McLaren Solus GT, the hypercar born in video games is now a reality

From imagination to reality, McLaren showed on the green of Pebble Beach the new Solus GT, a car born in the virtual world, which can finally be touched and guided. Because if in the colorful and romantic Pixar world, Corvettes, Porsches, and Cadillacs turn into talking Lightning McQueen, Sally Carrera, and Cruz Ramirez, the opposite happens in the universe of gamers, and the most futuristic supercars in video games become real stars on the track. That of the new McLaren Solus GT is an absolute driving experience on the circuit, in a cockpit that looks like that of a spaceship, with the pilot accompanied only by the soundtrack of his 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10. There McLaren Solus GT currently in track testing phase within its development program, and the first of 25 customer cars will be delivered in 2023.

From video games to the track

The Solus GT created for the track gives life to the futuristic McLaren concept that appeared in the video game Gran Turismo Sport. Four-wheeled toy that all the greatest collectors in the world would like to have in the garage, but which only a very few have already grabbed, because the new Solus GT will be produced in a limited series of only 25 pieces, all of which have already been sold. The McLaren Solus GT the realization of an absolute McLaren concept vehicle, originally created for the world of virtual racing, explains Michael Leiters, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive. Designed without any restrictions from road or race regulations, but with the full spectrum of McLaren expertise to bring it to reality, embodying our pioneering spirit.

Design

For the Solus GT McLaren has created an exclusive monocoque frame in carbon fiber, with a sports-derived powertrain as a structural element. Everything revolves around the central single-seater cockpit, with the roof that slides like in a supersonic plane, above the single central seat; the wheels are wrapped in aerodynamic shells and linked to the Formula 1-inspired suspension system, and a large front splitter directs air into a ground-effect tunnel before it exits the car through the diffuser. The design of the single-seaters also inspired the sides of the Solus GT that house the radiators. The rear wing sets the key to achieving downforce greater than the overall weight of the car to two elements.

Engine and gearbox

With a weight less than 1,000 kg and aerodynamic performance that includes a downforce of more than 1,200 kg, the Solus GT spint by a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 powerplant. Accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 2.5 seconds, with a top speed of over 200 mph (321 km / h). The seven-speed sequential gearbox derived from racing, characterized by a fusion and a tailor-made casing, made of aluminum with magnesium panels. Inside, the straight-toothed gears, engaged by a carbon fiber multi-plate clutch, are ideal for the response required for fast shifting. performance on the track. The fully automated and software-controlled system eliminates the need for the driver to operate the clutch, making it easier to exit the pit lane.

A fighter plane

The experience of the Solus GT begins even before starting the engine, with the pilot opening the characteristic canopy of the cockpit and entering what looks more like a fighter plane than a car from the outside. The steering wheel is inspired by Formula 1, with the dashboard display and essential controls integrated to fit the tight confines of a single-seater. Beyond the steering wheel opens a view through the glass bubble, with integrated halo-style cabin protection, on which mounted a rearview display powered by a wide angle camera positioned inside the roll bar. The perfectly symmetrical 180-degree view provided by the central driving position is further aided by the wheel pods in helping the driver get the car into trajectories on a track.