What you see here is the 2023 McLaren Solus GT. It is the world’s first, “track-only realization” of the McLaren concept that debuted in the virtual gaming world. It was previously a virtual car created for the Gran Turismo SPORT video game.
The Solus GT not only made the jump from the virtual gaming world to the real world but it was also available to buy. The keyword here is “was” because all 25 units have been spoken for even before the reveal in August.
This is a car that would turn heads on the roads but it won’t because it is a track-only car as hinted by the striking central, single-seat, closed-cockpit design with a jet aircraft-style sliding canopy.
The futuristic racer styling is not without purpose. It results in more than 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs) of downforce.
The 2023 McLaren Solus GT is powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.2L V10 engine that produces in excess of 840 PS (829 HP) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque, and revs to over 10,000 RPM, and paired to a bespoke seven-speed, sequential shift gearbox.
With less than 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs) to haul, the drivetrain allows the Solus GT to make the century sprint in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph (322 km/h).
Each car is built on a unique monocoque chassis and comes with a driving seat molded to individual body shapes, an FIA-homologated race suit, helmet, and HANS device bespoke to each owner, and a driver development coaching program.
The first cars will be delivered to customers in 2023.
The 2023 McLaren Solus GT was unveiled at the Monterey Car Week in California in August. You may learn about this super cool race car over at cars.mclaren.com.
All images courtesy of McLaren.
