Cars Concept

McLaren has announced full technical specifications of its MP4-12C GT3 racing model, which much surprisingly, has 100 horses less than the road car it’s based upon. The racer uses the same 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 engine (codenamed M838T), but in a de-tuned state deliver 500 horsepower (down from 600HP) in order to “provide optimum power for a performance-balanced race car,” according to McLaren.

The British carmaker says the GT3’s tweaked aerodynamics and lightweight construction more than compensate for the loss in output. The eight-cylinder engine is linked to a six-speed sequential gearbox, which is 80 kg lighter than the road car’s 7-speed box. In addition, the GT3 gets a race-spec suspension setup and improved aerodynamics. The MP4-12C GT3 was first tested in the F1 team’s McLaren Simulator, with the car also benefiting from the brand’s Formula 1 expertise in many other aspects.

“The 12C GT3 will be supplied with the 12C’s carbon MonoCell and the same steering wheel design employed by Lewis Hamilton in his MP4-24 Formula 1 car,” said Martin Whitmarsh, CEO McLaren Group.  This year will be a development season for the MP4-12C GT3 with McLaren planning to debut the new car at the Blancpain Endurance Series race at the Circuito de Navarra in Spain, followed by Magny-Cours and Silverstone. The company also intends to enter the 24 Hours of Spa endurance race and to make an appearance at Goodwood Festival of Speed.