Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Global
Breaking news

McLaren 650S GT3 revealed at Goodwood Festival of Speed

McLaren GT, the race-car manufacturing arm of the McLaren Group, has unveiled its dramatic new 650S GT3, which will contest top-tier GT championships around the globe from 2015.

The McLaren 650s GT3

The McLaren 650s GT3

McLaren Automotive Limited

Building on the success of the 12C GT3 – winner of three championship titles and 51 races over the last three years – the new 650S GT3 features improved aerodynamics, better cooling and enhanced safety. Based on the recently launched 650S road car, McLaren's engineers have used the very latest Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology to develop the new lightweight carbon-fibre bodywork, carefully managing the airflow across, through and beneath the car.

The result is a car with a huge presence, featuring a menacing new nose, re-profiled side intakes, and a new carbon-fibre fixed rear wing. Under the skin, the suspension geometry has also been completely revised, with a 52mm wider track and new wheels and tyres, ensuring improved front-end grip and drivability.

The McLaren 650s GT3
The McLaren 650s GT3

Photo by: McLaren Automotive Limited

The cockpit has been thoroughly reworked: McLaren GT has listened to customer feedback within the 12C GT3 programme, and the new 650S GT3 features better refinement and driver comfort, essential factors in GT3 racing.

The FIA-approved roll cage has been redesigned to improve leg and headroom; there's a new race seat, a new Formula 1™ inspired steering wheel, a new pedal box; and driver ventilation has also been improved.

The new car produces around 500PS – the same as the 12C GT3, as the power output is governed by FIA regulations – but the McLaren ECU controlling the award-winning 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 has been upgraded, and the engine is now coupled to a new six-speed sequential gearbox.

The McLaren 650s GT3
The McLaren 650s GT3

Photo by: McLaren Automotive Limited

Reducing the cost of ownership was another priority during the car's development – this has been achieved through extending component life, reducing parts costs and increasing engine and gearbox rebuild intervals.

The programme also promises to benefit existing owners: an upgrade package will be available, allowing existing 12C GT3s to continue racing competitively– for many McLaren GT owners, this will mean their cars have been racing at the highest level for an average of six seasons.

Priced at £330,000 ex works plus tax, around 15 examples of the new McLaren 650S GT3 are scheduled to be built for the start of the 2015 race season.

McLaren GT

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Bortolotti prepared to take on GT3 Cup Challenge at his home track
Next article Colin Thompson takes Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge win

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Global