McLaren reins in the insanity

McLaren's new MP4-12C GT3 racer. Photo: McLaren.

Twelve years in the making, McLarens youngest child has some big shoes to fill. 

Earlier this year McLaren released the highly praised MP4-12C; a road legal $230,000 supercar.  McLaren being more of a racing enterprise than an automotive manufacturer, they have now released the GT3, a hardcore race version of the MP4.  The new McLaren is a no-holds-bar competitive machine with a chip on its shoulder. 

The MP4's predecessor, the 1992 McLaren F1, was the fastest production car in the world with a top speed of 240 miles per hour.  The F1 held the podium until the Bugatti Veyron came along in 2005, achieving 253 miles per hour.  The 19 year old F1 is still the fastest naturally aspirated car in the world.  In 1995 McLaren released the F1 GTR, which won Le Mans outright.  Le Mans, a 24-hour endurance race held in Le Mans France, is the pinnacle of road racing and retains the highest prestige among automotive manufacturers.  The F1 GTR is arguably one of the greatest super cars ever produced, leaving some big expectations for the new GT3.

McLaren has made it clear that the new GT3 will not compete at Le Mans, but rather in the Spa 24.  Nor will it compete at the same GTR level as the previous F1, instead it fits into the lower GT3 class.  McLaren seems to be testing the waters before they take on the entrenched rivalries of 24-hour race.  Every year teams compete at Le Mans, usually to take on one specific rival such as Audi’s bitter 11-year rivalry with Peugeot.  It may seem like McLaren lost the nerve to take on le Mans, but they are more worried about being at the top of the podium.

 "This car will be winning from the very first race," asserts Colin Goodwin, McLaren Automotive's chief test driver

"I've driven - and won - in GT cars that were less drivable than this on the first day of testing..." Goodwin added.

The release of the MP4-12C GT3. Photo: McLaren.

 What the McLaren lacks in raw speed it gains in poise and control.  The McLaren is an athlete, as well as a pure gentleman.  Most boutique supercar companies like Pagani or Koenigsegg cant help themselves but make a completely bonkers, fire breathing monster of a machine.  McLaren has committed unprecedented time in ensuring the GT3 has the power of a hammer with the precision of a scalpel.  The GT3 will use the same 3.8 Liter turbo V8 from the road version, but with a myriad of added race modifications such as wider slick tires, a massive rear spoiler,  lower stiffened suspension, and more.  Details on the new racer are scarce due to its competitive nature.

There is no doubt that McLaren has what it takes to succeed in the race world, with 8 Formula One world championships.  However, the GT3 will not prove its worth unless it can man up for Le Mans.