McLaren 12C
but think it may be too soft on track? Not enough of a racer for the
12C GT3
Can-Am Edition
? Well, the guys at Woking have an answer to this very quandary with the 12C GT Sprint Edition.
Spoiler is optional, McLaren Orange standard
Ostensibly based on the production car but only legal for track use, the GT Sprint has been engineered by McLaren's GT racing arm. So there's a 40mm lower ride height with a recalibrated (see firmer) ProActive Chassis Control (PCC) for circuit use. McLaren claims the carbon-ceramic brake set-up is 'track-focused' without outlining specifically the changes over the road car.
But race credentials are fully reasserted (kind of) with an 'onboard air-jacking system' and centre-locking OZ alloy wheels, so ensure the track day comes with pit workers. The 19-inch rims are shod in Pirelli slicks, which will probably contribute most to its improved circuit performance.
A GT3-inspired front bumper also features, with a carbon rear wing and front splitter available as options. The exterior changes are fairly modest (bar the racing stickers), in keeping with the Sprint's billing as a semi-skimmed GT3.
Even the air-con is lighter for the GT Sprint
However, if the exterior is slightly apologetic in its racer intentions, the interior is suitably overhauled from standard. There's an FIA-approved cage, a HANS-compatible composite racing seat with six-point harnesses, a carbon dash and a fire extinguisher. Air conditioning sits rather incongruously on the interior equipment list, but it's reputedly 'a lightweight version, offering improved comfort'. Yet despite this, McLaren hasn't released a kerbweight.
Mechanically, the GT Sprint retains the same 625hp, 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 as the road car. Tweaks focus on cooling the engine, with revisions to the radiator and oil cooling the only changes detailed. The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox also remains.
Goodwood will host the global debut of the 12C GT Sprint Edition, with further details on the car expected over the weekend. McLaren is planning an initial batch of 20 cars for customers, with a price of under £200,000 reflecting its close relationship to the £176,000 road car. We've asked McLaren what would be required to make the GT Edition road legal; the story will be updated as soon as more info is available...