Anything Ferrari can do, McLaren can do better! That's the message from the British firm with the release of full details on the racing version of its MP4-12C supercar. Called the MP4-12C GT3, the track star will offer private race teams an out-of the box race car, complete with factory support, for the 2012 season - and compete with the Ferrari 458 Challenge.
Twenty examples of McLaren’s first GT racing car since the legendary McLaren F1 GTR are earmarked for delivery, ready for the 2012 season, although demand is sure to outstrip that. But McLaren is keen to keep exclusivity high, with each example costing £310,000.
In preparation for its first full season, McLaren will test the car in a handful of races this year. Those include endurance events at Silverstone, Magny-Cours and the 24 hours of Spa. The public will be able to get their first glimpse of the car in action at the Goodwood Festival of Speed at the beginning of July.
It might come as a surprise that the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 has actually been detuned, to make the performance manageable, from 592bhp to 493bhp. The road car's seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is also dumped for a six-speed sequential unit weighing 80kg less.
The aero package has also received a significant overhaul, with the huge rear wing being the most obvious addition. There's also a new front splitter, a large rear diffuser and louvres in the front fenders.
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