Yes, the car you are seeing in the photos above is going to be a reality. It is not merely a piece of wishful concept art from an artist's wildest dreams. This is the McLaren Solus GT, McLaren's realisation of a concept car from the world of virtual racing into an extreme expression of track driving engagement.
McLaren will only be making 25 examples of the ultra exclusive Solus GT. All 25 examples of the single seat closed cockpit track car have, not surprisingly, already been sold.
Solus GT is a car from the virtual racing world which has made it into reality At less than 1,000kg in weight and aerodynamic performance in excess of 1,200kg coupled with a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10, the car is capable of achieving the fastest lap times outside of any McLaren outside of single seater racers.
The exterior design is based on proven aerodynamic principles and McLaren's 'everything for a reason' design ethos. The design is further honed by additional Computational Fluid Dynamics and wind tunnel aerodynamic research.
A particularly striking feature of the car is the sliding canopy above the single, central seat. The wheels are also shrouded in aerodynamic pods and located by suspension arms. A large front splitter feeds air into ground effect tunnels before it exits the car via a full diffuser.
Gargantuan wing provides more than 1,200 kilograms of downforce Getting into the Solus GT is an other-worldly experience. The driver opens the distinctive cockpit canopy that slides forward through a shallow arc to allow access. This process makes it nothing like a conventional car door. It is also unlike the signature dihedral doors of other McLaren cars, making the Solus GT experience akin to that of a fighter jet.
The interior is dominated by a single seat, bringing focus solely on the driver and performance. The seat position is fixed, with the 25 Solus GT owners experiencing their own motorsport style 'seat fitting'.
This 'seat fitting' experience includes a seat moulded to the driver's individual body shape, an FIA homologated race suit, helmet and HANS device bespoke to each owner.
The interior, or more fittingly the cockpit, is dominated by a single seat tailor made to each driver Powering the Solus GT is a unique 5.2-litre V10, constructed using low volume, machined components. This special engine is able to rev to more than 10,000rpm and delivers extreme performance and unparalleled levels of driver engagement. It also makes 879bhp and 649Nm of torque.
The engine's responsiveness is enhanced using barrel driven throttles for each cylinder. This is a system only suitable for track application and is entirely gear driven, with no chains or belts for camshaft or ancillary systems.
As a highly exclusive track special from McLaren, the liberal use of carbon fire is a given. However, it is not the only material that is of high value in the car. 3D printed titanium components have been used for the halo cockpit protection structure and roll hoop.
The 25 Solus GTs have officially been sold The suspension system incorporates double wishbones with inboard torsion bar damping, operated via pushrods at the front and pull rods at the rear. Both axles are linked by anti-roll bars, with tuning options available to the driver.
The McLaren Solus GT is currently at the track testing stage of its development process. The first of 25 customer cars, all of which are sold, will be delivered in 2023.
McLaren will only be making 25 examples of the ultra exclusive Solus GT. All 25 examples of the single seat closed cockpit track car have, not surprisingly, already been sold.
The exterior design is based on proven aerodynamic principles and McLaren's 'everything for a reason' design ethos. The design is further honed by additional Computational Fluid Dynamics and wind tunnel aerodynamic research.
A particularly striking feature of the car is the sliding canopy above the single, central seat. The wheels are also shrouded in aerodynamic pods and located by suspension arms. A large front splitter feeds air into ground effect tunnels before it exits the car via a full diffuser.
Gargantuan wing provides more than 1,200 kilograms of downforce
The interior is dominated by a single seat, bringing focus solely on the driver and performance. The seat position is fixed, with the 25 Solus GT owners experiencing their own motorsport style 'seat fitting'.
This 'seat fitting' experience includes a seat moulded to the driver's individual body shape, an FIA homologated race suit, helmet and HANS device bespoke to each owner.
The engine's responsiveness is enhanced using barrel driven throttles for each cylinder. This is a system only suitable for track application and is entirely gear driven, with no chains or belts for camshaft or ancillary systems.
As a highly exclusive track special from McLaren, the liberal use of carbon fire is a given. However, it is not the only material that is of high value in the car. 3D printed titanium components have been used for the halo cockpit protection structure and roll hoop.
The McLaren Solus GT is currently at the track testing stage of its development process. The first of 25 customer cars, all of which are sold, will be delivered in 2023.
