McLaren P1 GTR Debut

Ashley Oldfield

18 Aug 2014

McLaren P1 GTR Debut

Slated as the ‘best driver’s car on track in the world’, the McLaren P1 GTR makes a bold claim. It does have quite large backing though as it builds on from the already mental McLaren P1 with more power and improved aerodynamics.

More Power

If you happened to think that 674 kW was enough power from the standard P1, then the 736 kW that the McLaren P1 GTR offers is going to blow your mind. All the chaps at McLaren say they’ve done is fiddle with the 3.8-litre V8 and twin-turbos a bit to produce even more power.

The aerodynamics of the McLaren P1 GTR have been improved to enhance downforce, borrowing parts from the GT3 race car. It has a front splitter to give the front end more grip and turn-in, radiator ducts, roof scoop and a fixed ride height.

F1 Style Wing

The coolest addition has to be the rear wing that is hydraulically operated and work like a Formula 1 DRS wing. The wing aids acceleration and then pops back up when needed to increase rear downforce again.

Below the rear wing sits the exposed, centrally mounted exhaust, which is an all new design, exclusively for the McLaren P1 GTR. Made from inconel and titanium alloy, the system maximises the aural characteristic of the higher output 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine to maintain, and further emphasise, the McLaren sound.

A set of lightweight 19-inch motorsport alloy wheels are fitted – 10.5-inches wide at the front, 13-inches at the rear and are secured into place with quick-release centre locking nuts. Tyre changes are made easier through an onboard air jacking system.

How Much for a McLaren P1 GTR?

Upon purchase of a McLaren P1 GTR the owner enters into the McLaren P1 GT-R driver programme, one of the most exclusive owner’s clubs in the world. Each owner gets a tailored experience to improve their driving skills and there’s even some racing on the cards. Not bad once you’ve forked out an estimated R35-million for the P1 GTR.

Ashley Oldfield

Ashley Oldfield

Ashley has been riding or driving some sort of motorised vehicle since his 4th birthday when he got a Yamaha PW50. Equipped with years of racing experience, Ashley took up journalism and became a writer for some of South Africa’s best motoring magazines and online publications. He is SA’s first (and only) GT Academy winner having raced professionally overseas. He now serves as the Content Manager at Cars.co.za, putting his wealth of racing and driving experience to good use.

Search articles

McLaren cars for sale