McLaren GT confirms production plans for limited run 12C GT Can-Am edition

McLaren GT, the race car manufacturing arm of the McLaren Group, will produce no more than 30 examples of the 12C GT Can-Am Edition. Billed as the 'ultimate track car', these will not be subject to the usual racing regulations of the successful 12C GT3 racer on which it is based. Each will be fitted with an unrestricted version of the familiar 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a unique engine calibration, and optimised cooling system to increase the power output of up to 630bhp, making the 12C GT Can-Am Edition the most powerful 12C produced to date.

The dramatic appearance of the 12C GT Can-Am Edition is dominated by the large carbon fibre rear wing. This forms part of a unique high downforce aerodynamic package which has been honed by McLaren Racing using Formula 1 technology and simulation, and offers an increase in downforce by 30 percent.

Further carbon fibre components enhance the styling of the track car, further differentiating it from the GT3 racing version. These include door mirror mounts and covers, engine cover vents, side radiator intake vanes, sill covers and badges.

Completing the exterior look, the 12C GT Can-Am Edition sits on black satin-finished forged lightweight racing alloy wheels, shod with Pirelli racing tyres.

Sharing the same carbon fibre MonoCell chassis as the groundbreaking 12C and 12C Spider, the 12C GT Can-Am Edition is also fitted with a full FIA-approved race-specification rollcage. Inside the cockpit are two black race seats, complete with full six-point harnesses, and a unique McLaren GT steering wheel carried over from the 12C GT3 race car.

The shape and grip of the steering wheel is derived from the McLaren MP4-24 Formula 1 car. An integrated motorsport air conditioning system is incorporated into the bespoke lightweight carbon fibre dashboard adding a touch of racer comfort.

Andrew Kirkaldy, Managing Director of McLaren GT, explained, "The 12C Can-Am Edition concept shown at Pebble Beach earlier this year was purely a one-off design study. However, the reaction and response following the unveil was remarkable. It is a real testament to the performance and results of the McLaren GT customer teams this year, still only in the debut competitive season, that there is such a strong demand for this type of track-day special."

 Each of the 30 cars will be built at the new home of McLaren GT in Woking, with production commencing from March 2013.