The Solus GT draws on all of McLaren’s experience and skills at the highest levels of motorsport and supercar and hypercar development.
The Solus GT is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine.
With a weight less than 1,000 kg and aerodynamic performance including more than 1,200 kg of downforcethe McLaren single-seater concept offers an experience close to the sensation and driving pleasure of a Formula 1 car.
Exterior design is based on proven aerodynamic principles and McLaren design philosophy “everything is done for a reason”refined by additional aerodynamic research in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the wind tunnel.
The sliding canopy above the single center seat is one of the distinctive exterior features of the Solus GT.
The wheels, located at the level of the suspension arms, are protected by an aerodynamic fairing.
A large front splitter feeds air into ground effect tunnels before exiting the car through a full diffuser.
The air intake, located above the cockpit and integrated into the design of the roll bar, supplies the engine with cold air, while producing an induction sound.
Like racing cars, the side cradles house the radiators of the Solus GT.
L’fixed two-piece rear wing plays a key role in providing downforce that exceeds the overall weight of the car. The downforce-to-drag ratio is optimized, which promotes straight-line performance while improving cornering performance.
The Solus GT experience begins before starting the engine when the driver opens the cockpit canopy which slides forward in a low arc to provide access. It has nothing to do with a classic car door, or even the typical elytra doors of McLaren cars. It’s more like the driver stepping into a fighter jet.
This way of entering the minivan adds to the feeling provided by the single seat dominating a cockpit focused exclusively on the driver and performance.
The position of the seat molded to the morphology of the driver is fixed.
the crankset is adjustable like in racing cars, but more comfortable thanks to a remote control system controlled from the seated position.
the flying is inspired by Formula 1, with the main controls integrated as well as the display of information on the dashboard to adapt to the narrow space of a single-seater. Beyond the steering wheel, the view opens up through the glass ‘bubble’, with integrated halo-style cockpit protection, on which is mounted a rear-view screen fed by a wide-angle camera placed in the roll bar.
The 180 degree symmetrical line of sight offered by the central driving position is reinforced by the fairing of the wheels which helps the driver to position the car on the track.
The Solus GT is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 engine, built with low-volume machined components, which revs to over 10,000 rpm.
The responsiveness of the V10 engine is enhanced by the use of throttle valves on each cylinder, designed for circuit driving. Engine drive is done entirely by gears, with no chains or belts for the camshaft or auxiliary systems.
In addition to power and torque exceeding respectively 840 hp and 650 Nm, the engine was chosen for its structural qualities. The engine is an integral part of the chassis. This design approach, which is common practice in racing car construction, optimizes weight reduction by eliminating the need for additional chassis and subframe structures behind the carbon fiber monocoque.
The seven-speed sequential gearbox from the world of motor racing, which features custom molding and housing (the latter being made of aluminum with magnesium panels) is mounted at the rear of the V10 engine, with the rear suspension attached to the housing. Inside, spur gears driven by a carbon fiber multi-disc clutch provide aggressive shifting typical of cars designed for the track. The system is fully automated and software controlled, eliminating the need for the driver to operate the clutch, making exiting the pit lane easier.
The McLaren Solus GT is based on a carbon fiber monocoque. It was created using specialized low-volume production methods, including a carbon “pre-impregnation” process for high structural strength and increased uniformity in finish.
The front and rear chassis structures are also carbon fiber, with the engine and gearbox making up the rest of the chassis.
Carbon fiber isn’t the only high-value material used for the Solus GT.
Taking technologies from the highest levels of motorsport, 3D printed titanium components have been used for the cockpit protection structure and the roll bar.
The suspension system includes double wishbones with internal torsion bar damping, operated by push rods front and rear. Both axles are linked by anti-roll bars, with adjustment options available to the driver. Made of steel, the front suspension arms are wrapped in aerodynamic carbon fiber fairings, as in Formula 1.
The 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, equipped with central locking nuts, are housed in the wheel arches.
The wheels are shod with tires conforming to LMP (Le Mans Prototype) specifications, available in slick and wet versions.
Braking is provided by 6-piston aluminum monoblock calipers machined and carbon brake discs and pads.
The distribution of forces between the front and rear brakes is adjustable from the cockpit.
The McLaren track car targets a 2.5 second time to accelerate from 0-100 km/h and a top track speed of over 320 km/h.
The beast of the track benefits from an ultralight weight and strong aerodynamic qualities.
The McLaren Solus GT is a showcase of McLaren know-how.
The development process for the McLaren Solus GT is currently in the track testing stage.
The single-seater with closed cockpit McLaren Solus GT will be mass-produced in 25 copies, all copies having already been sold.
The first units will be delivered in 2023.
McLaren Solus GT closed-cockpit single-seater concept car offers extreme performance | Concept cars