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We talk about many extremely exclusive,
rare supercars here at
The Drive because, well,
manufacturers of supercars continue to produce them. However, I genuinely cannot recall one as extreme and undeniably impressive as the
McLaren Solus GT. In summary, it’s
a single-seater,
V10 specialized track
vehicle that puts the Senna to shame in terms of
performance.
It has been designed based on the company’s Vision Gran Turismo video game car, which was created and engineered without any limitations for road or track use in mind. Just like its virtual counterpart, the Solus GT is strictly for track purposes. Its origins from the realm of fantasy also mean it boasts a central, solitary seat accessed through an incredibly stylish canopy reminiscent of a fighter jet that slides forward to open.
Similar to what you might witness cruising around Le Mans, the wheels are encased in aerodynamic capsules while the carbon suspension arm sheaths are uncovered and, naturally, crafted in a way that aids aerodynamics. Concealed within those carbon sheaths are double wishbones with inboard torsion bar damping—pushrods at the front, pullrods at the rear.
A cockpit protection system resembling a Formula
1 halo is produced from 3D-printed titanium and features a rear-view display. Radiators are located in the side pods, while an intake integrated into the roll hoop cover is designed to produce induction sound and keep the engine cool.
Concerning the powertrain. McLaren has departed from its usual twin-turbo V8 for the first time in ages. Instead, the Solus GT runs on a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 that—listen to this—revs up to 10,000 rpm. Generating over 829 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, McLaren characterizes this engine as “exceptional,” and a spokesperson for the company informed me that it was developed in collaboration with Judd Power. You might recognize that name for the company’s truly awe-inspiring F1 and endurance racing motors.
Furthermore, the engine serves as a structural component of the chassis, a first for any McLaren “production” vehicle. Naturally, it is constructed on a distinctive carbon fiber monocoque that helps keep the overall weight of the entire vehicle below 2,205 pounds (approximately 200 pounds less than the current Mazda MX-5).
The outcome of pairing a potent V10 with a vehicle this lightweight results in reaching 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed exceeding 200 mph. In terms of lap times, McLaren claims it is the most capable vehicle they have produced apart from single-seat racers and that its driving experience is “nearly as engaging and intense as driving a Formula 1 car.”
Behind the engine, a seven-speed sequential transmission with straight-cut gears, a multi-plate carbon fiber clutch, bespoke casting, and bespoke casing has been installed and is linked to the rear suspension components.
To handle deceleration, six-piston monoblock brake calipers with carbon fiber pads and rotors are utilized, with the driver capable of adjusting the front-rear brake bias on-the-fly. The “Le Mans Prototype-spec” tires are fitted on eighteen-inch forged aluminum centerlock wheels. According to McLaren, both slick and wet tire compounds are available.
Due to significant aero enhancements, such as a fixed twin-element rear wing, the Solus GT can generate over 2,645 pounds of downforce, exceeding its weight by at least 440 pounds.
Purchasers will enjoy a complete racing driver experience comprising a fixed seat tailored to their body shape, radio-enabled ear inserts, a custom FIA-homologated race suit, helmet, HANS device, an F1-inspired steering wheel exclusive to this car, and access to a driver coaching program.
Besides customizing the aesthetics of their Solus GT, buyers can join prototype drives that McLaren indicates “can influence the driving characteristics of the car ahead of production.” This implies that each Solus GT manufactured might drive uniquely based on its owner’s preferences, skill level, and driving style.
Given the limited quantity, with only 25 in production, all units of the Solus GT have already been sold out. The fortunate 25 purchasers can anticipate the initial deliveries in 2023.
Any tips or queries for the author about the McLaren Solus GT? Feel free to communicate with him at: chris.tsui@thedrive.com
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