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 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.
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 650S GT3 Technical Specification
- Chassis/Body
o McLaren carbon fibre MonoCell with aluminum front and rear sub frames
o Bespoke lightweight carbon fibre/composite body panels
o Left hand drive
o FIA approved safety roll cage
o Air-jacking system
o Colour – customer choice - Aerodynamics
o Front splitter and dive planes
o Rear wing – fully adjustable with gurney
o Front and rear diffusers - Engine/Management
o Race prepared 3.8L V8 twin turbo McLaren M838T
o McLaren Electronics ECU incorporating turbo boost and transmission shift control - Transmission
o Six-speed sequential motorsport transmission pneumatically actuated via steering wheel mounted paddles - Electrical System
o Lightweight motorsport specification wiring and connectors
o Electronic power management system
o Membrane type switch panel
o Auxiliary power supplies for fitment of team equipment (radio etc) - Data System
o McLaren Electronics ‘ATLAS’ data system
o Motorsport digital dash display - Front/Rear Suspension
o Double wishbone adjustable for ride height, camber and toe
o 4-way adjustable dampers with coil over springs
o Motorsport axles with single wheel retaining nut
o Adjustable anti-roll bars
o Forged aluminium wheels: Front 12.5” x 18”, Rear 13” x 18” - Steering
o Electro-hydraulic power assisted steering
o Unique McLaren GT composite steering wheel incorporating key driver switch controls and map settings - Fuel System
o Motorsport ‘bag tank’ system with 125L capacity
o Motorsport ‘quick-fill’ system - Brake System
o Monoblock calipers with ventilated discs:- Front – 6 piston caliper, 380Ø x 35mm disc
- Rear – 4 piston caliper, 355Ø x 32mm disc
o Bosch motorsport ABS
o Adjustable brake bias - Cockpit
o McLaren GT bespoke composite seat shell
o Six-point racing harness
o Motorsport pedal box – adjustable position
o Lightweight carbon fibre dash with integrated driver display and switch panel
o Motorsport fire extinguisher system