We used to see world-famous cars appear in famous racing games, but now it seems that the situation has changed.
McLaren Automotive has exploited the world of virtual games to create an outstanding car called Gran Turismo Sport. We are, of course, referring to the McLaren Solus GT, the car that appears in the hit video game. But next year, that digital concept car will be seen on some roads around the world.
That’s right, the world-famous sports car manufacturer is building actual McLaren Solus GT cars. According to the automaker, this project represents the incredible realization of a concept car born from the screens of virtual races. It represents the ultimate expression of on-road driving engagement realized in the digital world that will bring real-world excitement to lucky drivers.
Getting your hands on one is impossible. The Solus GT is a special commission for just 25 customers and all cars are sold. The single-seat, closed-cockpit race car was recently unveiled during Monterey Car Week in California.
Designed for the real world by drawing on all of McLaren’s experience and expertise in developing sports cars, supercars and hypercars at the highest level, the Solus GT weighs under 1,000kg with performance Aerodynamic performance including downforce exceeds 1,200kg.
Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine, the Solus GT will produce around 840PS of power and 650Nm of torque. Combined with a seven-speed sequential transmission, it delivers a driving experience that closely resembles a Formula 1 car.
The McLaren Solus GT has a target time of 2.5 seconds for 0-100 km/h acceleration and a top speed of more than 200 mph. Thus, the car has the necessary performance parameters for an extreme racing machine.
In common with McLarens since 1981, the Solus GT is based on an automotive fiber motorcycle. The front and rear chassis structures are also made from carbon fiber, with the engine and transmission forming the remainder of the chassis.
The striking exterior design is clearly faithful to its “virtual inspiration”. Based on professional aerodynamics principles, its design is further refined by additional CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) aerodynamics and wind tunnel aerodynamics studies.
Key design features include a sliding hood behind the single seat, center seat, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels wrapped in aerodynamic covers, and a large front splitter. The motorsport-inspired air intake in the cockpit is integrated into the roll rim design, feeding cold air into the engine, while creating an engaging induction sound. At the rear, a two-element fixed rear spoiler optimizes downforce, delivering straight-line performance as well as enhanced cornering ability.
Stepping inside, the driver will be greeted with a cockpit interior reminiscent of a fighter jet. The steering wheel – a unique design among McLaren production cars – is inspired by Formula 1, with a display and essential controls integrated to fit into tight spaces of a single-seat racing car.
To add to the excitement for those who order the Solus GT, McLaren is offering a full ‘dry racing experience’. This includes dryer seats molded to the dryer’s unique shape; an FIA homologated racing suit, owner-specific helmet, HANS design and ear pads with radio function. A full driver training program will also help customers exploit the full potential of their new track supercar.
McLaren will deliver the first batch of Solus GT cars to customers in 2023.
