to comply with road legislation, the McLaren P1™ GTR will be designed and developed as the best drivers' car in the world on track. This will see even greater levels of performance, grip, aerodynamics and downforce than the road car. It will also feature technologies and a powertrain more extreme with an intended power output of 1,000PS (986 bhp), race-proven slick tyres, a widened track and more aggressive and distinctive styling designed to offer optimised performance around a lap.

The decision to produce a track-only variant is in response to demand to McLaren P1™ owners. The McLaren P1™ GTR programme will be priced at GBP1.98m, and will include a tailored programme created for each customer to build driver capability. It will include exclusive consultations with the McLaren driver fitness team and Design Director Frank Stephenson, privileged access to one of the McLaren racing simulators, and participation in a minimum of six dedicated international drive events to be held at some of the world's most iconic Formula 1™ circuits. Exact production numbers are still to be determined, but will be strictly limited.

By Noah Joseph


See also: Justin Bell wrings out McLaren F1 GTR at Mid-Ohio, California teens rent McLaren MP4-12C using stolen credit card [UPDATE], McLaren Automotive posts first yearly profit.