From GT to reality: McLaren unboxes Solus GT in 2022 MCW

True to its tradition, the Monterey Car Week has always been considered a befitting venue for the automotive industry’s momentous occasions. This year’s event saw a host of presentations from Lamborghini’s unveiling of the Urus Performante to Bentley’s showcasing of the Batur.

In the same way, McLaren Automotive also had plans of its own: unboxing a car that went from the video game Gran Turismo (GT) Sport to reality — the McLaren Solus GT.

“The McLaren Solus GT is the realization of a radical McLaren concept vehicle originally created for the world of virtual racing. Engineered free of any restrictions from road or race regulations, but with the full spectrum of McLaren’s expertise to bring it to reality, it epitomizes our pioneering spirit,” commented McLaren Automotive Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Leiters.

Surprisingly, the real steel remains faithful to its virtual inspiration. Some exterior features found on the physical Solus GT include the sliding canopy above the single central seat; the aerodynamic pod-shrouded wheels; the large front splitter; the motorsport-inspired intake above the cockpit; and the twin-element, fixed rear wing.

The abovementioned appointments are not just for looks: they are also functional features that were honed through additional CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and wind-tunnel aerodynamic research.

McLaren’s Solus GT rides on 18-inch forged aluminum wheels with center locking nuts, shod with Le Mans Prototype-specification tires that are available in both slick and wet compounds.

Inside, the McLaren Solus GT features an adjustable pedal box, a Formula 1-inspired steering wheel, and a rear-view display fed by a wide-angle camera placed within the roll hoop.

Power comes from a 5.2-liter V10. The engine’s responsiveness, per the British luxury sports car maker, is enhanced by the use of barrel-driven throttles for each cylinder — a system only suitable for track application — and is entirely gear-driven, with no chains or belts for camshaft or ancillary systems. The powerplant is mated to a race-derived seven-speed sequential gearbox, which features a bespoke casting and casing.

This setup gives the Solus GT nearly 830 horsepower (hp) and 650Nm of almost instantaneous torque.

Braking is provided by six-piston monobloc machined aluminum calipers and carbon brake discs and pads.

To further enhance the exhilaration for Solus GT customers, McLaren is offering a full “racing driver experience.” The package includes a driving seat molded to the driver’s individual body shape; an FIA-homologated race suit, helmet, and HANS device bespoke to each owner, and radio-enabled ear inserts. A full driver-development coaching program will also be available to help customers fully exploit the potential of their new track hypercar.

Solus GT track events are planned, and all cars will be delivered with a flight case to allow owners to support their own track activities, which has the following: a comprehensive set of tools, vehicle jacks, stands, radio sets, and a coolant pre-heater.

The McLaren Solus GT is currently at the track-testing stage of its development process. The first of 25 customer cars — all of which are sold already — will be delivered in 2023.

Photos from McLaren

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