McLaren takes first MP4-12C GT3 out for Silverstone test

McLaren has just unveiled the racing version of its all-new street-fighting MP4-12C. The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 has been out running England’s Silverstone circuit with new test driver Álvaro Parente at the wheel. The race-version of McLaren’s new coupe is nearly four inches wider than the street version. It also features completely reworked suspension, which was first tested on McLaren’s in-house simulator.

Power is provided by the same 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the standard MP4-12C. However, in GT3 guise, the setup has been tuned for the track. A paddle-shifted Ricardo-designed transmission takes the place of the seven-speed unit found in the street car. Upgraded brakes have also been fitted to this race-prepped McLaren.

Beyond the mechanical changes, the MP4-12C GT3 gets aero-upgrades in the form of a front-splitter, fixed rear wing, additional door intake blade and new rear diffuser.

Source: McLaren

This entry was posted on Monday, March 14th, 2011 at 6:53 am. It is filed under Archives - March 2011, Automotive. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.