McLaren finally announced to the world the arrival of the McLaren 720S GT3 and it is specially built for the race track. Developed by McLaren Automotive's new customer racing division, the McLaren 720S GT3 will see extensive testing across Europe, the US and Middle East. The new GT3 challenger, which is based on the acclaimed 720S supercar, is being readied for its competition debut in 2019 when it will be eligible for all GT3 grids globally. The track-based phase of the development programme follows extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and incorporates a punishing test regime that will validate key performance data and long-distance durability.
(McLaren 720S GT3)
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"It was an incredibly exciting moment for us to see our new 720S GT3 begin the intensive track-based phase of a development programme that we are confident will provide our customers with a first-class GT race car," commented Mike Flewitt, McLaren Automotive Chief Executive Officer. "Enabling our customers to go racing is integral to the business strategy of McLaren Automotive and we are committed to supplying teams with exceptional GT cars and the world-class support to get the most out of them."
The design and development work has been undertaken within a new dedicated GT race facility at McLaren Automotive in Woking, Surrey, where all new GT3 cars will be hand-assembled. The first two development cars have embarked on the extensive, physical test programme, which will initially use tracks on both sides of the Atlantic, followed by an intensive Middle East programme before the end of the year. McLaren has also optimized the fuel efficiency and tyre management is prioritized together with improved reliability, durability and serviceability.
(McLaren 720S GT3)
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As with the road car, the heart of the McLaren 720S GT3 is the light but immensely stiff carbon fibre MonoCage II chassis structure and comes with the race-prepared version of the M840T 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. The 6-speed sequential paddle gearbox is equipped with a new electronic shift actuator to increase the shift-speed, usability and reliability. Moreover, an externally adjustable Salisbury-type limited slip differential is fitted, as are cockpit-adjustable traction control and ABS driver aids.
The McLaren 720S GT3 also gets an adjustable pedal-box, adjustable steering wheel position as well as a rear-view camera and radar system with dash display and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). All the 720S GT3s are left-hand drive, the carbon-Kevlar race seat fitted with its mountings, in accordance with 2019 FIA regulations.
(McLaren 720S GT3)
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The McLaren 720S GT3 race car is on schedule to make its competition debut in 2019. The price of the 720S GT3 is confirmed at £440,000 (Rs. 3.99 crore) and McLaren will look to enter strategically important global championships with the first examples of the latest GT3 challenger through engaging with customer teams.
