McLaren has revealed its Solus GT, a track-only supercar that has been limited to just 25 examples.
Unveiled during Monterey Car Week in California by McLaren’s new CEO Michael Leiters, the single-seater is a ‘realisation of a concept car from the screens of virtual racing’, as it brings to life a concept vehicle that featured in the Gran Turismo Sport video game.
Weighing less than 1,000kg means that the Solus is exceptionally light, yet it’s powered by a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine with 829bhp and 650Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-60mph time of under 2.5 seconds and a top speed of more than 200mph. Extensive aerodynamic measures mean that the Solus can generate 1,200kg of downforce, too.
Leiters said: “The McLaren Solus GT is the realisation of a radical McLaren concept vehicle originally created for the world of virtual racing. Engineered free of any restrictions from road or race regulations, but with the full spectrum of McLaren’s expertise to bring it to reality, it epitomises our pioneering spirit.”
The Solus GT has a number of standout features. One of its major components is a sliding canopy that gives access to the single seat. Each seat position is fixed, too, with the 25 Solus GT owners getting their own motorsport style ‘seat fitting’, though the pedal box is adjustable via a remote system.
As is the case with all modern McLarens, the Solus GT uses a carbon fibre monocoque as its basis, with the front and rear chassis structures also developed from the same lightweight material. For the first time in a McLaren, the engine is an integral part of the chassis, too.
McLaren is also offering a full racing driver experience to those who have purchased a Solus GT. It includes a seat moulded to the driver’s exact body shape, an FIA-homologated race suit with helmet and safety HANS device, as well as full driver development coaching.
