McLaren Solus GT V10 Track Monster Wins the Goodwood Shootout
With racing driver Marvin Kirchhofer at the wheel, the track-only, V-10-powered McLaren Solus GT needed only 45.34 seconds to cross the finish line first at this year's Festival of Speed.
McLaren has developed a number of limited-production supercar and hypercar variations during the previous decade, but none have been as groundbreaking as the Solus GT. Powered by a 5.2-litre V-10 and with a high-downforce chassis weighing in at only 1000kg, the single-seater was first shown off at Monterey in 2022. The Solus' Judd V-10 engine made a deafening howl as it accelerated up the slope, displaying immense downforce at all times during the hill run. A final run time of 45.34 seconds was achieved, six seconds slower than the previous year's record and one second faster than any other vehicle that participated in the timed shootout this year. The Solus GT has an incredible 830bhp and 649.4Nm of torque from its 5.2-litre V10 engine. It can reach 100km/h in only 2.5 seconds and has a peak speed of about 321km/h.
Also Read: F1: Mercedes' Mick Schumacher Wears his Father's Original Race Suit and Helmet at Goodwood FoS
McLaren Solus GT: Design
The design of the Solus GT includes a number of aerodynamic elements, such as a broad front splitter, a structural floor with ground-effect tunnels and a fixed rear wing. These modules do more than just save weight by working airflow independently, lowering pressure and turbulence around each wheel.
#SolusGT wins the Sunday Shootout at @fosgoodwood. pic.twitter.com/wh72KCYW7F
— McLaren Automotive (@McLarenAuto) July 16, 2023
The Solus GT has a Formula 1-inspired double-wishbone suspension design, complete with aerodynamic carbon fibre shrouds. Above the driver's head is an air inlet that not only provides cool air to the engine but also makes a sporty whoosh as it does so. The radiators are located in the side pods, which take design cues from racing cars.
The Solus GT is the first McLaren production vehicle to include innovative technologies including a 3D-printed titanium cockpit.
The race car, first seen as a concept for the 2017 Gran Turismo Sport video game, has now made its debut in production form during the Monterey Car Week in California.
McLaren Solus GT: Engine
The vehicle's powertrain is particularly impressive since it has a 5.2-litre V10 engine, a first for a McLaren production car. The engine can reach a maximum of 10,000rpm and produces over 830bhp and 649.4Nm of torque.
Fantasy and reality. The Solus GT.https://t.co/i2D5IuE9VT#McLaren #McLarenAuto #SolusGT #McLarenSolusGT pic.twitter.com/n72yGlNlJ8
— McLaren Automotive (@McLarenAuto) July 10, 2023
The vehicle can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds because of its motorsport-derived engine and its custom seven-speed sequential transmission. McLaren claims a top speed of more than 321km/h. A sliding canopy, similar to that of a jet aircraft, provides access to a centrally located, enclosed cabin where the driver sits. There's a carbon fibre steering wheel reminiscent of a Formula 1 car and a digital rearview mirror inside.
McLaren Solus GT: Price
All 25 units of the extreme track machine have been sold for over USD 4 million each. In addition to the Solus, each buyer will get a driver-development coaching programme, an FIA-homologated racing outfit, a unique helmet, and a tailor-made HANS device.
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