New McLaren 650S GT3 unveiled in Goodwood

McLaren GT has unveiled at Goodwood the first details of the 650S GT3McLaren 650S GT3United Kingdom, 2014 > present, the latest generation track-focused racer which will compete in the GT3 championships across the globe from the 2015. The new 650S GT3 is an evolution of the successful 12C GT3.

The racer is the second-generation GT3 car from McLaren GT, the GT race car building arm of McLaren, and follows the same bases of the 12C GT3, now competing in its third competitive season.

Based on the recently unveiled McLaren 650S, and built around the same lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell chassis, the GT3 iteration has been developed using CFD technology and the latest in automotive and motorsport simulation to offer enhanced aerodynamics and improved levels of cooling. At the front, the aggressive splitter and larger air intakes dominate the look of the new car, while on the flanks, the all-new lightweight carbon fibre bodywork wraps around reprofiled air intakes, which offer further optimised cooling. The fixed carbon fibre rear wing works in tandem with the large carbon fibre splitter to complete the management of air

Revised suspension geometry, wider track and updates to the overall setup provide enhanced levels of drivability, optimising engagement for the wide range of drivers competing in GT racing. In addition, the updates have been made with added emphasis on endurance racing, pulling from the learnings over the past few years, and responding to feedback from the customer teams.

Reduced cost of ownership has been a priority during the design and development of the 650S GT3, and this has been achieved through extended component life together with re-designed components and systems to reduce parts costs. Body panel design and fit have also been optimised which will not only minimise pit lane repair times but also aids weight distribution through the use of lighter components.

McLaren engineers have worked in the 650S GT3 to increase the levels of cabin safety for the driver. Protection offered by the carbon fibre MonoCell chassis is further enhanced with the addition of an FIA-approved rollcage. Redesigned and lighter than that of the 12C GT3, the 650S GT3 rollcage provides a greater degree of driver comfort, with increased leg and headroom.

Another key area that has been optimised is the level of refinement, underlining the focus on endurance and driver engagement. The 650S GT3 is fitted with a bespoke motorsport digital dash display which sits behind the unique steering wheel, inspired by the wheel design seen in the McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car. New to the 650S GT3 is a fully FIA-approved McLaren GT-developed race seat, fitted with a six-point race harness as standard.

The layout of the cockpit has been revised to make it even more driver-focused than previously. The seat is directly mounted to the chassis, and the steering wheel and all-new motorsport pedalbox are then adjustable to bring them closer to the driver. The centre console is also developed from the latest 12C GT3 interior, reducing complexity. In addition to this, improvements have been made to further optimise ventilation and driver cooling.

The 650S GT3 is powered by the latest generation of the 3.8-litre McLaren V8 twin turbo ‘M838T’ engine coupled to an all-new six-speed sequential motorsport transmission. The 650S GT3 produces around 500PS, an output which is controlled by the FIA’s Balance of Performance (BOP) regulations. Cooling is improved through larger 650S intakes within the front bumper and re-profiled side intakes.