2015 McLaren P1 GTR

SUMMARY

A track-only hybrid hypercar finished in a unique, special-order color scheme, this is the McLaren P1 GTR. Powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo engine, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering a total of 986 hp, the P1 GTR is capable of the 0 to 60 mph dash (0-97 km/h) in just 2.4 seconds, going on to reach a top speed of 225 mph (362 km/h). 

The McLaren P1 GTR was launched at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the McLaren F1’s victory at Le Mans. A direct descendent to the race-ready F1 GTR, the 58 build slots were offered exclusively to existing owners of the 385 examples of the road-going McLaren P1.

In a similar vein to the Ferrari FXX program, the P1 GTR was designed from the outset to be the ultimate expression of the P1, honed and perfected for its owners to enjoy on the racetrack, free of the restrictions imposed by making a car legal for the road.

A stripped-out, track-only version of the P1, the P1 GTR was offered in conjunction with participation in a series of driving events at tracks around the world, providing an unprecedented level of access to McLaren itself. Owners were given access to McLaren’s own technicians and engineers in support of the car at driving events, McLaren’s own racing simulators, and even their driver fitness team as part of the privilege of being a GTR owner.

The engine in the P1 GTR is the same 3.8-liter with twin turbo chargers running at 2.4 bar, aided by an electric motor that itself produced in the region of 180 hp, working its magic in a ‘torque-filling’ role to eliminate any form of lag whilst the turbos are off boost or spooling. Whereas the power unit in the road car produces 903 hp, the P1 GTR was gently fettled and sprinkled with items like a bespoke, straight-cut titanium and Inconel exhaust system to liberate an extra 83 hp, bringing the total output to 986 hp—a figure almost identical to the Bugatti Veyron. Where the Veyron and the P1 GTR differ, though, is weight, with the McLaren weighing 3,175 pounds (1,440 kg) and the Bugatti near 4,189 pounds (1,900 kg), putting the GTR in a different league in terms of power-to-weight. What’s more, the engineers at Woking decided to use the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as that found in the road-going P1, which helps make the P1 GTR very approachable on the track even for the less-experienced driver.

Removing the constraints of road use also allowed developments to be made to the chassis and aerodynamic package. Whilst the P1 and P1 GTR share the same Monocage carbon-fiber tub, the latter forgoes the heavier active suspension of the road car and employs a fixed racing setup instead. Lightweight racing wheels wrapped in slick Pirelli tires not only reduce unsprung weight, but also considerably increase traction and drip, whilst a fixed, full-width rear wing gives the GTR a 10 percent increase in downforce over the standard P1. Even the wing mirrors were relocated from the doors onto the A-pillars in pursuit of aerodynamic performance and improved visibility from the cockpit.

On the inside, the car is familiar to existing P1 owners, albeit with a sharp focus on further weight saving and track use. It features a single, fixed carbon-fiber bucket seat, six-point harness, and a steering wheel modeled on that used by Sir Lewis Hamilton to win the 2008 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship. All these small changes total a weight saving of over 100 pounds (50 kg) next to its road-going sibling, despite the addition of a car-to-pits radio, fire extinguishing system, and onboard air jacking system.

The McLaren P1 GTR represents an ultra-low production version of the already mind-bending P1. This example is all the more desirable for its fantastic and unique specification, not to mention its condition. Presented in virtually as-new condition, this is an incredible opportunity to acquire a landmark car which would be the jewel in any collection of modern supercars.

Prospective bidders please note—following the sale of this vehicle, a regular recomissioning is recommended before use.