McLaren has officially announced it is to build a
track-only variant of the P1
, badged P1 GTR in recognition of the
McLaren F1 GTR
that won Le Mans in 1995 and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that achievement. Meaning, in other words, it won't be on sale until next year.
But the name - and confirmation - isn't the exciting part. The exciting part is the power output, which McLaren says is "intended" to be at least 1,000hp. That's 986bhp, if you prefer your hypercar performance to be valued in old money. Speaking of the necessary folding, you're going to need quite a bit of it. For not only has PH confirmed that the GTR will be offered to existing P1 owners exclusively, the price has been set at £1.98million.
GTR name is not one McLaren uses lightly
In return buyers get maximum warp in combination with "race-proven" slick tyres, wider track and especially aggressive "styling" for optimised circuit performance. There's no mention of any weight loss at this stage, but greater levels of grip, aero and downforce are assured.
This, PH is told, includes a fixed rear wing with F1-style DRS.
What's more, the chosen few will also enjoy a full "P1 GTR programme" as part of the deal, tailored exactly to each customer's individual requirements in order to "build driver capability".
This will involve exclusive consultation with the McLaren's driver fitness team - exactly as if you were a Formula 1 driver - as well as sessions with McLaren design director Frank Stephenson. Not to mention access to one of McLaren's racing simulators and "a minimum" of six dedicated international driving events at iconic F1 circuits.
As yet McLaren hasn't decided exactly how many P1 GTRs it will build, but "strictly limited" is inevitably the catchphrase here. Prospective clientele will also have to keep themselves calm until all 375 of the standard P1 road cars have been completed, as GTR production will not start until then. This likely means sometime in 2015.