McLaren Automotive has unveiled the Solus GT, a single-seater, closed-cockpit track car that brings to life the futuristic McLaren featured in the Gran Turismo SPORT video game.
“The McLaren Solus GT is the realisation of a radical McLaren concept vehicle originally created for the world of virtual racing,” said Michael Leiters, chief executive officer of McLaren Automotive. “Engineered free of any restrictions from road or race regulations, but with the full spectrum of McLaren’s expertise to bring it to reality, it epitomises our pioneering spirit.”
Boasting a high-revving V10 engine producing “in excess” of 618 kW and 650 Nm of torque, the Solus GT has a targeted 0-100 km/h sprint time of 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 322 km/h. The 5.2-litre naturally aspirated unit is coupled with a “bespoke”, “race-derived” seven-speed sequential-shift gearbox and revs to a whopping 10 000 r/min.
McLaren claims the Solus GT tips the scales at “less than” 1 000 kg. Downforce is claimed to be “in excess” of 1 200 kg. The British marque says this (and the V10 powertrain) provides the driver with an experience close to that of driving a Formula 1 car.
Speaking of an “F1” experience, with the Solus GT, McLaren offers customers a “full” racing-driver experience. This includes a driver’s seat moulded to an individual’s body shape, an FIA-homologated racing suit, helmet and HANS (head and neck support) device bespoke to each owner.
“A bespoking process ensures every Solus GT is unique and regular updates on the development programme, including access to prototype drive sessions that can influence the driving characteristics of the car ahead of production, are offered,” said the company.
McLaren says track events are planned, and all cars will be delivered with a flight case to allow owners to support their own track activities. This includes a comprehensive set of tools, vehicle jacks, stands, radio sets and a coolant pre-heater.
The Solus GT is limited to only 25 examples, all of which have been sold. The first units will be delivered in 2023.
