Single-seater, track only McLaren Solus GT unveiled

McLaren has launched a new single-seat, track-only car – the Solus GT – based on the McLaren Vision Gran Turismo concept that was developed for the Gran Turismo Sport video game. The Solus GT will be limited to 25 units, and all of them have sold out for over £3 million (roughly Rs 28.36 crore, before tax and duties) each.

• Its 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 is a first for a McLaren customer car
• Produces more downforce (1,200kg) than it weighs (less than 1,000kg)

The engine – an 841hp, 650Nm, 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 – is a first for a McLaren customer car, and revs all the way up to 10,000rpm. Mated to the engine is a bespoke seven-speed sequential gearbox, with straight-cut gears and a carbon fibre clutch, that helps propel it to a claimed top speed of over 320kph. The Solus GT can achieve a 0-100kph time of 2.5 seconds. All of the engine components are gear driven, meaning they are not connected by any belt or chain.

The driver sits in the centre, much like the McLaren F1, albeit missing out on the two passenger seats. The driver’s seat, which is fixed and is customised according to the driver, is accessed by opening the canopy. The Solus GT gets a Formula 1-inspired carbon fibre steering wheel and a digital rear-view display.

The Solus GT is built using a unique carbon fibre monocoque chassis and tips the scale at under 1,000kg. However, it is capable of producing 1,200kg of downforce at full speed.

On the outside, the Solus GT looks nothing less than a World Endurance Championship’s prototype-class race car. The canopy houses a single wiper placed in the centre, while, at the front, there is a massive splitter aiding downforce. There is a small cutout that showcases the onboard suspension. The Solus GT also has thin LED headlamps.

At the rear, it has a massive wing along with a fin that runs from the top of the cockpit all the way to the back. The McLaren Solus GT also gets two, thin LED tail-lamps and an F1-style third brake light that sits below the dual exhaust pipes.