McLaren Can-Am again

McLaren confirmed plans at the American Grand Prix to make 12Cs for racing. It showed a concept at Pebble Beach and while Andrew Kirkaldy, Managing Director of McLaren GT explained that it had been a one-off design study, the reaction 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.”

It won’t be a road car like the one Bruce McLaren planned. See http://www.dovepublishing.co.uk/2012/11/mclaren-m6gt-prototype.html

The limited edition track special, “pays tribute to Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme who successfully raced a series of McLaren models in the Can-Am series, claiming a string of championships between them.” Amazingly the new car looks a lot like the old one. How prescient Bruce McLaren turns out to be. McLaren GT, the racing car manufacturing part of the group, will produce no more than 30 of the 12C GT Can-Am Edition. The ultimate track car it will not be subject to the strict racing regulations. Each will have an unrestricted version of the 3.8litre twin-turbo V8 engine with unique calibration to provide 630bhp, making it the most powerful 12C yet produced.

The dramatic appearance is dominated by a big carbon fibre wing, part of “a unique high downforce aerodynamic package which has been honed by McLaren Racing using Formula 1 technology and simulation, offering an increase in downforce by 30 per cent.” More carbon fibre differentiates it from the GT3 racing version. Door mirror mounts and covers, engine cover vents, side radiator intake vanes, sill covers and badges complete the appearance. The 12C GT Can-Am Edition has black satin-finished forged lightweight racing alloy wheels and with Pirelli racing tyres. It also has a full FIA-approved race-specification rollcage, two black race seats, six-point harnesses, and a McLaren GT steering wheel. Its shape and grip comes from the McLaren MP4-24 Formula 1 car.

And for gentleman racers there is, “an integrated motorsport air conditioning system incorporated in the bespoke lightweight carbon fibre dashboard. And if they really want to play racers buyers can have bespoke support packages from McLaren GT. An optional extra on the price of £375,000.