McLaren Solus GT concept.
23-08-2022 11:58 - CAR NEWS
![](https://www.hotdrivenews.com/foto/grandi/14228-mclarensolusgtrear.jpg)
The stunning realisation of a concept car from the screens of virtual racing into an extreme expression of track driving engagement that will exhilarate in the real world. At less than 1,000kg in weight and with aerodynamic performance including downforce in excess of 1,200kg, the Solus GT – which is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine – is capable of the fastest lap times of any McLaren outside of single-seater racing and delivers a driving experience close to the engagement and sensation of driving a Formula 1 car. The striking exterior design, which is remarkably faithful to its virtual inspiration, is based on proven aerodynamic principles and McLaren's ‘everything for a reason' design ethos, honed by additional CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and wind-tunnel aerodynamic research.
The steering wheel – the design of which is unique among #mclaren production cars – takes its inspiration from Formula 1, with dash display and essential controls integrated to suit the tight confines of a single-seater track car. Beyond the steering wheel is a view through the glass ‘bubble', with integrated halo-style cockpit protection – mounted to which is a rear-view display fed by a wide-angle camera placed within the roll hoop. The perfectly symmetrical 180-degree line of sight provided by the central driving position is further aided by the dramatically styled wheel pods in helping the driver to position the car on a track.
The Solus GT is powered by a unique 5.2-litre V10, constructed using low-volume, machined components, that revs to more than 10,000rpm and delivers extreme performance and thrilling driver engagement. The engine's responsiveness 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. In addition to having power and torque outputs in excess respectively of 840PS and 650Nm, the engine was also chosen for its structural qualities; for the first time in a McLaren production car, the engine is an integral part of the chassis. Conventional practice in race car construction, this design approach optimises weight reduction by negating the need for additional chassis structures or subframes behind the carbon fibre monocoque. Traditional performance metrics are not as relevant for a track car, but with a target time of 2.5 seconds for 0-100km/h acceleration and a maximum speed of more than 200mph – in combination with the car's light weight and strong aerodynamic abilities – the #mclaren #solusgt has the performance credentials needed for an extreme track machine.