A fresh video has been released capturing the limited-run McLaren Solus GT supercar on its Sunday timed race up the legendary hill climb of the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
This year’s Festival of Speed in the U.K. witnessed the track-exclusive, V-10-engined Solus GT single-seater outpace all other competitors, clocking just 45.34 seconds, courtesy of racing driver Marvin Kirchhöfer’s skill.
Despite reduced practice time due to Saturday’s qualifying session being cancelled because of severe weather conditions, this time remains one of the quickest ever recorded at Goodwood’s hill climb. The standing record, however, is the mind-boggling 39.08 seconds set the previous year by the McMurtry Spéirling electric fan car.
The Solus GT marks McLaren’s effort to bring its Ultimate Vision GT concept from the “Gran Turismo” video game series to life. The real and virtual versions align closely, with a slight variation in the driver’s position – the concept has the driver laying prone with arms extended forward to hold the steering wheel, while the Solus GT opts for a more traditional seating, necessitating a taller roof.
Instead of the original concept’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 coupled with four electric motors, the Solus GT houses a high-revving 5.2-liter V-10 that emulates the acoustics of a classic Formula 1 engine. This engine adopts a motorsport-derived barrel-driven throttle system for each cylinder and is fully gear-driven, eliminating the need for chains or belts for the camshaft and auxiliary systems. The peak power of 829 hp is unleashed at a piercing 10,000 rpm.
The car’s aerodynamics are fine-tuned for optimum downforce and coupled with an F1-inspired suspension for enhanced track performance. McLaren hasn’t released the final performance numbers yet, but has hinted at a 0-60 mph sprint in under 2.5 seconds, a top speed exceeding 200 mph, and lap times on par with McLaren’s GT race cars.
Only 25 units of this supercar will be manufactured, each carrying a price tag of approximately $4 million. The first deliveries are slated to commence later this year. For the fortunate few who secure a build slot, McLaren will organize exclusive track events, taking care of all logistics, including transport to and from the track.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about McLaren Solus GT
What is the McLaren Solus GT?
The McLaren Solus GT is a limited-edition supercar that is a real-life version of McLaren’s Ultimate Vision GT concept developed for the “Gran Turismo” video game series. It features a high-revving 5.2-liter V-10 engine that sounds like a classic Formula 1 engine.
What was the McLaren Solus GT’s performance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed?
The McLaren Solus GT was the fastest car at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K., requiring just 45.34 seconds to complete the hill climb. This was achieved despite having less time to practice due to a cancelled qualifying session.
How many McLaren Solus GTs will be built and how much will they cost?
Only 25 units of the McLaren Solus GT will be produced, each priced at around $4 million. Deliveries are scheduled to start later this year.
What are the performance figures for the McLaren Solus GT?
Though final performance figures have not been published, McLaren suggests the Solus GT will have a 0-60 mph time of less than 2.5 seconds, a top speed of over 200 mph, and lap times on par with McLaren’s GT race cars.
What are the special events for McLaren Solus GT owners?
For those who secure a build slot for the Solus GT, McLaren will host special track events, and will handle all logistics, including transporting the car to and from the track.
More about McLaren Solus GT
- McLaren Solus GT Official Site
- Goodwood Festival of Speed
- Gran Turismo Video Game Series
- McMurtry Spéirling Electric Fan Car
- History of Formula 1 Engines
7 comments
Only 25 being made, how exclusive is that! Wish i could get one for a track day.
love that it sounds like an old F1 engine, they dont make em like that anymore.
cool car but I’m more interested in that electric fan car that has the record. Future’s electric, people!
Man, that Solus GT is a beast! Can’t wait to hear that V-10 purring at 10,000 rpm.
Always wondered what the Ultimate Vision GT would be like in real life. McLaren, you’ve done it again!
4 mil for a car?? Guess I’ll just stick to watching it on YouTube then lol.
I was at Goodwood, but due to that darn rain, I didn’t get to see the Solus run. Gutted!