Famous cars from around the globe have long been a staple in popular racing video games, but it appears that the roles have now reversed.
McLaren Automotive has ventured into the realm of video games to create a car model that played a significant role in Gran Turismo Sport. The vehicle in question is the McLaren Solus GT, which was featured in the popular video game. However, in the coming year, the virtual concept car will soon hit the roads worldwide. The renowned sports car manufacturer has confirmed that they are producing the actual McLaren Solus GT cars. The company claims that the project is an extraordinary achievement as it brings a concept car that originates from the virtual racing screens to life. The car represents an extreme expression of engagement in track driving that excites lucky drivers in both the digital and real world.
It’s nearly impossible to get your hands on the Solus GT, as it was a special commission for just 25 customers and all of the cars have already been reserved. This single-seat, closed-cockpit track car was recently unveiled during Monterey Car Week in California. The Solus GT was engineered using McLaren’s experience and expertise from motorsport and supercar and hypercar development. It weighs less than 1,000kg and has aerodynamic performance that includes downforce exceeding 1,200kg. With a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine, the Solus GT produces around 840PS and 650Nm of torque. The seven-speed sequential gearbox provides a driving experience similar to that of a Formula 1 car. The Solus GT boasts a target time of 2.5 seconds for 0-100km/h acceleration and a maximum speed of over 200mph, making it an extreme track machine built for speed.
Just like all McLaren cars produced since 1981, the Solus GT has a carbon-fibre monocoque at its core. Both the front and rear parts of the chassis are also made from carbon fibre, while the engine and gearbox complete the rest of the framework. The car’s exterior design is inspired by its virtual counterpart and is designed to be aerodynamically efficient. Further research using CFD and wind tunnels has helped refine the car’s design for optimal performance.
The main design elements of this vehicle consist of a sliding canopy above the central seat, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels covered in aerodynamic pods, and a large front splitter. The roll hoop cover is integrated with a motorsport-inspired intake above the cockpit, which not only feeds cold air into the engine but also provides an immersive induction sound. To optimize performance, the rear features a twin-element fixed rear wing that enhances both straight-line speed and cornering abilities.
As you enter the car, the interior resembles a cockpit of a fighter jet. The steering wheel, which is unique to McLaren production cars, is inspired by Formula 1 and features essential controls and a dash display that is integrated to accommodate the tight confines of a single-seater track car.
McLaren is taking the driving experience for Solus GT customers up a notch by offering a complete ‘racing driver experience’. This includes personalized driving seats, race suits, helmets, and HANS devices that are FIA-homologated, as well as radio-enabled ear inserts. Additionally, customers can partake in a driver-development coaching program to maximize their new track hypercar’s potential. The first set of Solus GT vehicles will be delivered to buyers in 2023.
