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McLaren MP4-12C racer hits the track

GT3 racing version of McLaren’s new supercar undergoes first tests at Silverstone and MIRA.

By Tom Phillips

March 2011
The Mac is back! Following in the footsteps of the legendary F1, McLaren’s latest supercar has just hit the track. Called the MP4-12C GT3, the new racer is a joint venture between McLaren and British team CRS Racing.

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McLaren has signed Portuguese racer ΁lvaro Parente as its official test driver, who will help develop the car at a number of race tracks across Europe in March and April. After this is complete, McLaren will announce where the car will make its competitive debut.

To turn the MP4-12C into a racer, the bodywork has been redesigned and is now 100mm wider and features a large front splitter and fixed rear wing. It also features a new suspension system, race-tuned engine and the standard car’s seven-speed SSG gearbox has been swapped for a Ricardo paddle-shift racing transmission.
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Track attack   Big brakes   Orange test day   Scores on the doors
1. Track attack

McLaren has signed Portuguese racer Álvaro Parente as its official GT3 test driver.



  
2. Big brakes

Brakes by Akebono, the same firm which makes the McLaren Formula 1 car’s calipers.



  
3. Orange test day

GT3 test car is finished in McLaren's signature orange. In-built air jacks lift the car for pit stops.



  
4. Scores on the doors

Gullwing doors ready to close and wheel nuts are tightened as GT3 test car prepares to hit the track again.
 
At the wheel   More downforce   Under the hood   Locking up
5. At the wheel

Wheel includes controls to adjust throttle maps, ABS and traction control settings.



  
6. More downforce

Carbon diffuser and rear wing give plenty of downforce, road car's high-mounted exhausts remain.



  
7. Under the hood

The racer sticks with the MP4 road car's MonoCell carbon composite tub which cuts weight.



  
8. Locking up

New racer includes a bespoke, driver-adjustable ABS system that's being worked on here.
 
MP4 close up   GT3 hits the track   Pushing it   Trucking on...
9. MP4 close up

Intricate aerodynamics around front wheelarch smooth airflow around the wheels.



  
10. GT3 hits the track

Front view of new racer reveals 100mm extra width, revised mirrors and new bumper.



  
11. Pushing it

MP4-12C GT3 is unloaded from its race transporter as first real-world tests get underway.



  
12. Trucking on...

Attention to detail is key, including a specially-branded race transporter to carry the GT3 car.
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