The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 undergoes initial testing in preparation for the 2011 season.
After having thoroughly confounded car journalists around the world with the their new road car by forcing them to come up with new and creative ways to describe suspension feel, McLaren has officially taken the wraps the racing version off the MP4-12C. As its full name suggests, the MP4-12C GT3 will compete in the GT3 class for production based cars in various races around the world, hopefully as early as this coming race season.
Interestingly, much of the technology that defines the road car has had to be ditched in order to conform to GT3 class regulations. The MP4-12C's trick, roll barless, hydraulic suspension system has been replaced by a more traditional system with race roll bars and dampers. A more robust Ricardo built racing gear box replaces the seven speed DCT system, and as has become de rigueur for many cars with GT class racing aspirations, engine power has been limited to conform to regulations - presumably to about 500 hp.
Aside from the massive rear wing, the race car bears a similar profile to the road car. It's at the wheel wells and front and rear fascias where things start to go a bit bonkers. The massive wheel arches increase overall width by about 100 mm. A downforce aiding massive splitter and canards have been added to the front while the rear sees the addition of a very trick looking diffuser.
As far as when the MP4-12C GT3 will make its competition debut, McLaren is adopting a wait and see attitude as the testing program continues. If we had to guess though, we would say it's a pretty good bet, that we could see the MP4-12C as soon June in the Nürburgring 24. Hopefully with full-on Le Mans style Ueno Clinic or Fina livery.
Click here see video of the 12C GT3 in action.
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