McLaren reveals 2027 LMDh show car, plans for trackday model

Dallara-based McLaren will aim to emulate the marque's Le Mans success in 1995 when it joins the grid in 2027

McLaren has offered a first-look at the Hypercar challenger with which it will return to top-flight sportscar racing in the World Endurance Championship.

The British organisation unveiled a full-scale model of the LMDh prototype that will race in the Hypercar class of the WEC from 2027 ahead of this year's Le Mans 24 Hours, 30 years on from its victory in the French enduro with the F1 GTR.

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At the same time as the wraps came off the show car, McLaren announced plans to sell a version of the LMDh for track-day use.

McLaren launched Project Endurance as an “opportunity to own an authentic Hypercar”.

The track-day car is being developed in parallel to the racing machine, in conjunction with Dallara, and will be powered by the same twin-turbo V6 engine.

Customers will get to take part in a two-year programme of trackday events with their purchases.

McLaren Hypercar prototype

Photo by: McLaren

The car is being developed by McLaren Racing but will be sold and supported by McLaren Automotive, which since late last year has been under the ownership of the Abu Dhabi government’s CYVN investment company.

The car will be available in what McLaren is calling “strictly limited numbers”: it is understood that the current plan is to sell 10.

McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown said: “This customer programme will offer buyers an incredible chance to own an authentic race car and get closer to the action on track.”

McLaren Group Holdings boss Nick Collins said that Project Endurance will offer “a driving sensation few will ever experience”.

McLaren is the latest Hypercar manufacturer to offer a trackday version of a WEC contender.

Ferrari already has the Modificata version of its 499P Le Mans Hypercar up and running: customers take part in the same Clienti events as the owners of Formula 1 machinery looked after by the factory.

McLaren Hypercar prototype

Photo by: McLaren

Last week Aston Martin launched a version of the Valkyrie LMH for use on trackdays.

The reveal of the race model and news of the trackday car followed on from the announcement of further details of McLaren’s top-flight sportscar entry, which was announced via social media in April.

As well as confirmation of Dallara as the chassis partner and the configuration of the engine, United Autosports was announced as its factory team for the WEC.

The McLaren LMDh is scheduled to hit the track next March before intensive development kicks off in the second quarter of the year.