McLaren builds a real-life version of its Gran Turismo Sport concept car
Published on Aug 21, 2022 at 11:51 AM (UTC+4)
by Kate Bain
Last updated on Aug 21, 2022 at 12:02 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
McLaren has built a real-life version of the machine we first saw in Gran Turismo Sport.
This is the McLaren Solus GT, a realization of the radical McLaren concept car that was originally made for the world of virtual racing.
The single-seat, closed-cockpit car was unveiled during Monterey Car Week in California and is estimated to cost well over $3.6 million.
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Just 25 examples will be made and all 25 are already sold.
The brand has really shown off its design prowess, as the car mirrors its virtual inspiration almost exactly.
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And the design features set it apart from anything else that’s come before it.
First off, it has a fighter jet canopy.
The sliding canopy opens to a single seat, which is positioned in the center of the car.
And with the single seat dominating the interior, there’s no room for a passenger.
But passengers were the least of McLaren’s concerns when designing this track car, as the Solus GT was created for the ultimate driver experience.
Design
The steering wheel takes its inspiration from Formula 1, and the dash display and controls are all designed to suit the tight confines of the track car.
To give its 25 customers the ultimate experience, McLaren has molded the driver’s seat to each owner’s individual body shape.
Designers also embraced new technologies, using 3D printed titanium components for the halo cockpit structure and roll hoop to keep its weight down.
While the Solus GT is completely unique, designers didn’t completely reinvent the wheel.
Just like every McLaren since 1981, the Solus GT is based around a carbon-fiber monocoque.
McLaren Solus GT engine
This car was built for ultimate track dominance.
It weighs less than 1,000kg and has more than 1,200kg of downforce.
Powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.2 liter V10 engine, connected to a 7-speed sequential transmission, it can churn out more than 840PS (829hp).
The Solus GT can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of more than 320km/h (200mph).
McLaren says the first of its 25 customer cars will be delivered in 2023.
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Kate Bain is the Page Editor at supercarblondie.com. She is based in Dubai and coordinates coverage of the latest news across automotive, technology, and lifestyle. Kate has a bachelor's degree in business and post graduate in journalism. She is an experienced editor and journalist who has worked for News Corp, Daily Mail Australia, and Sky News. When she's not at work, you'll find her attached at the hip to her dog, Thor.
