2 Nov 2018
McLaren Senna GTR moves closer to production with confirmation of technical specification
2,205lbs (1,000kg) of downforce; 814bhp (825PS) and 590lb ft torque (800Nm) from twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 engine
Suspension derived from McLaren GT3 race program and Pirelli slick race tires confirm GTR’s track-only status
Dynamic prototypes begin running this month as development program accelerates
Production capped at 75 examples, each priced at circa $1.4 million plus taxes and all sold
The McLaren Senna GTR, a track-only hypercar that debuted in concept form at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2018 and sold-out in the same month, begins dynamic testing this month with highlights of its technical specification newly confirmed – not least that it will generate 2,205lbs of downforce and have race-bred suspension developed from the system used in McLaren’s GT3 program.
The Senna GTR is an even more extreme version of the road-legal McLaren Senna currently being built at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey, UK. McLaren tested demand for the track-only, left-hand-drive only car on its introduction at Geneva, saying that up to 75 would be produced. Many more expressions of interest were received, but the company has confirmed that only 75 will be available, all of which are already allocated. Deliveries are expected to begin from September 2019 when production of the road-legal McLaren Senna is complete.
The development prototypes that begin testing this month will initially use modified Senna road car bodywork. The final Senna GTR shape – shown in simple form in a new design sketch – will be based around a chassis with wider track front and rear and center-lock wheels. The carbon fiber body has new, wider fenders, a larger front splitter and rear diffuser and repositioned active rear wing; these last two elements combining to improve aero-efficiency by ‘coupling’ the wing to the airflow from the diffuser, enabling greater – and more accessible – downforce at lower speeds. Optimized aerodynamic performance in yaw improves cornering stability, while reduction in pitch sensitivity leads to even greater braking stability.
The lightweight but incredibly strong carbon fiber McLaren Monocage at the heart of each McLaren Senna GTR epitomizes McLaren’s approach to weight reduction, a philosophy which is taken even further with the new GTR. A pared-back interior sees all airbags removed, as well as the infotainment central screen and folding driver display found in the road car, while a new, race-style steering wheel with integrated gearshift controls replaces the road-legal component. Air-conditioning is an exception to the rule of absolute minimalism – remaining standard-fit – and a radar-assisted, rear collision avoidance system is also standard.
A final vehicle weight is still to be declared, but the GTR will weigh less than the road-going Senna. In combination with the 814bhp output of the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine – an increase of 25bhp over the road-legal Senna – this will see the power-to-weight ratio comfortably exceed that of the road car. Together with torque of up to 590lb ft torque, the result will be astonishing levels of response and performance.
The Senna GTR retains the active aerodynamics of the road-legal car – an advantage that would not be permissible in a homologated race car – which is a major enabler in generating the 2,205lbs of downforce. The car has conventional double wishbone suspension, with the geometry, springs, dampers and anti-roll bars having been developed from the system engineered for McLaren’s GT3 customer racing program. Pirelli slick race tires maximize dynamic performance and the braking system – introduced in the Senna road car and also race-derived – is projected to deliver 20% greater maximum deceleration, with resulting forces in excess of 3g.
Information about the McLaren Senna GTR and other McLaren cars can be found via:https://latest.mclaren.com/posts/mclaren-senna-gtr-the-ultimate-track-only-hypercar
Ends
Notes to Editors:
A selection of high resolution images accompanying this release is available to download from the McLaren Automotive media site – cars.mclaren.press
About McLaren Automotive:
McLaren Automotive is a creator of luxury, high-performance sportscars and supercars.
Every vehicle is hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in Woking, Surrey, England.
Launched in 2010, the company is now the largest part of the McLaren Group.
The company has three defined product families: Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series which are retailed through over 80 retailers in 30 markets around the world.
McLaren is a pioneer that continuously pushes the boundaries. In 1981, it introduced lightweight and strong carbon fibre chassis into Formula 1 with the McLaren MP4/1. Then in 1993 it designed and built the McLaren F1 road car – the company has not built a car without a carbon fibre chassis since. As part of the Ultimate Series, McLaren was the first to deliver a hybrid hypercar, the McLaren P1™.
Announced at Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2018, the company’s Track25 business plan will see it invest £1.2billion in research and development to deliver 18 new cars or derivatives by the end of 2025.
2017 saw the company launch further models including the second-generation Super Series, the 570S Spider and the McLaren Senna. In 2018, the company launched the 600LT and the McLaren Speedtail, the next Ultimate Series and McLaren’s first ever Hyper-GT of which only 106 will be produced.
To support the development, engineering and manufacture of its range of innovative sportscars and supercars, McLaren Automotive partners with world leading companies to provide specialist expertise and technology. These include AkzoNobel, Kenwood, Pirelli and Richard Mille.
McLaren Group:The McLaren Group is a global leader in luxury automotive andtechnology and comprises three businesses: Automotive, Racing and Applied Technologies.
Further information:
Roger OrmisherVice President, Communications & PR | McLaren North AmericaPhone: +1 714 501 8137Email: roger.ormisher@mclaren.com
Laura TilleyPublic Relations | McLaren North AmericaPhone: +1 765 517 2186Email: laura.tilley@mclaren.com
Media website: cars.mclaren.pressFacebook: www.facebook.com/mclarenautomotiveTwitter: www.twitter.com/McLarenAutoYou Tube: www.youtube.com/mclarenautomotivetv