As well as creating some stunning road cars, McLaren Automotive has enjoyed some considerable motorsport success since 2011. The 650S GT3 won the 12 hours of Bathurst this year - setting a new lap record in the process - with victories in British GT as well. And while Kevin Estre's 2014
N24 pole lap
couldn't be made into a race victory, it proved the incredible pace in the 12C GT3.
Now this is one good looking racing car
So McLaren has form, meaning there's expectation for the latest product. This is the
570S
GT4, ready and raring to go for the 2016 British GT championship. Well, kind of. McLaren is using this season as a shakedown for the car, where it will compete in all nine rounds as part of final development before being sold to teams for 2017. Using the same V8 as the road car, it will make its competitive debut at Brands Hatch in April.
Fancy one? McLaren has a 'register of interest' now open for the 570S GT4, with a price at £159,000. For those not wishing to compete, there is a 570S Sprint on the way in the style of the 650S Sprint. More details on that, plus the driver line up for the GT4, to follow.
Finally, some very interesting staff news from McLaren. Yes, really. Ansar Ali, one of the key figures in creating Zenos, is now McLaren Motorsport Director. CEO Mike Flewitt said of the new appointment: "I am extremely pleased to welcome Ansar to McLaren Automotive... this role will be key to our long-term plans as we continue to expand the product range and customer-appeal". So congratulations McLaren and Ansar; wonder what they're got coming next?