McLaren presents the world premiere of the Solus GT, the extraordinary single-seater inspired by video games made in 25 units (all already sold)
McLaren has just presented the world premiere of the exclusive Solus GT , a limited series of just 25 pieces inspired by the world of video games. Exclusively revealed during Monterey Car Week in California by Michael Leiters, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive, the McLaren Solus GT is the extraordinary realization of a concept car we met in the Gran Turismo SPORT video game, which has finally become real.
Solus GT: track experience
The 25 examples of the McLaren Solus GT have all already been sold before they are even built, they are designed around the central single-seater cockpit , enclosed by a sleek dome roof that recalls the shapes of supersonic jets.
The unique monocoque chassis and engine, integrated for the first time in a production McLaren, are those of a racing car: weighing less than 1000 kilos, more than 1200 kilos of downforce and 840 hp of power, the Solus GT offers typically sporty performance, and is designed to take to the track – so much so that it is delivered together with a flightcase with a set of tools, radio and everything needed to support the pilot’s activity during a competition.
The unique carbon fiber monocoque frame is the classic McLaren one, but the Solus GT experience begins with opening the distinctive canopy that slides forward through a shallow arch to allow access, giving the feeling of ” get into a fighter plane ”.
McLaren: from virtual to real
The McLaren Solus GT is the realization of a concept vehicle designed by the English manufacturer for the Gran Turismo SPORT video game , a bit like it happened in 2017 for the realization of the concept of the Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo, the hypercar with over 1000 HP designed for the same video game .
“The McLaren Solus GT is the realization of an absolute McLaren concept vehicle, originally created for the world of virtual racing,” Michael Leiters , CEO of McLaren, explains to Monterey. The Solus GT, explains Leiters, was “designed without any restrictions from road or race regulations, but with the full spectrum of McLaren expertise to bring it to reality, embodying our pioneering spirit .”
The McLaren Solus GT is a true track car, albeit sui generis: the seat is customizable as in motorsport, and the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine is able to outperform any other McLaren that is not a single-seater. offering a driving experience very close to that of Formula 1
Unprecedented luxury
The exterior design is striking, incredibly faithful to its video game muse, developed thanks to specific CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) aerodynamic research and in the wind tunnel.
Inspired by the lines of historic McLaren single-seaters , with the large front splitter that channels air into a ground-effect tunnel and an air intake integrated into the rollbar cover at the rear of the seat, the sound and performance of the Solus GT promise. emotions of the highest level to the 25 lucky buyers who will be able to keep it in the garage and whiz on the track observing the world from the glass “bubble” of the halo-style cockpit.
The steering wheel, for which McLaren has studied a unique design never experienced in production cars, is inspired by Formula 1, while the seven-speed sequential gearbox is clearly of racing derivation.
Lucky McLaren Solus GT owners will also receive an FIA approved racing suit, helmet and bespoke Head And Neck Support (HANS) device, and the ability to undergo a full coaching program to help customers unlock the full potential of the their new track hypercar.
Currently undergoing track testing and ready for first deliveries starting in 2023 , each McLaren Solus GT will be fully customizable: a unique car capable of achieving an unprecedented level of involvement and accessibility to luxury. The sale price of this limited edition jewel has not been disclosed, but it can be guessed that it is close to the record figures of other excellent McLaren cars .
