McLaren Solus GT Revealed as a Single-Seat V10 Track Car

McLaren reveals a single-seat, track-only hypercar with 618kW and 650Nm

McLaren has revealed that the new Solus GT will be a single seat hypercar that’s meant only for the tracks. It has 618kW and 650Nm and will be offered to 25 wealthy owners. The name of the McLaren Solus GT is meaningful too. It means alone, and it is apt as just one person will be able to enjoy the ultimate racetrack adrenaline drive.

The makers of the McLaren P1 built the McLaren Solus GT and Senna for very rich people. The company has made its reputation in Formula One and IndyCar racing. This time, it has gone all-out on the Solus GT. Initially, Solus GT was a virtual star in the Gran Turismo Sport video game.

Now it has transformed into a ‘road’ rocket with a tonne of downforce and a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 with 618kW (829hp) and 650Nm. The car can complete a 0-100km/h sprint in just 2.5 seconds and boasts of a top speed of 320km/h.

The cost of the McLaren Solus GT is not yet revealed, and the company is focusing on sharing the technical details like a fully carbon-fibre chassis and body and a specially developed V10 petrol engine that can spin to over 10,000rpm. It also has a seven-speed sequential manual gearbox with rear-wheel drive.

The company is aiming for a weight of less than 1000kg for a McLaren Solus GT and a downforce goal of 1200kg, thanks to the car’s swoopy wings and underbody aero tunnels. The design of the car also has some attractive elements like a Formula One-style steering wheel, a jet fighter-style canopy, an integrated dash display, and Batmobile-style bodywork with every surface that contributes to the aerodynamic downforce

The Solus GT also has advanced motorsport technology, examples of which are 3D printed magnesium parts, carbon-fibre chassis, race-style suspension, brakes, and 18-inch forged aluminium wheels fitted with Le Mans-specification racing tires.

The CEO of McLaren Automotive, Michael Leiters, said: “It epitomises our pioneering spirit.” McLaren also shared its intentions of running Solus GT track events for owners. Track testing of a prototype car has already begun in the UK, but lap times are kept under wraps.