Turning virtual racing into reality, the McLaren Solus GT has raced off the screen and onto the track. Unveiled during Monterey Car Week, the single-seat, closed-cockpit hypercar brings to life the futuristic McLaren concept featured in the Gran Turismo Sport video game. While most Vision GT vehicles stay just that — visions — the McLaren Solus GT is a reality for 25 customers.
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Designed solely for the track, a V10 powertrain sits at the heart of the Solus GT. The racing-derived engine was selected for both its performance and packaging prowess; as a lightweight pared-back track car, having the engine become part of the chassis allows for added feedback and increased driver engagement.
The striking exterior remains faithful to its virtual inspiration, while real-life aerodynamic performance is achieved through extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and wind-tunnel work to prove the aerodynamic, cooling, and efficiency properties of the concept car.
A carbon fibre monocoque structure employs Formula 1 chassis technologies, nullifying the need for a rear subframe. The Solus GT employs a titanium halo cockpit protection structure with roll hoops, developed using 3D printing techniques. Step inside and you’ll find that that steering wheel also takes its inspiration from Formula 1, with a curved windshield and dash display built to suit the tight confines of the single-seater.
Clocking in at a light 1000kg, the McLaren Solus GT is able to generate 1200kg of downforce. The downforce figure exceeding the weight of the car itself can be attributed to the incorporation of a twin-element fixed rear wing. The naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10 is capable of the fastest lap times of any production McLaren, with the driving experience the closest you’ll get to a Formula 1 car.
While traditional performance metrics aren’t as applicable to track cars, the McLaren Solus GT is able to race from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds and hit a top speed of above 320km/h.
Words by John Deckard
