You probably have driven the McLaren Solus GT, in the Gran Turismo SPORT video game. Even in the game, it is an over-the-top performance vehicle with its razor-sharp handling. Not content with the appreciation it got in the gaming community, McLaren engineers just made it in real life. Yes, a 5.2-Liter V10 powered virtual car, brought to reality which can do 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds and the motor spins up to 10,000rpm. Limited to a run of just 25 cars, the McLaren Solus GT is already sold out, so put down your checkbook.
This magnificent racer was unveiled by the CEO of McLaren Automotive, Michael Leiters, during the 2022 Monterey Car Week in California. His speech carried one of the most evocative lines ever for automobile enthusiasts -- engineered free of any restrictions from road or race regulations. It may not carry the extreme pedigree that the McLaren Senna XP El Triunfo Absoluto has, but dear lord this thing is desirable.
Its Technical Specifications Are Bonkers
We mentioned the screaming 5.2-Liter V10 that spins to 10,000rpm, and it develops 828 hp of maximum power and 480 lb-ft of peak torque. Add this to the fact that it is less than 2200 pounds, and you begin to realize how serious a racer this is for track use. All those aero tweaks equate to 2645 pounds of down force, which is considerably higher than even Lando Norris' Formula 1 car. Now because the engine spins at ridiculously high rpm, Solus GT uses barrel-driven throttles for each cylinder instead of the conventional butterfly valves. These have a fair share of advantages and complexities, but McLaren engineers have worked tirelessly to make it flawless. They have also made the engine a stressed member of the car’s chassis to further optimize weight and reduce some chassis components.
Another detail that points to its insane track intentions is that the seven-speed sequential transmission uses straight-cut gears which are engaged via a multi-plate carbon fiber clutch. It is controlled by software to initiate lightning-fast and accurate shifts. Another gorgeous detail to note is the front suspension links covered by aerodynamic carbon fiber shrouds. Although the Solus GT can achieve 200mph, that number isn’t relevant for a track-only machine since cornering speed is what matters, and you’re not going drag racing this thing. McLaren’s research prowess in Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) and wind-tunnel studies has enabled high levels of aerodynamic efficiency through its complex bodywork. They’ve even used 3D printing for structural components like the halo around the driver and the rollover bar for maximum strength and lightness.
Suspension And Brakes Help It Handle Like A Dream
Apart from the throttle response being immediate, McLaren’s Formula-1 learning makes it to Solus’s double wishbones. Track-only means the outboard mounted front wheels have inboard damping, and the gearbox casing mounted rear bars are linked to pull rods. The front also has ride-height springs which limit vertical movement thus making the front track more stable at higher speeds. McLarens are designed to be confidence-inspiring track cars for drivers and all this suspension trickery works very well for the Solus GT. The extreme lengths of engineering on the Solus GT suggest the direction the brand will be taking to produce driver-friendly cars. Yes, future McLarens are going to be mindbogglingly extreme.
The 18-inch forged wheels are shod with Le Mans Prototype spec tires, which are both available in slick and wet compounds. Here’s what is definitely needed on a track day monster, the driver can adjust the front and rear brake bias from the cockpit.
Driver Is At The Center Of Development
McLaren will be involving the 25 owners in the product development process to build each of these cars unique and custom fit for all these super-rich customers. This includes everything from the tailor-made fixed seat, controls, displays, etc. Did we mention the awesome sliding canopy above the single seat, as close as it gets to being in a jet fighter and piloting it, literally. The canopy also has an escape hatch in case the sliding mechanism gets obstructed if you’ve veered off in the trees while not going fast enough for that massive downforce to kick in. There is also a full ‘racing driver experience’ offered to customers. Essentially they mold the seat exactly for the driver, give you a FIA-homologated race suit, crash helmet and more. Graciously the driver will be given a coaching program to manage all that firepower on the track.
Since everything is racetrack centric, all the controls have been concentrated on the carbon fiber steering wheel. Just be glad they’ve given it an HVAC system, else these mad engineers may have omitted it in the plans in pursuit of more performance and the driver will be sweaty and angry. To add more drama, the ignition switch has been placed over the driver’s head, Top Gun Maverick star Tom Cruise will approve. Also, the rearview camera is streamed in real-time up top for the driver. Now stop being jealous of all these 25 customers, McLaren will start delivering these from 2023 with a specially designed flight case.