McLaren 650S GT3

The latest generation of track-focused racers from McLaren GT brings us McLaren 650S GT3, a car designed and optimised to contest the GT3 championships around the world. The new McLaren car scored its first victory in the 2015 Asian GT Championship and later scored victories in some endurance races like 12 Hours of Bathurst and in the 24 Hours series.

Video – McLaren g50s GT3 sets lap record time at Bathurst

McLaren 650s GT3 is the successor of 12C GT3 model

It is built to succeed highly successful 12C GT3, which won three championships and 51 races over the past three years and offers optimised aerodynamics, better cooling and enhanced safety. Based on the McLaren 650S road car, the engineers have used the latest Computational Fluid Dynamics technology to find a solution for the new lightweight carbon-fibre bodywork, carefully managing the airflow across, through and beneath the car.

McLaren 650S GT3 in action

Complete revision

The result is a car which has a huge presence, features a new nose, newly profiled side intakes and a redesigned carbon-fibre fixed rear wing. Under the skin of this McLaren, the suspension geometry has also been completely revised. Wider track and new wheels and tyres are prepared to improve front-end grip and better driving experience.

Side view of McLaren 650S GT3

Redesigned roll cage

The cockpit has also been revised after customers feedback. The McLaren 650S GT3 has more comfort for drivers and more refinement than what is essential in the GT3 races. The FIA approved roll cage has been redesigned to improve leg and headroom. There is a new race seat, a new Formula 1 inspired steering wheel and a new pedal box, while the driver ventilation has also been improved.

McLaren 650S GT3 has completely redsigned roll cage and functional interior

Turbo V8 engine

The McLaren 650S GT3 produces around 500PS, the same as the 12C GT3 model. It has an upgraded 3.8 litre twin turbo V8 engine and a new six-speed sequential gearbox. The front/rear suspension have double wishbone which is adjustable for ride height, camber and toe, 4-way dampers with coil over springs which are also adjustable, anti-roll bars and forged aluminium wheels – 12.5×18  inches at front and 13×18 at rear.

McLaren 650s GT3 has steering wheel inspired by Formula 1

The steering is electro-hydraulic power assisted with unique McLaren GT composite steering wheel incorporating key driver switch controls and map settings. The braking system is composed of a six piston caliper and 35mm discs at front and 4 piston caliper with 32mm discs at rear wheels.

A lot of carbon fiber was used for McLaren 650S GT3

Reduced costs

One of the priorities during development of this McLaren was reducing the cost of the ownership. This has been achieved mainly with extended component life, reducing parts costs and increasing engine and gearbox rebuild intervals. It is thought that with all improvements and benefits, McLaren 650S GT3 is ready to compete at highest level for an average of six years.

McLaren 650S GT3 during pit stop at Spa

Pretty expensive toy

And finally, the estimated price of McLaren 650S GT3 is 463,000 euros plus tax. Around 15 examples of this car have been built for the start of 2015 racing season. McLaren 650S GT3 is suitable to compete in the series like British GT Championship, Blancpain GT3 Series, Pirelli World Challenge, etc.

McLaren 650S GT3 technical specifications

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